Skilled - Independent visa (subclass 175)

A permanent visa for people with characteristics needed in the Australian labour market. Applicants are not sponsored but must pass a points test.

Skilled - Sponsored visa (subclass 176)

A permanent visa for people unable to meet the Skilled Independent criteria. Applicants must be sponsored by a participating state/territory government and their nominated occupation must be on the skills shortage list of the sponsoring state, or by an eligible relative living in Australia willing to sponsor them. This visa has a points test to select applicants with characteristics needed in the Australian labour market.

Skilled - Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 475)

A three (3) year visa for people unable to meet the Skilled Independent criteria, but who can meet the slightly lower pass mark for this visa. After living in a regional or low-population growth metropolitan area for two (2) years and working for at least 12 months in a regional or low-population growth metropolitan area, applicants can apply for a permanent visa. Applicants must be sponsored by a participating state/territory government or by an eligible relative living in Australia willing to sponsor them.

Onshore Skilled Migration Visas

Skilled – Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885)

A permanent visa for eligible overseas students who have obtained an Australian qualification in Australia as a result of at least two (2) years study and for holders of certain temporary visas with skills in demand in Australia. Applicants are not sponsored and must pass a points test.

Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886)

A permanent visa for eligible overseas students who have obtained an Australian qualification in Australia as a result of at least two (2) years study and for holders of certain temporary visas with skills in demand in Australia. For applicants not able to meet the Skilled – Independent pass mark, who have either a relative in Australia to sponsor them or a nomination from a State or Territory government. Applicants must pass a points test lower than that for the Skilled – Independent visa

Skilled – Regional (Residence) visa (subclass 887)

A permanent visa for eligible provisional visa holders who have lived for at least two (2) years and worked for at least one (1) year in a Specified Regional Area in Australia.

Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 487)

A three (3) year provisional visa for eligible overseas students and holders of certain temporary visas who can meet the lower pass mark for this visa. Applicants must be either sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia or nominated by a participating state/territory government. After living for two (2) years and working for at least one (1) year in a Specified Regional Area, applicants can apply for a permanent visa.

Skilled – Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485)

An 18 month temporary visa for overseas students who have obtained an Australian qualification in Australia as a result of at least two (2) years study. Allows applicants who are unable to pass the 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. No points test applies.