Skilled Migration

Visa Options for Skilled Workers

Migrants who are skilled workers can gain entry to Australia under the following categories:

Independent migrant; or
Sponsored by a family member; or
Nominated by a State or Territory government; or
Sponsored by an Employer (either as a Temporary Visa holder or as a Permanent Visa Holder)

Temporary Visa Holder Options
Standard Business Sponsorship
Service Sellers
Medical Practitioner Visa
Educational Visa
Labour Agreements
Permanent Visa Holder Options
Skilled – Employer Nomination Scheme
Skilled – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
Skilled – Labour Agreements

1. Independent Migrant

This permanent visa is for those applicants whose professional or trade skills are assessed through a "points test" based on: age, qualifications, English language ability and work experience.

Independent migrants have the least number of restrictions placed on them and this is the preferred option for eligible applicants who do not have an employer to sponsor them.

Skilled Independent Regional Visa

This visa will provide three year temporary residence for skilled migrants who are prepared to live and work in regional Australia. After 2 years, applicants will be able to apply for permanent residency. Applicants will need to:

be under 45 years of age when they apply,
have at least vocational English,
nominate an occupation on the Skilled Occupations List , and
be found suitable for that occupation by the relevant Australian assessing authority
have recent work experience in a skilled occupation, or
have recently completed an Australian qualification

2. Sponsored by a Family Member

Skilled - Designated Area Sponsored
You or your partner must have a relative in Australia who lives within a designated area and is willing to sponsor you and provide financial support . There is no points test for this category. You must only satisfy the basic requirements of age, English language, qualifications, nominated occupation and recent work experience. This visa is priority processed.

The Australian relative must related to the applicant/partner as: a parent, a non-dependent child, a brother or sister, an uncle/aunt, grandparent, or first cousin.

Skilled - Australian Sponsored
You or your spouse must have a relative in Australia who lives 'outside' of the designated areas covered by the Skilled - Designated Area category. You or your spouse must also satisfy the basic requirements for: age, English language ability, qualifications, nominated occupation and recent work experience.

The Australian relative must related to the applicant/partner as: a parent, a non-dependent child, a brother or sister, an uncle/aunt.

3. Sponsored by a State or Territory Government

This visa program enables States and Territories to sponsor skilled migrants who are willing to settle in areas where their skills are in demand. State and Territory Governments participating in the program establish which skills are in short supply and where skill shortages are occurring.

Based on this information, States and Territories aim to select applicants who have a sound chance of gaining employment in that State or Territory within a short time of their arrival.

skill matching visa
The Skill Matching visa, provides the opportunity for skilled people who do not meet the current passmark under the Skilled- Independent category to be included on the Skill Matching Database for possible nomination by an employer or State or Territory Government.

The Skill Matching visa is not points-tested, but applicants must meet the following criteria:

be less than 45 years of age at the time of the visa application;
have degree, diploma or trade certificate qualifications which are
recognised in Australia;
have a vocational level of English; and
have been employed in an occupation listed in the skilled occupations list for at least six months in the 12 months immediately before lodging the visa application

4. Sponsored by an Employer

Temporary Visa Holder Options
Standard Business Sponsorship

A program for employers to sponsor approved skilled workers to work in Australia on a temporary visa. Employers can nominate a number of positions for different occupations under the same sponsorship application.

Service Sellers

For representatives of overseas suppliers of services who are negotiating, or entering into, agreements to supply their services in Australia under the General Agreement on Trade and Services (GATS).

Medical Practitioner visa

Doctors should generally apply for a Temporary Business (Long Stay) visa but this visa is an alternative for doctors registered to work in Australia. Employers must lodge a separate sponsorship application for each doctor sponsored.

Educational visa

For educational workers to be employed in Australia on a temporary basis. The sponsoring organisation must be an Australian tertiary education or research institution, school or technical college. International students in Australia can now take advantage of the waived work experience required for the skilled migration program and apply for permanent residency (whilst in Australia) upon of COMPLETION of their course.

