Work Visas
Australia's Migration Program does not discriminate on the basis of race or religion. All applications for migration to Australia are assessed against requirements set out in the Migration Act and Regulations. It is specifically designed to target migrants who have skills or outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy. The planning level for the Skill Stream of the 2012-13 Migration Program is 129 250 places which also represents 68 per cent of the total Migration Program.
There are different criteria for different categories of visas and the criteria are also established to meet Australia's national interests and needs.
Skilled Independent visa - Subclass 189
The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent work visa for individuals who have the qualifications and skills required to fill Australia's skill shortages.
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) applicants are required to obtain a minimum of 60 points on a point assessment. The assessment is such that applicants are required to be under 50 years of age and be able demonstrate that they have a qualification and/or skills in an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Applicants for the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) do not require sponsorship. Applications are by invitation only. To be invited to apply, a person must submit and Expression of Interest.
Skilled Nominated Visa- Subclass 190
The Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent work visa for individuals who have the qualifications or skills that are needed by the Australian economy, and have been nominated by a state or territory to obtain a Skilled Independent Visa. Applications are by invitation only. To be invited to apply, a person must submit and Expression of Interest.
Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) applicants are required to obtain a minimum of 60 points on a points assessment and must obtain nomination from a participating State or Territory government.
Employer Nomination Scheme -Subclass 186
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) enables employers to sponsor skilled workers for permanent residence in order to fill vacancies in their business provided they satisfy the certain criteria. On the other hand, applicants must also be able to satisfy the skill, age and English language requirements. It has three streams.
- The Temporary Residence Transition stream is for subclass 457 visa holders who have worked for two years and their employer wants to offer them a permanent position.
- The Direct Entry stream is for people who have never, or only briefly, worked in the Australian labour market.
- The Agreement stream is for people sponsored by an employer through a labour or regional migration agreement.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme - Subclass 187
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) enables employers in regional, remote or low population growth areas of Australia to nominate highly skilled workers from overseas. It has three streams.
- The Temporary Residence Transition stream is for subclass 457 visa holders who have worked for two years and their employer wants to offer them a permanent position.
- The Direct Entry stream is for people who have never, or only briefly, worked in the Australian labour market.
- The Agreements stream is for people sponsored by an employer through a labour or regional migration agreement.