Skilled migration can mean a few different things. In reality, Australia’s skilled migration program refers to the policy of allowing skilled immigrants to come to Australia and work to fill shortages in the Australian labour market
The intake of skilled migrants is done in these ways:
General Skilled Migration
- Independent permanent visas for migrants whose occupation is on the Skill Occupation List (SOL).
- State Sponsored permanent visas for migrants whose occupation is on State Government Occupation List, like this one.
Note that all General Skilled Migration visas require the migrant to achieve at least the minimum points threshold to be eligible for state sponsorship.
All General Skilled Migration visas require a positive skills assessment to be achieved from the designated skills assessment body. The SOL and CSOL lists designate the applicable skills assessment body for your occupation.
Employer Sponsored Skilled Migration
- Permanent and temporary employer sponsored visas for migrants whose occupation is on the Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL)
- Permanent employer sponsored visas for migrants whose occupation is a skill level 3, 2 or 1 as described on ANZSCO and the employer is located in a regional area of Australia.
Most employer sponsored visas do not require a skills assessment. Note however, that most ‘trade occupations’ where the migrant obtained the qualification overseas will require a skills assessment.
For a summary of the key criteria to qualify for a work visa see our resources page.
If you are someone who has skills relevant to an occupation on the SOL, CSOL or ANZSCO skill level 3, 2 or 1, contact a Registered Migration Agent to discover your options to obtain a visa to work in Australia.