Skilled Visa Options

Skilled Migration visas

On this page:
Onshore visas
Offshore visas
Other Visa Options

General Skilled Migration visas are available to professionals, tradespeople and graduates (former international students) who want to live and work in Australia on a temporary, provisional or permanent basis.

You may be eligible to apply for a General Skilled Migration visa if you meet the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's (DIAC) basic requirements:

• you must be under 45 years of age
• have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL)
• have a competent standard of English (trade occupations may have a vocational standard of English)
• have a professional, or trade qualification recognised in Australia
• have recent work experience (12 in the last 24 months) in any occupation list on the SOL, or 
• have recently completed an Australian degree, diploma or trade qualification and meet the two year study exemption
• meet the required level on the DIAC points test (where applicable).

Specific eligibility requirements apply to each General Skilled Migration visa category.

The right visa will depend on a number of factors, including your ability to meet the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's (DIAC) eligibility criteria and points test. The Victorian Government can sponsor eligible applications for provisional and permanent visas, making it easier for you to meet DIAC's points test and obtain your visa to live in Victoria.

The location from where you are applying for your visa will also determine your visa choice - from within Australia (onshore) or from outside of Australia (offshore).

Onshore visas (for people in Australia)

Skilled - Independent (885) visa

This is a permanent visa for eligible overseas students who have gained an Australian qualification in Australia, as a result of at least two years study, and for holders of certain temporary visas with skills in demand in Australia. Applicants are not sponsored and must pass DIAC's points test.

Skilled - Sponsored (886) visa

This visa provides permanent residence for eligible overseas students who have obtained an Australian qualification in Australia as a result of at least two years study, and for holders of certain temporary visas with skills in demand in Australia. Applicants must obtain sponsorship from a State or Territory Government or an eligible relative living in Australia. For Victorian Government sponsorship you must have an occupation on the Victorian Skilled - Sponsored (886) Eligibility List for Graduates.

Skilled - Regional Sponsored (487) visa

This is a three year provisional visa for eligible overseas students and holders of certain temporary visas. There is a lower DIAC points requirement for this visa. Applicants must either be sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia or from a State/Territory Government. For Victorian Government sponsorship you must have an occupation on the Victorian Skilled - Regional Sponsored (475 and 487) Eligibility List or an offer of employment in regional Victoria in any occupation on the DIAC Skilled Occupations List. After living for two years and working for at least one year in a specified regional area, applicants can apply for a permanent visa.

Skilled - Regional (887) visa

This is a permanent visa for eligible provisional visa holders who have lived for at least two years and worked for at least one year in a specified regional area in Australia.

Skilled - Graduate (485) visa

This is an 18 month temporary visa for overseas students who have gained an Australian qualification in Australia as a result of at least two years study. It allows applicants who are unable to pass DIAC's points test to remain in Australia for 18 months to gain the skills and experience needed to apply for a permanent or provisional General Skilled Migration visa.

Offshore visas (for people outside Australia)

Skilled - Independent (175) visa

This visa provides permanent residence for people with skills in demand in the Australian labour market. Applicants are not sponsored and must score at least 120 points on DIAC's points test.

Skilled - Sponsored (176) visa

This is a permanent visa, with a lower DIAC points (100) requirement. Applicants must be either sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia or from a State/Territory Government. For Victorian Government sponsorship you must have an occupation on the Victorian Skilled - Sponsored (176) Eligibility List.

Skilled - Regional Sponsored (475) visa

This is a three year provisional visa, with a lower DIAC points (100) requirement. Applicants must obtain sponsorship from a State or Territory Government or an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia. For Victorian Government sponsorship, you must have either an occupation on the Victorian Skilled - Regional Sponsored (475 or 487) Eligibility List or an offer of employment in regional Victoria in any occupation on the DIAC Skilled Occupations List. After living for two years and working for at least one year in a specified regional area, applicants can apply for a permanent visa.

Other Visa Options

Employer Sponsored Visas

There are a range of temporary and permanent visa options for skilled people seeking to work in Australia for a lawfully operating Australian and overseas employer. Applicants for these visas must be sponsored by their employer.

Employer Sponsored visas are offered by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Migrants do not require state sponsorship to apply for these visas. For more information and to apply, visit the DIAC website.

Family visas

There are a number of visa options for partners, children, parents and other family members of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate to Australia.

Family visas are offered by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Migrants do not require state sponsorship to apply for these visas. For more information and to apply, visit the DIAC website.