Labour Agreements

Formal arrangements for an Australian industry group or employer to recruit a specified number of skilled workers on a temporary or permanent basis over a number of years.

Permanent Visa Holder Options
Employer Nomination Scheme
For lawfully operating Australian employers to recruit workers on permanent visas, to fill full-time highly skilled positions which cannot be filled from the Australian labor market. This visa is for highly skilled workers from overseas or highly skilled temporary residents currently in Australia
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

The regional sponsored migration scheme enables employers in regional or low population growth areas of Australia to nominate skilled migrants for migration when they cannot fill skilled vacancies through recruitment and training from within the local labour market.

This visa allows you and any dependent family members included in your visa application to live as permanent residents in Australia.
This scheme may be an option for you if:

You are interested in settling in regional Australia
You have received a job offer from an employer in regional Australia to fill a skilled job vacancy
You have not yet applied to migrate but think that you can meet the
requirements for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
Labor Agreements

Formal arrangements for an Australian industry group or employer to recruit a specified number of skilled workers on a temporary or permanent basis over a number of years.

Do you have a Skilled Occupation?

If you wish to apply for any General Skilled Migration visa, you must nominate an occupation which is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) at the time you lodge your application.

For most General Skilled Migration visas, you will satisfy the 'skilled occupation' requirement if you have the skills and/or qualifications of an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List

In order to make a valid application under the general skilled migration program, you must:

nominate an occupation on the skilled occupations list (SOL) that matches your skills and qualifications.
have your nominated occupation assessed by the designated assessing authority for your occupation BEFORE you lodge your visa application.

Your nominated occupation may award you with 40, 50 or 60 points. If your occupation is not listed on the SOL, please contact us.

The following occupations are currently accepted for skilled migration to Australia:

Occupation	Points for Skill

Managers & Administrators

Child care Co-ordinator	50
Company Secretary	50
Construction Project Manager	50
Director of Nursing	60
Education Managers (not elsewhere classified)	50
Engineering Manager	60
Environment, Parks and Land Care Manager	50
Finance Manager	60
General Manager	60
Human Resource Manager	60
Information Technology Manager	60
Laboratory Manager	50
Medical Administrator	50
Policy And Planning Manager	50
Production Manager (Manufacturing)	60
Production Manager (Mining)	60
Project Builder	50
Regional Education Manager	50
Research and Development Manager	50
Sales And Marketing Manager	60
Sports Administrator	50
Supply And Distribution Manager	60
Welfare Centre Manager	50

Professionals

Life Scientists
Anatomist or Physiologist	50
Biochemist	50
Botanist	50
Marine Biologist	50
Medical Scientist	60
Zoologist	50
Life Scientists (not elsewhere classified)	50

Natural and Physical Science Professionals
Chemist	50
Geologist	50
Geophysicist	50
Physicist	50
Meteorologist	50
Extractive Metallurgist	50
Physical Metallurgist	50
Materials Scientist	50
Natural and Physical Science Professionals (not elsewhere classified)	50

Architects & Surveyors
Architect	60
Building Surveyor	50
Cartographer	50
Landscape Architect
Quantity Surveyor	60
Surveyor	60

Engineering
Engineer - Civil Engineer	60
Engineer - Electrical Engineer	60
Engineer - Electronics Engineer	60
Engineer - Mechanical Engineer	60
Engineer - Production or Plant Engineer	60
Engineer - Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)	60
Engineer - Petroleum Engineer	60
Engineer - Materials Engineer	60
Engineer - Civil Engineering Technologist	60
Engineer - Mechanical Engineering	60
Engineer - Electrical or Electronics	60
Engineer - Engineering Technologists (not elsewhere classified)	60
Engineer - Aeronautical Engineer	60
Engineer - Agricultural Engineer	60
Engineer - Biomedical Engineer	50
Engineer - Chemical Engineer	60
Engineer - Industrial Engineer	60
Engineer - Naval Architect	60
Engineer - Building and Engineering Professionals (not elsewhere classified)	60

