Emigrating to Australia:  Skilled Migrant Visa

 

Emigrate-to-Australia.co.uk is part of Taylor Hampton Solicitors, a SRA regulated law firm based in the UK. We are MARA registered Australian Migration Agents and Australian Visa Consultants with over 15 years of practical experience and exceptionally high success rate in obtaining  Australian Skilled Migrant Visas for our clients. We a law firm operating under the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) registration with an office based in London, UK, right opposite the Royal Courts of Justice. Using our experienced and reliable Australian migration service means that you can get on with the practicalities of moving to Australia and leave us to facilitate your Australian visa application process from start to finish.

 

The Australian Skilled Migration and Covid-19 pandemic

The global Coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted the Skilled migration program. The visa places have been reduced and State Governments have suspended nominations to applicants based outside Australia. It is expected the skilled migration program will re-open at some point in the future, though we might see new or amended rules being introduced. 

Prospective applicants can look into commencing the application process now or hold on until Australia re-start the migration program when most up to date legislation has been put in place. 

Australian Skilled Migrant visa 

The Skilled Migrant Visa is one of the most popular Visa migrants are emigrating to Australia on. The Skilled Migrant Visa comes with work rights in any occupation and for any employer in Australia. You can include your spouse and dependent children in the visa application.

Prospective applicants must be invited by the Australian Immigration Department to apply for the visa. 

Applicants wishing to emigrate to Australia on the Skilled Migrant Visa must have an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Lists of current Skilled Occupations can be found below.

The Skilled Migrant Visa is points tested and the current visa pass mark is 65 points.  calculator can be viewed here https://www.emigrate-to-australia.co.uk/australia-visa-points-test/

Please note that achieving 65 points does not guarantee a visa. The Skilled Migrant visa is highly competitive and with a limited visa places available, the visa points remain inflated and as such not all prospective applicants will be invited to apply

Applicants apply via SkillSelect, a system designed to help the Australian Immigration Department to select best Skilled Migrant Visa candidates emigrating to Australia.

The Skilled Migrant Visa involves several stages, such as an assessment of qualifications and work experience, English language test, Expression of Interest application, Visa application, health and character checks.

Contact us to discuss the Skilled Migrant Visa and how we can help with all stages of your Visa application. Call on 0207 427 5290 or email us: [email protected] 

 

Emigrating to Australia – Skilled Migrant Visa basic requirements:

 

Applicants emigrating to Australia under the General Skilled Migration programme must meet several criteria such as have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation list, suitable qualifications (or on the job training), relevant work experience, be of relevant age, have a suitable level of English Language and good health and character.

The main Visa applicant must apply before 45th birthday (1st July 2017 change)

As each case is different depending on individual circumstances, some applicants may need to meet additional requirements such as achiever a higher level of English language or longer work experience.

To discuss your Skilled Migrant Visa options, call us on 0207 427 5290, email us: [email protected] or fill in the enquiry form on the right hand side.

 

Emigrating to Australia- Visa points and SkillSelect:

 

The Skilled Migrant Visa is Points – tested. The basic points pass mark is 65 points. Skilled Migrant visa applicants must be invited through SkillSelect to submit the Skilled Migrant visa application.

For the latest invitation round results please go to: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds 

Some occupations, such as Accountants, IT and Engineers may require much higher qualifying points due to a high volume of applicants applying under those occupations. 

Talk to our Migration Agents on how to increase your Visa points score by calling on 0207 427 5290 or email us: [email protected]

Australian Visa application can be a complex and lengthy process. We have been handling visa applications under the Australian General Skilled Migration programme for many years. This means dealing with the Australian Immigration Department and assessing authorities on daily basis. In addition our team are members of good standing of recognised regulatory bodies, such as MARA and CILEx. We are operating within a well established and regulated Law Firm, Taylor Hampton Solicitors, based in the Strand, 5 minutes walk from the Australian High Commission in London.

To discuss your Skilled Migrant Visa options, call us on 0207 427 5290, email us: [email protected] or fill in the enquiry form and we will be in touch shortly.

 

Australian Skilled Migrant Independent Visa – Subclass 189:

Features

The Australian Skilled Independent Visa is a Permanent Australian Residency Visa. This Visa is for Skilled Workers who apply independently based on their unique set of skills. The visa allows you to:

• Live, work and study anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident.
• Work in any occupation for any employer in Australia.
• Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses.
• Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency, including Partners and Parents.
• Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
•  Extend the Visa every 5 years having met minimum residency requirement.
• Apply for Australian citizenship (having meet eligibility requirements).

