General Skilled Migration
Australia has a demand for certain types of highly skilled professionals and trades persons. This visa enables people with appropriate skills to apply to migrate on the basis of their qualifications. The applicant is assessed via a "points system" on the basis of their age, qualifications, work experience, English language fluency among other factors. We advise and assist with the foremost process of applying for a pre-migration skills assessment of your qualifications with the relevant Assessing Authority.

The Visa Subclasses
The General Skilled Visa subclasses along with required Pass Marks (at the current time) are as follows:

Visa Summary Description Pass Mark
Subclass 175
Skilled Independent Visa		 For highly skilled professionals and tradespersons who do not have a sponsor 120
Subclass 176
Skilled Sponsored Visa		 For highly skilled professionals and tradespersons who have a close Australian relative sponsor 100
Subclass 885
Skilled Independent Visa		 For overseas students without a sponsor 120
Subclass 886
Skilled sponsored Visa		 For overseas students with a close Australian relative sponsor 100
Subclass 887
Skilled Regional Visa		 A non-points tested visa for visa holders of subclass 495 (SIR), 496, 475 and 487 (and certain Bridging Visas) who have already lived in a Regional Area for at least 2 years and who have worked full time for at least 1 year Non-points Tested
Subclass 475
Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa		 A 3-year temporary visa for skilled workers sponsored by a participating Australian State or Territory, or by a close relative living in a designated area. It can enable one to later apply for permanent residence 100
Subclass 476
Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa		 A non-points tested 18-month visa for applicants under 31 years of age with qualifications in a specified discipline at an educational institution designated by the Minister Non-points Tested
Subclass 485
Skilled Graduate Visa		 An 18-month visa that allows overseas students who have satisfied the 2-year Australian study requirement to gain work experience. It can enable one to then apply for permanent residence Non-points Tested
Subclass 487
Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa		 A 3-year temporary visa for overseas students and certain other visa holders who can later apply for permanent residence 100

Changes in the laws pertaining to the General Skilled Migration visa categories were announced on
8 February 2010.

Please contact us so that we can provide you with a complimentary assessment as to how these changes may affect your individual circumstances.