Accounting
Accountant	60
Accountant - Corporate Treasurer	60
Accountant - External Auditor	60
Internal Auditor	50

Marketing & Sales
Public Relations Officer	50
Marketing Specialist	50
Market Research Analyst	50
Advertising Specialist	50
Sales Representative (Industrial Products)	50
Sales Representative (Medical and Pharmaceutical Products)	50
Technical Sales Representatives (not elsewhere classified)	50

Information Technology
Information Technology Officer -Systems Manager	60
Information Technology Officer -Systems Designer	60
Information Technology Officer -Software Designer	60
Information Technology Officer-Applications and Analyst Programmer	60
Information Technology Officer -Systems Programmer	60
Information Technology Officer -Computer Systems Auditor	60
Information Technology Officer -Computing Professionals (not elsewhere classified)	60

Personnel
Personnel Officer	50
Personnel Consultant	50
Industrial Relations Officer	50
Training Officer	50

Business & Information Professionals
Librarian	50
Mathematician	50
Statistician	50
Actuary	50
Management Consultant	50
Organisation and Methods Analyst	50
Quality Assurance Manager	50
Valuer	50
Land economist	50
Health Information Manager	50
Records Manager	50
Archivist	50
Policy Analyst	50
Intelligence Officer	50
Business and Information Professionals (not elsewhere classified)	50

Health Professionals
Nurse - Nurse Manager	60
Nurse - Nurse Educator	60
Nurse - Nurse Researcher	60
Nurse - Registered Nurse	60
Nurse - Registered Midwife	60
Nurse - Registered Mental Health Nurse	60
Nurse - Registered Developmental Disability Nurse	60
Dentist	60
Dental Specialist	60
Pharmacist - Hospital Pharmacist	60
Industrial Pharmacist	50
Pharmacist - Retail Pharmacist	60
Occupational Therapist	60
Optometrist	60
Physiotherapist	60
Speech Pathologist	60
Chiropractor	60
Osteopath	60
Podiatrist	60
Radiographer - Medical Diagnostic Radiographer	60
Radiographer - Radiation Therapist	60
Radiographer - Nuclear Medicine Technologist	60
Radiographer - Sonographer	60
Veterinarian	60
Dietitian	60
Naturopath	50
Acupuncturist	50
Audiologist	50
Orthoptist	50
Orthotist	50

Teaching Professional
Teacher - Pre-Primary School Teacher	60
Teacher - Primary School Teacher	60
Teacher - Secondary School Teacher	60
Teacher - Vocational Education Teacher (trades)	60
Teacher - Vocational Education Teacher (non trades)	50
Art Teacher (Private)	50
Music Teacher (Private)	50
Dance Teacher (Private)	50
Drama Teacher (Private)	50
Teacher - Education Officer	60

Counsellors
Social Worker	60
Welfare Worker	60
Community Worker	50
Rehabilitation Counsellor	50
Drug and Alcohol Counsellor	50
Family Counsellor	50
Careers Counsellor	50
Counsellors (not elsewhere classified)	50

Social Professionals
Psychologist - Clinical Psychologist	60
Psychologist - Educational Psychologist	60
Psychologist - Organisational Psychologist	60
Psychologist - Psychologists	60
Legal Practitioner - Barrister	60
Legal Practitioner - Solicitor	60
Economist	50
Urban and Regional Planner	50
Historian	50
Interpreter	60
Translator	60
Social Professionals (not elsewhere classified)	50

Design
Fashion Designer	50
Graphic Designer	50
Industrial Designer	50
Interior Designer	50
Illustrator	50

Journalists and Related Professionals
Copywriter	50
Editor	50
Print Journalist	50
Radio Journalist	50
Technical Writer	50
Television Journalist	50
Journalists and Related Professionals (Not elsewhere classified)	50