Requirements

• Occupation which appears on the MLTSSL list.
• Invitation to apply.
• Achieve high points above current pass mark.
• Hold a suitable skills assessment.
• Must be under 45 years of age.
• Suitable level of English language skills.
• Other standard requirements including health and character.
• Travel to Australia within specified time to active the visa.
• Make the permanent move within 5 years of visa grant date.

 

Skilled Migrant Visa application fee

Cost: AUD$4,115 – main applicant, AUD$2,060- spouse; AUD$1,030 dependent child under the age of 18.

In addition, you need to budget for assessment fee, English language test, medical and police reports and other fees as required depending on your individual circumstances. 

The above fees apply to applications lodged on or after 1st July 2021

 To discuss how we can help with your Skilled Independent visa application, please call us on 0207 427 5290, email us [email protected]  or complete the form on the right hand side.  

 

Australian Skilled Migrant Sponsored Visa – subclass 190:

Features

The Australian Skilled Sponsored Permanent Visa is a Permanent Australian Residency Visa. This Visa is for Skilled Workers who are sponsored by an Australian State or Territory Government. This visa allows you to:

• Live, work and study in the Sponsoring Australian State as a permanent resident for at least 2 years.
• Relocate anywhere in Australia after having lived in the Sponsoring State for the relevant period.
• Work in any occupation for any employer in sponsoring Australian State.
• Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses.
• Apply for Australian citizenship (having meet eligibility requirements).
• Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence, including Partners.
• Extend the Visa every 5 years having met minimum residency requirement.

Requirements

• Occupation which appears on either the MLTSSL or STSOL list.
• Invitation to apply.
• Meet points test pass mark.
• Hold a suitable skills assessment.
• Must be 45 years of age.
• Suitable level of English language skills.
• Australian State Government nomination.
• Other standard requirements including health and character.
• Travel to Australia within specified time to active the visa.
• Make the permanent move within 5 years of visa grant date.

 

Skilled Migrant Visa application fee

Cost: AUD$4,115 – main applicant, AUD$2,060- spouse; AUD$1,030 dependent child under the age of 18.

In addition, you need to budget for assessment fee, English language test, medical and police reports and other fees as required depending on your individual circumstances. 

The above fees apply to applications lodged on or after 1st July 2021

To discuss how we can help with your Skilled Sponsored visa application, please call us on 0207 427 5290, email us [email protected]  or complete the form on the right hand side.  

 

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – subclass 491

(*commenced on 16th November 2019)

Features

This is a Provisional Australian visa for skilled workers who are sponsored by an Australian State or Territory Government or by eligible sponsors who live in a Designated Area in Australia. This visa allows you to:

• Live, work and study in a Designated Regional Area of Australia for 5 years.
• Work in any occupation for any employer in the specified regional postcode in Australia.
• Apply for Australian Permanent Residency (Subclass 191 – after 16th November 2022) visa after 3 years.
• Must earn a minimum annual taxable income of $53,900 (*current threshold) 
• Visa holders are eligible for Medicare, Australian Healthcare System.

To apply, the applicant must meet relevant criteria, including:

• Occupation which appears on either the MLTSSL (Family Sponsored) or STSOL (State Sponsored).
• Invitation to apply.
• Meet points test pass mark.
• Hold a suitable skills assessment.
• Must be under 45 years of age.
• Suitable level of English language skills.
• Australian State or Territory Government nomination or
• Sponsorship from eligible Australian relative located in designated area (MLTSSL occupations)
• Other standard requirements including health and character.
• Travel to Australia within specified time to active the visa.

The holders of the 491 must live, work and study in regional Australia. The Definition of Regional Australian changed on 16th November 2019. The new locations apply to Regional Visas granted on or after 16th November 2019.

Holders of the 491 will be eligible to apply for the permanent visa after 3 years of living and working in the regional area. The new Skilled Migrant (Permanent) Visa, subclass 191 is coming in force on 16th November 2022. 

Skilled Migrant Visa application fee

Cost: AUD$4,115 – main applicant, AUD$2,060- spouse; AUD$1,030 dependent child under the age of 18.

In addition, you need to budget for assessment fee, English language test, medical and police reports and other fees as required depending on your individual circumstances. 

The above fees apply to applications lodged on or after 1st July 2021

To discuss how we can help with your Skilled Sponsored visa application, please call us on 0207 427 5290, email us [email protected]  or complete the form on the right hand side.  

