Compare Skilled Visas

The following independent and state sponsored skilled visa options are available for people who want to live and work in Australia, through the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

If you are applying for a visa that requires state/territory sponsorship by a state/territory, you should apply for sponsorship to the Victorian Government before applying to DIAC.

1. Independent Visas

Visa Entitlements Requirements Conditions
Skilled – Independent (175 and 885) visas Permanent residence
  • Meet DIAC basic requirements including age, English language, nominated occupation and recent work experience or exemption.
  • Achieve at least 120 points on the DIAC points test.
 There are no conditions for this visa.
Skilled – Recognised Graduate (486) visa Temporary residence
  • Meet DIAC basic requirements including age, English language and eligible overseas qualification in relevant discipline.
 This is a temporary visa valid for 18 months, with pathways to other visa classes.
Skilled – Graduate (485) visa Temporary residence
  • Meet DIAC basic requirements including age, English language, nominated occupation and two year study requirement.
  • Be the holder of an eligible student visa or; have held an eligible visa within the six months prior to lodging an application.
 Hold an eligible student visa. This is a temporary visa valid for 18 months, with pathways to other visa classes.

2. State Sponsored Visas

Visa Entitlements Requirements Conditions
Skilled – Sponsored (176 and 886) visas Permanent residence
  • Meet DIAC basic requirements including age, English language, nominated occupation and recent work experience or exemption.
  • Obtain sponsorship from an Australian State or Territory Government or an eligible relative living anywhere in Australia
  • Achieve at least 100 points on the DIAC points test.
 Visa holders must live in their nominated state or territory for at least two years.
Skilled – Regional Sponsored (475 and 487) visas Provisional temporary residence
(three year visa)
  • Meet DIAC basic requirements including age, English language, nominated occupation and recent work experience or exemption.
  • Obtain sponsorship from an Australian State or Territory Government or an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia
  • Achieve at least 100 points on the DIAC points test.
 Visa holders must live for at least two years, and work for at least one year in a specified regional area to be eligible for permanent residency.

*DIAC also offers other types of visas including employer-sponsored visas. For a complete list of visa options that will enable you to live and work in Australia, please visit the DIAC website.

Last updated: 16 November 2009

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State Government of Victoria