Transport Professionals
Pilot - Aircraft Pilot	60
Pilot - Flying Instructor	60
Pilot - Air Transport Professionals	60
Master Fisher	40
Seafarer - Ship's Master	40
Seafarer - Ship's engineer	40
Seafarer - Ship's Surveyor	40
Seafarer - Ship's Officer	40
Seafarer - Sea Transport Professionals	40

Other Professionals
Conservator	50
Electorate Officer	50
Environmental Health Officer	50
Museum or Gallery Curator	50
Occupational Health and Safety Officer	50
Oenologist	50
Patents Examiner	50
Recreation Officer	50
Professionals (not elsewhere classified)	50

Associate Professionals

Research & Development
Chemistry Technical Officer	40
Medical Laboratory Technical Officer	40
Medical Technical Officers	40

Building & Engineering
Building Associate	40
Architectural Associate	40
Surveying and Cartographic Associate	40
Building Inspector	40
Plumbing Inspector	40
Plumbing Engineering Associate	40
Civil Engineering Associate	40
Civil Engineering Technician	40
Electrical Engineering Associate	40
Electrical Engineering Technician	40
Electronic Engineering Associate	40
Electronic Engineering Technician	40
Mechanical Engineering Associate	40
Mechanical Engineering Technician	40
Biomedical Engineering Associate	40
Metallurgist and Materials Technician	40
Mine Deputy	40
Building and Engineering Associate Professionals (not elsewhere classified)	40

Financial Services
Branch Accountant (Financial Institution)	40
Financial Institution Branch Manager	40
Stockbroking Dealer	40
Futures Trader	40
Financial Market Dealer	40
Commodities Trader	40
Insurance Broker	40
Financial Dealers and Brokers(not elsewhere classified)	40
Financial Investment Adviser	40
Office Manager	40
Project or Program Administrator	40
Real Estate Agency Manager	40
Property Manager	40
Real Estate Salesperson	40
Computing Support Technician	40

Chef
Chef	60
Chef - Head Chef	60
Also see Food preperation in the Trade persons and related workers section below

Social Services
Parole or Probation Officer	40
Youth Worker	40
Residential Care Officer	40
Disabilities Services Officer	40
Family Support Worker	40

Medical
Ambulance Officer	40
Dental Hygienist	40
Dental Technician	60
Dental Therapist	40
Intensive Care Ambulance Paramedic	40
Massage Therapist	40

Other
Hotel or Motel Manager (degree level)	50
Hotel or Motel Manager (diploma level)	40
Library Technician	40
Interior Decorator	40
Museum or Art Gallery Technician	40
Primary Products Inspector	40
Safety Inspector	40

Tradespersons and Related Workers

Metalworking
Supervisor. Metal Fitters and Machinists	60
Fitter	60
Metal Machinist (First Class)	60
Textile, Clothing or Footwear Mechanic	60
Supervisor, Toolmakers	60
Toolmaker	60
Supervisor, Precision Metal Tradespersons	60
Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer	60
Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer	60
Locksmith	60
Saw Maker and Repairer	60
Gunsmith	60
Engraver	60
Supervisor, General Fabrication Engineering Tradespersons	60
General Fabrication Engineering Tradesperson	60
Supervisor, Structural Steel and Welding Tradespersons	60
Metal Fabricator (Boilermaker)	60
Pressure Welder	60
Welder (First Class)	60
Supervisor, Forging Tradespersons	60
Blacksmith	60
Farrier	60
Supervisor, Sheetmetal Tradespersons	60
Sheetmetal Worker (First Class)	60
Supervisor, Metal Casting Tradespersons	60
Metal Casting Tradesperson	60
Supervisor, Metal Finishing Tradespersons	60

Automotive
Supervisor, Motor Mechanics	60
Motor Mechanic	60
Supervisor, Automotive Electricians	60
Automotive Electrician	60
Supervisor, Panel Beaters	60
Panel Beater	60
Supervisor, Vehicle Painters	60
Vehicle Painter	60
Supervisor, Vehicle Body Makers	60
Vehicle Body Maker	60
Supervisor, Vehicle Trimmers	60
Vehicle Trimmer	60

