Migrating as a Skilled Person

• More Trade Occupations on Migration Occupations in Demand List (8 Sep 04)
• Agricultural Occupations Added to Skilled Occupations List (8 Sep 04)
• Sydney and Selected Areas Skilled Shortage List for Skilled–Australian Sponsored Visas (8 Sep 04)
• Introduction of Skilled–Independent Regional (Provisional) Visa [SIR] (1 Jul 04)
• AFP Clearances - Extension of Time for Onshore Applicants (29 Apr 04)
• Medical Practitioner Migration under the General Skilled Program (1 Mar 04)

This information is about applying to migrate to Australia under the general skilled migration program.

This information is a general guide only. Detailed information is set out in Booklet 6, General Skilled Migration. You must obtain and read the booklet before completing any application for general skilled migration.

Contents of this page:

1. Summary of general skilled migration information, to help you decide if you would like to apply under this category;
2. Detailed information for those wanting to apply; and
3. Other skill-based migration options.

Please note:

1. If you apply from outside Australia, you will be applying to migrate. If you are applying in Australia, you will be applying for permanent residence. On these web pages, the term migrate covers both.
2. If you want to come to Australia to work for a limited time, see Working in Australia.

Summary of general skilled migration information

Australia's general skilled migration program targets people who are highly skilled, are under 45 years of age, have a high level of English language ability and who will quickly make a contribution to the Australian economy.

To make a valid application, applicants or their spouses must be able to satisfy essential criteria. If you are not able to satisfy these basic requirements, you should not continue with a general skilled migration application.
See: Basic Requirements.

See also: Lodging an application

To apply for skilled migration, you need to select the appropriate visa. There are three categories:

1. Offshore general skilled - for applicants generally outside Australia;
2. Onshore general skilled - for overseas students currently studying in Australia;
3. Onshore New Zealand citizen - for NZ citizens currently in Australia.

Within these three categories, there are the following types of visas:

• independent - for those who meet the basic requirements and do not have a sponsor, or who choose not to be sponsored or nominated by a State or Territory government;
• skill matching - for those wanting to be involved in the skill matching process and who are seeking to be nominated by a State or Territory government or an employer;
• designated area sponsored - for those who have a sponsor and an assurer. The sponsor must live in a designated area, and you must be related to your sponsor;
• Australian sponsored - for those who have a sponsor and an assurer, but the sponsor either lives outside a designated area or lives in Sydney or a selected area (Gosford, Newcastle or Wollongong). If your sponsor lives in Sydney or a 'selected area,' you must nominate an occupation listed on the Sydney and Selected Areas Skilled Shortage List (SSASSL). You must be related to your sponsor.

The following links will take you to general information about each visa subclass.

1. Offshore general skilled
   • Skilled–Independent
   • Skilled–Independent Regional (Provisional) [SIR]
   • Skilled–State Territory Nominated Independent
   • Skill Matching
   • Skilled–Designated Area-Sponsored
   • Skilled–Australian-Sponsored
2. Onshore general skilled
   • Skilled–Independent Overseas Student
   • Skilled-Independent Regional (Provisional) [SIR]
   • Skilled–Designated Area-sponsored Overseas Student
   • Skilled–Australian-sponsored Overseas Student
   • Graduate Skilled Temporary
3. Onshore New Zealand citizen
   • Skilled–Onshore Independent New Zealand Citizen
   • Skilled–Onshore Designated Area-sponsored New Zealand Citizen
   • Skilled–Onshore Australian-sponsored New Zealand Citizen

Detailed general skilled migration information

Booklet 6, General Skilled Migration, has detailed information about migrating to Australia as a skilled migrant, and some general information about living in Australia.

If you plan to make an application, it is essential to read the booklet.

You can get a copy free from this website. Subject to availability, a printed copy can be obtained from a departmental office in Australia or overseas, at a cost of AUD$20.
See: Booklet 6, General Skilled Migration.