 

 

Australian Skilled Regional Visa – Subclass 887

Features

This is a Permanent Australian Visa (Residency visa) for skilled workers who are in Australia as holders of one of the following visas:

• Skilled Sponsored (Designated / Regional) Visa (Subclass 489)
• Skilled Sponsored (Designated / Regional Visa (Subclass 495 & 496)
• Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa (Subclass 475 & 487)
• Bridging visa A or Bridging visa B ( granted in relation to a 487, 489 or 495 Visa Applications only).

This visa allows you to:

• Live, work and study anywhere in Australia as permanent residents.
• Work in any occupation for any employer in Australia.
• Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses.
• Apply for Australian citizenship (having meet eligibility requirements).
• Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence, including Partners.
• Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted (after that time, you will need a Resident Return visa which you can obtain after having lived in Australia for 2 years).

Requirements:

• Apply in Australia before the expiry date of the current relevant visa.
• Must have lived in a specified regional area in Australia one a substantive visa for at least 2 years.
• Must have worked in a specified regional area in Australia on one of the above visas for at least one year (any occupation, no less than 35h per week).
• All applicants must have complied with their substantive visa conditions.
• This visa is not points tested.
• Applicants does not require an invitation to apply.
• Age criteria do not apply.
• Must meet other standard requirements such as health and character.

Current processing times: 9 – 12 months.

Skilled Migrant Visa (subclass 887) application fee

Cost: AUD$425 – main applicant, AUD$210 – partner, AUD$120 – dependent child under the age of 18.

The above fees apply to applications lodged on or after 1st July 2021.

To discuss how we can help with your 887 Skilled Visa application, please call us on 0207 427 5290, email us [email protected]  or complete the form on the right hand side.  

Emigrating to Australia? Our Australian Skilled Migration experts can help with:

• Visa eligibility assessment based on the current Australian Migration laws and your individual circumstances.
• Providing you with a clear advice on application cost and budget you need prior to starting the process.
• Explaining the Australian Migration Rules and current Migration Policy.
• Handling your Australian Visa application stages and related documentation.
• Helping with employment statements, declarations, evidence of earnings.
• Free of charge certification of documents by our in-house solicitors.
• Careful preparation and submission of Skills Assessment, Expression of Interest, SkillSelect, State Sponsorship, Visa Application, police and medical reports.
• Making best efforts to strengthen your application so it goes smooth and without delays.
• Referral to our Relocation, Australian Banking and Money Transfer Partners.
• Cover other areas related to Migration to Australia.

 

With many referrals from clients, length of practice and operation within a well established and regulated Law firm, we are best placed to facilitate your emigrating to Australia process and handle your Visa application from start to finish.

To discuss your Skilled Migrant Visa options, call us on 0207 427 5290, email us: [email protected] or fill in the enquiry form and we will be in touch shortly.

 

Emigrating to Australia – Australian Skilled Occupation List:

 

Applicants applying for the Skilled Migrant Visa such as  189, 190, 491 and 485 must have an occupation currently listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List, Medium and Long Term Skilled Occupation List OR Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

Applicants whose occupations appear on the STSOL must be sponsored by one of the Australian State or Territory Government.

Prospective migrants must have a positive assessment of qualifications and work experience for Skilled Migrant Visa purposes. 

The Skilled Occupation List is updated from time to time and the latest version was released on 11/03/2019.

 

Medium and Long Term Skilled Occupation List:

 

construction project manager

engineering manager

child care centre manager

nursing clinical director

primary health organisation manager

welfare centre manager

arts administrator or manager

environmental manager

dancer or choreographer

music director

musician (instrumental)

artistic director

accountant (general)

management accountant

taxation accountant

external auditor

internal auditor

actuary

statistician

economist

land economist

valuer

management consultant

architect

landscape architect

surveyor

cartographer

other spatial scientist

chemical engineer

materials engineer

civil engineer

geotechnical engineer

quantity surveyor

structural engineer

transport engineer

electrical engineer

electronics engineer

industrial engineer

mechanical engineer

production or plant engineer

mining engineer (excluding petroleum)

petroleum engineer

aeronautical engineer

agricultural engineer

biomedical engineer

engineering technologist

environmental engineer

naval architect

engineering professionals (nec)

agricultural consultant

agricultural scientist

forester

chemist

food technologist

environmental consultant

environmental research scientist

environmental scientist (nec)

geophysicist

hydrogeologist

life scientist (general)

biochemist

biotechnologist

botanist

marine biologist

microbiologist

zoologist

life scientists (nec)

medical laboratory scientist

veterinarian

conservator

metallurgist

meteorologist

physicist

natural and physical science professionals (nec)

