Although employer sponsored visas make up a significant percentage of visas approved every year, some individuals may be better placed to pursue a more general skilled migration option, which could include:
This visa is for individuals and their immediate family unit. Primary criteria and the points test take into account various factors including formal migration skills assessment, qualifications, employment history, English language ability, and age.
Similar to the subclass 189, this visa has primary criteria and a points test - with added requirement of needing an Australian State / Territory government to nominate you. Often this visa is an alternative for applicants who cannot access the subclass 189 as their occupation is not eligible for that visa, but may be listed on the relevant State / Territory occupation list. It can also be useful for applicants who may fall slightly short on the points and additional points are provided for the State / Territory Government nomination.
This is a provisional visa providing 5 year validity and replaced the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 489. It is also points tested with similar primary criteria to the subclass 190, and requires either a nomination from a State / Territory, or a close Australian family member.
With the 491 visa you can live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia only (designated regional areas are defined as any area excluding Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (Note: Gold Coast is classified as a regional area).
Sponsored by an eligible relative: for family sponsored the family member must be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident, a close family member and be living in a postcode designated regional area. In addition family sponsored applicants must have an occupation on a Skilled Occupation List;OR
Sponsored/Nominated by an Australian State or Territory Government agency.
For Small Business Owners in Queensland, a new Small Business Owners (SBO) pathway was opened to applications on 11 December 2019. Please note that the SBO pathway is currently only available to applicants who will be located in designated regional Queensland and is subject to a number of different criteria.
The 491 visa does not grant immediate permanent residency, however a 491 visa holder may be eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa subclass 191.
The above skilled work visa options operate under an Expression of Interest (EOI) process where individuals submit an expression to apply for the relevant visa.
Noting this process, we outline the following important considerations if you are considering pursuit of a general skilled migration visa:
