The Skilled Migration Program is an official Government initiative to overcome skill shortages within the Australian workforce and to identify individuals who can make a valuable contribution to Australia’s thriving economy.

The skilled stream of Australia's Migration Program is specifically designed to assist individuals who have outstanding abilities or skills that will contribute to the Australian economy. All applicants in the skilled migration categories are required to have their qualifications and skills assessed before lodging their applications.

Skilled migrants now account for more than half of all migration to Australia, with 60,700 places available through this year's programs.  This is a considerable increase from the 1998-99 level of 35,000, andgreatly outstrips growth in other kinds of migration.

It should be noted that not every skilled worker has a white-collar occupation. It's not only computer programmers and accountants that come in through these programs. In fact, at present, most trades receive the maximum score on the points test.

Australia's skilled migration programs target those who are likely to bring economic benefits to Australia. Those with established careers, skills in short supply in Australia, or tertiary qualifications are the most likely candidates for skilled visas. However, the skilled migration program is extensive, and there are many options for people with valuable skills.

Categories in the Skilled Migration Program are:

Skilled – Independent Visa – This allows people to migrate to Australia on the basis of their skills, education and work experience. This visa is based on the points test where a specific number of points are awarded for your skills, occupation, education, age and English ability. If you have no links or ties with Australia or do not meet the financial requirements for other visa types, this may be the suitable visa for you. You must be under 45 years of age.

Skilled - State/Territory Nominated Independent (STNI) Visa – The STNI scheme enables State and Territory government agencies to sponsor Skilled-Independent migration applicants who are willing to settle where their skills are in demand. It is essential that you pass the points test as well as satisfy the basic requirements.

Skill Matching Scheme – If you do not satisfy the criteria for the Independent Skilled Migration Visa or Australian linked Skilled Migration you may still be eligible under this visa class.

Skilled - Australian Sponsored Visa – If you have a sponsor such as relatives in Australia that are able to act as your sponsor, you may apply for the Skilled Australian Sponsored visa. Your sponsor must be a parent, brother/sister, non-dependent child, or uncle/aunt of the applicant, and including adoptive or step relationships. The visa is similar to the Independent Skilled visa and easier to gain due to the fact that you have relatives in Australia.

Independent Skilled Graduate Student Migration Visa - If you have completed an educational course in Australia within the last 6 months, you could qualify under this category. It is essential that you pass the points test as well as satisfy the basic requirements. This visa can be applied for after successful completion of studies in Australia.

EMPLOYER SPONSORED CATEGORIES

These categories are employer driven – Australian employers can recruit highly skilled workers, either from overseas or people temporarily in Australia, where an employer has been unable to fill their recruitment needs from the Australian labour market or through their own training efforts. It is important to note that over 98% of Australia companies seek candidates that already have the 'right to work in Australia by being holders of an appropriate visa'.

For most categories, the employer must show they have been unable to find an Australian citizen or resident who is suitable for the appointment. The employer in Australia must first nominate all prospective applicants. The nomination must be received by a Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Business Centre in Australia. If the nomination is approved, the employer will advise the nominee. The nominee can apply in Australia (subject to conditions) or from outside Australia. In most cases, the nominee must have a vocational or functional level of English.

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
The Employer Nomination Scheme has been developed for Australian employers to recruit, on a permanent basis, highly skilled staff from overseas or temporary residents currently in Australia. The position must require a highly skilled employee (usually at least 3 years training plus 3 years work experience), the job must be full-time and permanent, the employer must demonstrate that genuine efforts to recruit an Australian have been unsuccessful. Maximum age is 44 at the time of application.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme is designed to help employers in regional or low population growth areas of Australia, who are unable to fill skilled vacancies from the Australian labour market.

Labour Agreements (LA)
Labour Agreements enable Australian employers to recruit on both a permanent and temporary basis a specified number of workers from overseas in response to identified or emerging labour market (or skill) shortages in the Australian labour market.

Regional Headquarters Agreements (RHQ)
RHQ provide streamlined immigration arrangements to organisations that the Minister for Industry, Science and Resources has determined as being a company managing functions that support an international operation. RHQs provide for both permanent and temporary entry to Australia.

TEMPORARY VISAS FOR SKILLED PROFESSIONALS

If you are seeking to enter Australia for a temporary period with the intention of working or participating in business discussions, seminars and conferences or have an Australia company that is willing to sponsor you for a specified period of time, the following visa categories may apply to you. Employers can recruit skilled specialists or business executives overseas to overcome temporary labour shortages or, for those people wishing to set up or buy and manage a business in Australia. Temporary Resident Business/Employment visas are available as either short stay or long stay.

Short Stay Business Visitor Visa
Short Stay Business Visitor visas allow the holder multiple entries into Australia in order to undertake business discussions or participate in seminars or conferences, provided that each visit does not exceed three months. This includes personnel (executives, managers and specialists) for companies operating in Australia; personnel from offshore companies seeking to establish a branch in Australia, participate in joint ventures, or fulfil a contract awarded to an offshore company; personnel coming under a labour or Regional Headquarters agreement.

Temporary Residence through Company Sponsorship
Company Sponsorship Visas allow companies to sponsor overseas residents to fill full-time positions in Australia. The position is usually of a highly skilled nature, and the applicant must possess the necessary training and experience to fill the position. A Business (Long Stay) Visa will allow you to travel freely to and from Australia, and to take up a full-time position with an Australian company. The visa can be valid for up to 4 years, and may be extended, if necessary.

Because this visa is granted on the basis of sponsorship, you need permission from the Department of Immigration if you wish to change employer or occupation, which may involve lodging a new visa application. Applications may be made overseas or whilst temporarily in Australia, provided your visa will allow it. Companies sponsoring applicants in this visa category will be required to make a sponsorship application that must be approved by the Department of Immigration (DIMA). The candidate must also demonstrate that they have the necessary skills for the nominated role and that they meet the health requirements for entry.

Working Holiday Visa Criteria
This visa authorises the holder to enter and remain in Australia for a period not exceeding twelve months, during which time the holder may not work for the same employer for more than 3 months. This visa is available for age from 18 up to 30 for certain nations: Canada, Ireland, Malta, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Finland, Norway, Japan, Korea and Hong Kong. You must be either single or married without children and need to demonstrate sufficient funds to purchase a return ticket and support yourself until you find work. This visa can only be granted once and is valid for twelve months from the date of first entry. During this time, holders may leave and re-enter Australia any number of times.