early childhood (pre‑primary school) teacher

secondary school teacher

special needs teacher

teacher of the hearing impaired

teacher of the sight impaired

special education teachers (nec)

university lecturer

medical diagnostic radiographer

medical radiation therapist

nuclear medicine technologist

sonographer

optometrist

orthotist or prosthetist

chiropractor

osteopath

occupational therapist

physiotherapist

podiatrist

audiologist

speech pathologist

general practitioner

specialist physician (general medicine)

cardiologist

clinical haematologist

medical oncologist

endocrinologist

gastroenterologist

intensive care specialist

neurologist

paediatrician

renal medicine specialist

rheumatologist

thoracic medicine specialist

specialist physicians (nec)

psychiatrist

surgeon (general)

cardiothoracic surgeon

neurosurgeon

orthopaedic surgeon

otorhinolaryngologist

paediatric surgeon

plastic and reconstructive surgeon

urologist

vascular surgeon

dermatologist

emergency medicine specialist

obstetrician and gynaecologist

ophthalmologist

pathologist

diagnostic and interventional radiologist

radiation oncologist

medical practitioners (nec)

midwife

nurse practitioner

registered nurse (aged care)

registered nurse (child and family health)

registered nurse (community health)

registered nurse (critical care and emergency)

registered nurse (developmental disability)

registered nurse (disability and rehabilitation)

registered nurse (medical)

registered nurse (medical practice)

registered nurse (mental health)

registered nurse (perioperative)

registered nurse (surgical)

registered nurse (paediatrics)

registered nurses (nec)

ICT business analyst

systems analyst

multimedia specialist

analyst programmer

developer programmer

software engineer

software and applications programmers (nec)

ICT security specialist

computer network and systems engineer

telecommunications engineer

telecommunications network engineer

barrister

solicitor

clinical psychologist

educational psychologist

organisational psychologist

psychologists (nec)

social worker

civil engineering draftsperson

civil engineering technician

electrical engineering draftsperson

electrical engineering technician

radio communications technician

telecommunications field engineer

telecommunications network planner

telecommunications technical officer or technologist

automotive electrician

motor mechanic (general)

diesel motor mechanic

motorcycle mechanic

small engine mechanic

sheetmetal trades worker

metal fabricator

pressure welder

welder (first class)

fitter (general)

fitter and turner

fitter‑welder

metal machinist (first class)

locksmith

panelbeater

bricklayer

stonemason

carpenter and joiner

carpenter

joiner

painting trades worker

glazier

fibrous plasterer

solid plasterer

wall and floor tiler

plumber (general)

airconditioning and mechanical services plumber

drainer

gasfitter

roof plumber

electrician (general)

electrician (special class)

lift mechanic

airconditioning and refrigeration mechanic

technical cable jointer

electronic equipment trades worker

electronic instrument trades worker (general)

electronic instrument trades worker (special class)

chef

horse trainer

cabinetmaker

boat builder and repairer

shipwright

tennis coach

footballer

 

 

 

Short‑term Skilled Occupation List

 

flower grower

grape grower

vegetable grower (Aus)/market gardener (NZ)

apiarist

poultry farmer

sales and marketing manager

advertising manager

corporate services manager

finance manager

human resource manager

research and development manager

manufacturer

production manager (forestry)

production manager (manufacturing)

production manager (mining)

supply and distribution manager

health and welfare services managers (nec)

school principal

education managers (nec)

ICT project manager

ICT managers (nec)

laboratory manager

quality assurance manager

specialist managers (nec) except: (a) ambassador; or (b) archbishop; or (c) bishop

cafe or restaurant manager

hotel or motel manager

accommodation and hospitality managers (nec)

customer service manager

conference and event organiser

transport company manager

facilities manager

music professionals (nec)

photographer

book or script editor

director (film, television, radio or stage)

film and video editor

program director (television or radio)

stage manager

technical director

video producer

copywriter

newspaper or periodical editor

print journalist

technical writer

television journalist

journalists and other writers (nec)

company secretary

commodities trader

finance broker

insurance broker

financial brokers (nec)

financial market dealer

stockbroking dealer

financial dealers (nec)

financial investment adviser

financial investment manager

recruitment consultant

ICT trainer

mathematician

gallery or museum curator

health information manager

records manager

librarian

organisation and methods analyst

patents examiner

information and organisation professionals (nec)

advertising specialist

marketing specialist

ICT account manager

ICT business development manager

ICT sales representative

public relations professional

technical sales representatives (nec) including education sales representatives

fashion designer

industrial designer

jewellery designer

graphic designer

illustrator

web designer

interior designer

urban and regional planner

geologist

primary school teacher

middle school teacher (Aus) / intermediate school teacher (NZ)

