Skilled Sponsored 176/886 Visas

The Skilled - Sponsored visa requires either:

1. Sponsorship by a relative living in Australia; or
2. Nomination by a state or territory government

The pass mark for this option is only 100, and the visa gives permanent residence in Australia.

Criteria:

Age:

The main applicant must be under 45 at the date of lodgement.

Occupation:

A positive skills assessment in a skilled occupation must be provided at lodgement for offshore applicants. International students need to show that they have lodged for their skills assessment at date of lodgement, and must also have applied for their Australian Federal Police and Health checks.

English:

The main applicant must have at least:

• Competent English: in most cases
• Vocational English: if nominating a trade occupation.

Evidence of English must be provided at date of lodgement. Family members aged 18 or over must show at least Functional English, otherwise they may need to pay the English Education Charge.

Recent Work Experience

Offshore applicants must have worked in skilled employment for at least 12 of the last 24 months prior to application.

Study in Australia

International students do not need to show recent work experience. Instead, they must show that they either:

• Meet the 2 year study requirement and have completed qualifications within six months of applying for the visa;or
• Hold a skilled graduate visa

Points Test:

Main applicant must score at least 100 points in the skilled migration points test

Family Sponsorship:

You can be sponsored by the following family members, so long as they are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ Citizen::

• Brother or Sister
• Parent
• Non-dependent child
• Uncle or Aunt
• Nephew or Niece

Note that you can be sponsored by a relative of your spouse, defacto spouse or interdependent partner. Half- and step-relatives can sponsor your application. No additional points are available for family sponsorship, however, the pass mark of 100 is significantly less than the pass mark for Skilled - Independent (120).

State/ Territory Government Nomination:

Each Australian State & Territory produces a list of occupations in demand in the state or territory. The nomination process is similar to that of the old STNI subclass 137 visa. If you are nominated by a state or territory government, you will receive an additional 10 points

Duration and Conditions:

Results in the grant of a permanent visa with full work and study rights in Australia. Travel facility is valid for 5 years.