Skilled Migration

The purpose of the Skilled Migration Program is to attract skilled people for migration to Australia, to support the labour market and build the economy.

68 percent of the people who migrated to Australian in the year 2014-2015 are skilled migrants.

There are a variety of skilled migration options:

Skilled Migration to Australia and New Zealand

Skilled migration programs in Australia and New Zealand offer pathways for skilled workers to live and work permanently in each country. These programs are designed to attract professionals with in-demand skills that contribute to the economy. Applicants are typically assessed based on their age, qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency. Both countries use a points-based system, where higher scores increase the chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a visa. Skilled migrants may also have opportunities to bring their families and apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Australia – General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program

Popular Visa Subclasses:

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) – No employer sponsorship required.
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) – Requires state/territory nomination.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) – For skilled workers willing to live in designated regional areas.

General Requirements:

Must be under 45 years old at the time of application.
Have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
Obtain a positive skills assessment from a relevant authority.
Score at least 65 points on the Points Test (higher scores improve chances).
Demonstrate competent English proficiency (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent).
Meet health and character requirements (medical exams and police clearance).
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.

New Zealand – Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa

General Requirements:

Be 55 years old or younger at the time of application.
Have an occupation on the Green List or an offer for a skilled job in New Zealand.
Obtain a recognized qualification or have relevant work experience.
Meet the minimum points threshold (based on work experience, qualifications, and job offer).
Show English language proficiency (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent).
Meet health and character requirements (medical exams and police clearance).
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply.

The Core Skills Occupation List (click here to see the skills occupation)