education adviser

art teacher (private tuition)

dance teacher (private tuition)

music teacher (private tuition)

private tutors and teachers (nec)

teacher of English to speakers of other languages

dietitian

nutritionist

occupational health and safety adviser

orthoptist

hospital pharmacist

industrial pharmacist

retail pharmacist

health promotion officer

health diagnostic and promotion professionals (nec)

acupuncturist

naturopath

traditional Chinese medicine practitioner

complementary health therapists (nec)

dental specialist

resident medical officer

nurse educator

nurse researcher

nurse manager

web developer

software tester

database administrator

systems administrator

network administrator

network analyst

ICT quality assurance engineer

ICT support engineer

ICT systems test engineer

ICT support and test engineers (nec)

judicial and other legal professionals (nec)

careers counsellor

drug and alcohol counsellor

family and marriage counsellor

rehabilitation counsellor

student counsellor

counsellors (nec)

psychotherapist

interpreter

social professionals (nec)

recreation officer

welfare worker

anaesthetic technician

cardiac technician

medical laboratory technician

pharmacy technician

medical technicians (nec)

meat inspector

primary products inspectors (nec)

chemistry technician

earth science technician

life science technician

science technicians (nec)

architectural draftsperson

building inspector

architectural, building and surveying technicians (nec)

mechanical engineering technician

metallurgical or materials technician

mine deputy

hardware technician

ICT customer support officer

web administrator

ICT support technicians (nec)

farrier

aircraft maintenance engineer (avionics)

aircraft maintenance engineer (mechanical)

aircraft maintenance engineer (structures)

metal fitters and machinists (nec)

precision instrument maker and repairer

toolmaker

vehicle body builder

vehicle trimmer

roof tiler

business machine mechanic

cabler (data and telecommunications)

telecommunications linesworker

baker

pastrycook

butcher or smallgoods maker

cook

dog handler or trainer

animal attendants and trainers (nec)

veterinary nurse

florist

gardener (general)

arborist

landscape gardener

greenkeeper

hairdresser

print finisher

printing machinist

dressmaker or tailor

upholsterer

furniture finisher

wood machinist

wood machinists and other wood trades workers (nec)

power generation plant operator

jeweller

camera operator (film, television or video)

make up artist

sound technician

performing arts technicians (nec)

signwriter

ambulance officer

intensive care ambulance paramedic

dental technician

diversional therapist

enrolled nurse

massage therapist

community worker

disabilities services officer

family support worker

residential care officer

youth worker

diving instructor (open water)

gymnastics coach or instructor

horse riding coach or instructor

snowsport instructor

swimming coach or instructor

other sports coach or instructor

sports development officer

sportspersons (nec)

contract administrator

program or project administrator

insurance loss adjuster

insurance agent

retail buyer

 

 

Regional Occupation List:

 

aquaculture farmer

cotton grower

fruit or nut grower

grain, oilseed or pasture grower (Aus)/field crop grower (NZ)

mixed crop farmer

sugar cane grower

crop farmers (nec)

beef cattle farmer

dairy cattle farmer

deer farmer

goat farmer

horse breeder

mixed livestock farmer

pig farmer

sheep farmer

livestock farmers (nec)

mixed crop and livestock farmer

public relations manager

policy and planning manager

project builder

procurement manager

medical administrator

regional education manager

sports administrator

caravan park and camping ground manager

post office manager

amusement centre manager

fitness centre manager

sports centre manager

cinema or theatre manager

financial institution branch manager

human resource adviser

workplace relations adviser

policy analyst

liaison officer

market research analyst

aeroplane pilot

flying instructor

helicopter pilot

ship’s master

multimedia designer

wine maker

conservation officer

exercise physiologist

vocational education teacher

environmental health officer

dentist

anaesthetist

intellectual property lawyer

translator

community arts worker

agricultural technician

operating theatre technician

pathology collector

construction estimator

surveying or spatial science technician

mechanical engineering draftsperson

safety inspector

maintenance planner

building and engineering technicians (nec)

vehicle painter

floor finisher

electrical linesworker

zookeeper

nurseryperson

gas or petroleum operator

dental hygienist

dental therapist

emergency service worker

driving instructor

funeral workers (nec)

flight attendant

first aid trainer

jockey

clinical coder

property manager

real estate representative

 

Emigrate to Australia is part of Taylor Hampton Solicitors, a SRA regulated law firm based in the UK. We are not part of the Australian Immigration and Border Protection Department. We provide legal assistance with the Australian visa application process.