Skilled - Sponsored (176) Visa

This visa encourages skilled migrants to settle in regions of Australia where their skills are in demand. It provides permanent residency, with the ability to ultimately apply for Australian citizenship.

The Skilled – Sponsored (176) visa is offered by the Australian Government through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), however applicants need to be sponsored by the Victorian Government or an eligible relative living anywhere in Australia to be eligible for the visa.

Please note that success in gaining State sponsorship or eligible relative sponsorship does not guarantee a grant of a Skilled – Sponsored (176) visa by DIAC.

Are you eligible?

  1. Self assess against the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) regulations and eligibility criteria for the Skilled – Sponsored (176) visa
  2. To be eligible for sponsorship by the Victorian Government you must:
    • Have an occupation listed on the Skilled – Sponsored (176) Eligibility List
      The eligibility list identifies skills in demand in Victoria, and is regularly updated to take into account changes in industry requirements for skilled professionals and tradespeople.

      The Skilled – Sponsored (176) Eligibility List provides information regarding eligibility requirements for occupations. You may be required to have a Trade Certificate or other special requirements. For some occupations, the skills listed are broad and there will be a better chance of employment across all specialisations and across many areas of Victoria. In other cases, only certain specialisations within an occupation are in demand or the demand exists only in certain areas of Victoria.
    • Have reasonable employment opportunities in the Victorian labour market.
      The Victorian Government will confirm your skill set with industry in Victoria to determine whether the combination of your qualifications, skills and experience would result in reasonable employment prospects. If you already have a genuine job offer in Victoria, this will demonstrate that you satisfy this requirement.
    • Be committed to living and working in Victoria.
      The Victorian Government will consider whether you have sufficient funds to establish yourself and your family (where applicable) in Victoria while you seek employment. It will also consider any connections you have with Victoria through family, friends, previous travel, study or employment.

Apply for visa sponsorship

Apply for skilled visa sponsorship from the Victorian Government.

Also See

Related Sites

Last updated: 20 July 2009

Back to Top

State Government of Victoria