Electrical
Supervisor, Electricians	60
General Electrician	60
Electrician (Special Class)	60
Lift Mechanic	60
Supervisor, Refrigeration and Airconditioning Mechanics	60
Refrigeration and Airconditioning Mechanic	60
Supervisor, Electrical Distribution Tradespersons	60
Electrical Powerline Tradesperson	60
Cable Jointer	60
Supervisor, Electronic Instrument Tradespersons	60
General Electronic Instrument Tradesperson	60
Electronic Instument Tradesperson	60
Supervisor, Electronic and Office Equipment Tradepersons	60
Electronic Equipment Tradesperson	60
Business Machine Mechanic	60
Supervisor, Communications Tradespersons	60
General Communications Tradesperson	60
Communications Linesperson	60

Building, Plumbing
Supervisor, Carpentry and Joinery Tradespersons	60
Carpenter and Joiner	60
Carpenter	60
Joiner	60
Supervisor, Fibrous Plasterers	60
Fibrous Plasterer	60
Supervisor, Roof Slaters and Tilers	60
Roof Slater and Tiler	60
Supervisor, Bricklayers	60
Bricklayer	60
Supervisor, Solid Plasterers	60
Solid Plasterer	60
Supervisor, Wall and Floor Tilersand Stonemasons	60
Wall and Floor Tiler	60
Stonemason	60
Supervisor, Painters and Decorators	60
Painter and Decorator	60
Supervisor, Signwriters	60
Signwriter	60
Supervisor, Floor Finishers	60
Floor Finisher	60
Supervisor, Plumbers	60
General Plumber	60
Gasfitter	60
Drainer	60
Roof Plumber	60
Mechanical Services and Airconditioning Plumber	60

Food Preparation
Supervisor, Meat Tradespersons	60
Butcher	60
Smallgoods Maker	60
Supervisor, Bakers and Pastrycooks	60
Baker	60
Pastrycook	60
Cook	60
Buttermaker or Cheesemaker	60
Confectioner	60

Gardening
Head Gardener	60
Greenkeeper	60
General Gardener	60
Landscape Gardener	60
Nurseryperson	60
Tree Surgeon	60

Printing
Binder and Finisher	60
Graphic Pre-Press Tradesperson	60
Printing Machinist	60
Screen Printer	60
Small Offset Printer	60

Wood Tradespersons
Cabinetmaker	60
Furniture Polisher	60
Picture Framer	60
Supervisor, Cabinetmakers	60
Wood Turner	60
Wood Tradespersons (not elsewhere classified)	60

Clothing/Textiles
General Clothing Tradesperson	60
Tailor	60
Dressmaker	60
Apparel Cutter	60
Patternmaker-Grader (Clothing)	60
Furniture Upholsterer	60
Upholsterers and Bedding Tradespersons (not elsewhere classified)	60
Shoemaker	60
Medical Grade Shoemaker	60
Leather Goods Maker	60
Canvas Goods Maker	60
Sail Maker	60

Other
Supervisor, General Mechanical Engineering Tradespersons	60
General Mechanical Engineering Tradesperson	60
Supervisor, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers	60
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)	60
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures)	60
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)	60
Supervisor, Hairdressers	60
Hairdresser	60
Shipwright	60
Boat Builder and Repairer	60
Flat Glass Tradesperson	60
Glass Blower	60
Jeweller	60
Gem Cutter and Polisher	60
Optical Mechanic	60
Piano Tuner	60

Is your occupation in demand?

Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL)

The following occupations are in demand in Australia. The Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) lists those occupations and specialisations identified by the Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations that are in short supply.

You will receive extra points towards gaining entry into Australia.

For occupation in demand, but with no job offer - 15 points
For occupation in demand with job offer - 20 points

If your occupation is not on this list it does not necessarily preclude you from

entering Australia.

MIGRATION OCCUPATIONS IN DEMAND (MODL)

Managers and Administrators

Child Care Coordinator

Professionals

Accountant