Tips for Successful Skilled Visa Sponsorship

Our skilled migration team offers some tips for migration agents and representatives on how to lodge a successful application for a skilled visa sponsorship on behalf of their client.

On this page:
Skilled - Sponsored visa sponsorship
Skilled - Regional Sponsored visa sponsorship
Confirming your clients' sponsorship

Skilled - Sponsored visa sponsorship

Eligible applicants for Victorian Government sponsorship under the Skilled - Sponsored (176) visa must have an occupation listed on the Skilled - Sponsored (176) Eligibility List. An applicant's 'employability' is the most important assessment criteria.

For health and most trade occupations, a skill assessment from the relevant assessing authority is used to assess an applicant's employability. If your client has already obtained a skill assessment, it is advisable to submit this with the application. We will request this information before the application can be approved for sponsorship.

For occupations in other industries, such as information and communications technology or science, we seek advice from industry representatives about the strength of applicants' employability. Include resumes with visa sponsorship applications. The resume should provide detailed information about the applicant's skills in relation to their occupation and specialisations on the Skilled - Sponsored (176) Eligibility List.

In addition to assessing applicants' employability, we consider their ability to successfully settle in Victoria, through evidence of the applicant's research on Victoria. The applicant must show that they have researched the cost of living and confirmed that they can support themselves and their family. Applicants may also be required to confirm their commitment to living and working in Victoria.

Successful applications for Skilled - Sponsored visa sponsorship must include:

• an application form with all questions completed
• a resume detailing experience in their nominated occupation, including specialisations
• a skill assessment (if available).

For more information, contact us.

Skilled - Regional Sponsored visa sponsorship

To make a successful application for visa sponsorship under the Skilled - Regional Sponsored (475 and 487) visas, applicants must indicate that they have:

1. Identified and investigated employment and other opportunities in a regional area.
   This can be demonstrated by providing evidence of job searches, opportunities relevant to the nominated occupation and showing an understanding of major industries in the chosen region. An offer of employment is evidence of 'employability'.
2. Sufficient funds to establish and support themselves in Victoria while they seek employment.
   Evidence that the applicant understands the cost of living in regional Victoria and the funds necessary to support themselves and any family members should be provided, particularly during the period of time it may take to find suitable employment.
3. Made connections within regional Victoria through family, friends, previous travel, study or employment.
   This can be provided by demonstrating relationships with relatives, friends, support networks and potential employers in regional Victoria.
4. Thoroughly researched their chosen region and demonstrated an understanding of what is required to successfully settle in regional Victoria.
   Research should indicate that the applicant has a general understanding of their chosen region. This may include knowledge of job opportunities, schooling, local networks, cost of living and location.

View the Skilled - Regional Sponsored (475 and 487) Eligibility List.

Confirming your clients' sponsorship

To secure your client's Victorian Government sponsorship, please provide the visa application reference number issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to the Skilled and Business Migration Program as soon as it is received.

This number will be either a file reference number or transaction number. The following are examples of the format that this number may take:

• CLF2007/12345
• TRN123456789
• EGNABCDEFG.

A transaction number is issued when an application is submitted online to DIAC and is likely to be received more quickly than a file reference number, which will be provided if the application is submitted in hard copy.

Once the file reference or transaction number is received, we will submit a completed Form 1100 to the Adelaide Skills Processing Centre, which officially informs DIAC that your client has been sponsored by the Victorian Government.