Visa Subclasses General Skilled Migration

Please see below for more information on the various skilled visa subclasses available to onshore and offshore applicants.

Please note that from 1st September 2007 a restructured General Skilled Migration (GSM) program came into place and 15 GSM visa subclasses were reduced to 9 visa subclasses.

Onshore Visa Subclasses

• Skilled - Independent (subclass 885) - this permanent visa replaces the Skilled Independent Overseas Student (subclass 880) visa.
• Skilled - Sponsored (subclass 886) - this permanent visa replaces the Skilled Australian Sponsored Overseas Student (subclass 881) visa.
• Skilled - Graduate (subclass 485) visa - this 18 month temporary visa replaces the Graduate - Skilled (subclass 497) visa. Skilled - Graduate visa holders have unrestricted work and study rights and can apply for a permanent General Skilled Migration or employer sponsored visa at any time.
• Skilled - Regional Sponsored (subclass 487) visa - this 3 year provisional visa replaces the Skilled - Independent Regional (subclass 495) visa and the Skilled - Designated Area Sponsored (subclass 496) visa. Skilled - Regional Sponsored visa holders can apply for a permanent Skilled - Regional visa once they have lived for two years and worked full-time for one year in regional Australia.
• Skilled - Regional (subclass 887) visa - this is a permanent visa for holders of Skilled - Regional Sponsored (subclass 487 and 475), Skilled - Independent Regional and Skilled - Designated Area-Sponsored visas and replaces the second stage Skilled - Designated Area Sponsored (subclass 883) visa and the State Territory Nominated Independent (subclass 137) visa.

Offshore Visa Subclasses

• Skilled - Independent (subclass 175) - this permanent visa replaces the Skilled Independent (subclass 136) visa and the Skilled Independent New Zealand Citizen (subclass 861) visa. New Zealand citizens applying for General Skilled Migration can use this visa class regardless of whether they are inside or outside Australia.
• Skilled - Sponsored (subclass 176) - this permanent visa replaces the State Territory Nominated Independent (subclass 137) visa, the Skilled - Australian Sponsored (subclass 138) visa and the Skilled - Australian Sponsored New Zealand Citizen (subclass 862) visa. New Zealand citizens applying for General Skilled Migration can use this visa class regardless of whether they are in or outside Australia.
• Skilled - Regional Sponsored (subclass 475) visa - this 3 year provisional visa replaces the Skilled - Independent Regional (subclass 495) visa, the Skilled - Designated Area Sponsored (subclass 496) visa and the Skilled - Designated Area New Zealand Citizen (subclass 863) visa. Skilled - Regional Sponsored visa holders can apply for a permanent Skilled - Regional visa once they have lived for two years and worked full-time for one year in regional Australia.
• Skilled - Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) visa - this is a new 18 month temporary visa for graduates of recognised overseas universities with skills in demand in Australia. Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) visa holders have unrestricted work and study rights and can apply for a permanent GSM or employer sponsored visa at any time.

Distinguished Talent Visa Subclasses 124 (overseas) and 856 (Onshore)

This permanent residency visa is for highly talented people, particularly in the arts, sports, academic research or in a profession. It is not points tested, and applicants can be older than 45 or under 18. But it is only offered to applicants with extraordinary skills or talents and an internationally recognised career. This visa subclass is available onshore in Australia (Bridging Visa available), or offshore (overseas).

Onshore Skilled Permanent Residency Visas are available for Overseas Students who have completed Eligible Study in Australia

These visas can only be applied for when the visa applicant is physically in Australia. Upon successful application a Bridging Visa is granted. An applicant must also be in Australia for visa grant under these visa subclasses.

An overseas student who has completed Eligible Study who can't score the required 120 points on the Skilled Visa Points Test, or who does not have an eligible family sponsor willing and able to sponsor them, should consider other visa options which may enable them to extend their stay in Australia with a view to permanent migration.

The new GSM reforms include the creation of a 18 month Skilled-Graduate (subclass 485) which will allow overseas students to build on their skills and work experience. This visa has unrestricted work rights and provides pathways to permanent residency via the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 885 and Skilled Regional Subclass 887.

Overseas students can also consider the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa, The Regional Skilled Migration Scheme (RSMS) and the Temporary Business Long Stay (Subclass 457) visa with a view to applying for an Employer Nomination Scheme visa after 2-3 years depending on circumstances.

State/Employer Sponsored Visas

These visas are not points tested. However visa grant depends upon being nominated by a state government or an Australian employer.

Skill Matching Scheme Subclass 134 (offshore visa application only)

Anyone who is a skilled person and can meet the basic requirements and achieve a score of at least 70 points in the Skilled Visa Points Test can apply for this visa subclass. It is FREE to apply under. Applicant’s details are placed on the Skill Matching Database where they can list their Skills to see if there is an employer or government body who wishes to nominate them for a visa.

By applying for Skill Matching, you can increase your chances of a job offer in Australia as your qualifications and employment history will be listed on the Skill Matching Database which is accessed by employers and state and territory governments who may then nominate you for migration. A key advantage is that you may find a job before arriving in Australia.

Skilled Sponsored Visa Subclass 176/886

Applicants who have skills in demand in a particular state or territory of Australia and who are able to obtain STNI sponsorship may be able to apply for permanent residency. Applicants must be able to meet the Basic Requirements and meet the pass mark of 100 points on the Skilled Visa Points Test. This is a state/ territory government sponsored visa and applicants can claim 10 points toward their score for obtaining sponsorship. This effectively reduces the required pass mark to 100 points.

Success Stories

Over the years we have helped many people from all over the world realise their dream of a new life in Australia.

Please see the Testimonial Section of the website and see for yourself.

Due to industry regulations, in order to be able to provide you with migration advice and assistance you must first become a client. If you are serious about General Skilled Migration it is worthwhile having a professional assessment by a Registered Migration Agent.

Please complete the Online Assessment and Online Consultation and make payment for the Level 1 Service so that a Registered Migration Agent can analyse your profile, determine your eligibility and if eligible advise you further on how to secure an Australian General Skilled Migration visa. Payment can be made by credit card on our secure payment page.