Skilled Migration Program of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship(DIAC), Australia is also known as General Skilled Migration or Skilled Independent Migration. This program is operated on a Points Based System (PBS).

The immigrating applicant becomes eligible to migrate to Australia upon meeting the basic criteria of English language ability and have their skill and qualification in an occupation in need and then satisfy the points test of 120 to qualify for skilled permanent residence.

Sponsorship is not required under the General Skilled Migration to Australia as this visa offers applicants the opportunity to migrate to Australia on the basis of their skills and/or educational background.

It targets people who are highly skilled and who will quickly make a contribution to the economy. The majority of points are awarded on criteria including age, occupation, experience and English language ability.

Visa Period

Permanent residency entitles people to remain in Australia indefinitely. Initially you will receive a 5 year permanent residence travel visa. After a 4 year period, providing relevant criteria have been met, Australian citizenship may be applied for.

Eligibility Criteria

Age

The applicant must be under 45 years of age

English Language

The applicants must have sufficient English language ability.

Skills & Qualifications

The main applicant:

• Must meet the qualifications and/or work experience requirements of the appropriate skills assessing body for their profession and must have been assessed as suitable by the relevant body for the nominated occupation.
• Must have the skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Recent Work Experience

• Applicants must have been in recent paid employment in any occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. You must have been employed for a total of 12 months out of the previous 24 months prior to submitting your application.

Additional Information

The following factors may help to provide additional support to a marginal Australian Skilled Independent Visa application.

Family

Applicants who have family connections within Australia may be able to use this to strengthen their application.

High Demand Occupation/Job Offer

An Australia Skilled Migration Visa applicant will receive additional points if their skills are listed as in demand. Additional points are also awarded if you have a job offer from a qualifying Australian employer.

Australian Study

Applicants who have undertaken successful study within Australia may be able to use these qualifications to support their application and obtain additional points.

Spouse

You may claim additional points if your spouse also meets the basic requirements, which include - being less than 45 years of age, having English language ability, having a skilled occupation and also having 12 out of 24 months recent work experience.

Health & Character

Australia has strict health and character requirements that must be met before any permanent visa of more than 12 months will be granted. People attempting skilled migration to Australia on a Skilled Independent Visa will be required to:

• Undergo a medical examination and chest x-ray undertaken by one of a panel of doctors selected by the Australian authorities, and;
• Obtain police certificates for all countries in which you have lived for more than 12 months in the 10 years leading up to the application.

Processing Times

The current processing time for General Skilled Independent Migration to Australia is approximately 6-12 months from the date your application is lodged.

An applicant who has nominated an occupation in demand will receive priority processing and the approximate time is 6 months.