You can apply for skilled visas both ONSHORE and OFFSHORE. Many of these visa types depend on a ‘points’ system, which includes age, English language skills, points for skilled occupation, relevant experience etc. In addition you will need a skills assessment, must be under 45 years of age, and meet health and character requirements. You may include spouse and dependent family members. You must sign the ‘Australian values’ statement. For sponsored visa types, you must live within the state in which you are nominated.

There are several skilled visa types you can apply for whilst onshore:

885 –SKILLED INDEPENDENT VISA (PERMANENT RESIDENCE)

To be eligible to apply for this visa, you must:

-                     hold an eligible visa (usually student or recognized graduate visa)

-                     score 120 points on the points test

886 SKILLED SPONSORED VISA (PERMANENT RESIDENCE) 

To be eligible to apply for this visa you must:

-                     hold an eligible visa (usually student or recognized graduate visa)

-                     score 100 points on the points test

-                     be sponsored by a state or territory government or eligible relative

887 SKILLED REGIONAL RESIDENCE VISA (PERMANENT RESIDENCE) 

To be eligible to apply for this visa you must: 

-                     hold an eligible visa (usually a temporary skilled visa type)

-                     lived in a specified regional area of Australia for 2 years

-                     worked full time for one year in a specified regional area of Australia

487 SKILLED REGIONAL SPONSORED VISA (TEMPORARY RESIDENCE) 

To be eligible to apply for this visa you must: 

-                     hold an eligible visa

-                     score 100 points on the points test

-                     be sponsored by a state or territory government or an eligible relative

REGIONAL SKILLED MIGRATION SCHEME (PERMANENT RESIDENCE) 

-                     there is no points system for this visa

-                     must have an employer to sponsor you

-                     the employer applies for state sponsorship

-                     occupation must be listed on the ‘ ASCO 1-4’ range

-                     English requirements are dependent on the position

-                     Must have relevant skills

There are also a number of skilled visa types you can apply for offshore, including:

175 SKILLED INDEPENDENT VISA (PERMANENT RESIDENCE) 

To be eligible to apply for this visa you must: 

-                     score 120 points on the points system

176 SKILLED SPONSORED VISA (PERMANENT RESIDENCE) 

To be eligible to apply for this visa you must: 

-                     score 100 points on the points system

-                     have an occupation listed on the ‘Skilled occupations’ list

-                     be sponsored by a state or territory government or eligible relative

475 SKILLED SPONSORED VISA (TEMPORARY RESIDENCE) 

To be eligible to apply for this visa you must: 

-                     score 100 points on the points system

-                     be sponsored by a state or territory government or eligible relative

-                     have an occupation which is listed on the state ‘Occupations for Provisional Sponsorship’ list

-                     be sponsored by a state or territory government or eligible relative

REGIONAL SKILLED MIGRATION SCHEME (PERMANENT RESIDENCE) 

-                     there is no points system for this visa

-                     must have an employer to sponsor you

-                     the employer applies for state sponsorship

-                     occupation must be listed on the ‘ ASCO 1-4’ range

-                     English requirements are dependent on the position

-                     Must have relevant skills