Australian Permanent Residence:

Individual Immigration

Individuals seeking permanent residence in Australia have a better chance if they can bring certain professional skills or attributes that are sought after by the Australian government.

• Do it Right the First Time


• Overview: The Skilled Migration Visa Subclasses
• Pass and Pool Marks
• Points Test: Individual and Sponsored
• Other Skilled Migration Visas
• Overseas Students in Australia Applying for Skilled Migration

Do it Right the First Time

During 1998-99, (latest program statistics provided by DIAC as of 10/2007) more Points Test visa applications were refused than granted.

A total of 24,132 Points Test visa applications were refused and 22,686 granted. Skilled migrant visas refused for 2009-2010 represented 9,786. It's important to note that mistakes can delay or even disqualify an application.

In today's ever-changing, increasingly unpredictable immigration landscape, it's more important than ever to get a case done right the first time -- it's crucial to make a correct, thorough application the first time, with accurate forms, visa category and supporting documents.

There are many ways to innocently sabotage your application. One common mistake is selecting an inappropriate skilled occupation. You must be careful when selecting an appropriate skilled occupation. The Pass Mark and Skilled Occupations List are subject to frequent change and may adjust between time of application and decision. The recent "Employment Experience" factor is also technical in nature often requiring an applicant to have worked in a closely related occupation to that nominated or relying on another occupation unrelated and on the Skilled Occupation List.

Avoid taking unnecessary risks, and save time and expense by working with Beyderwellen & Company. It's fast and easy to get started. Simply complete our Online Australian Immigration Assessment Form to discover how you can migrate to Australia.

Back to top

Other Skilled Migration Visas

Subclass 475 (skilled - regional-sponsored)
Subclass 134 (skill matching) visa

Subclass 475 (skilled - regional-sponsored)

As of 01 September 2006, applicants for this new subclass of visa (Class VF) do not have to satisfy the points test. This subclass is available for the sponsorship of family members only of eligible Australian citizens or permanent residents (including grandchildren or first cousins) who:

• Live in designated areas
• Meet the above described minimum skill, age and English language requirements which apply to all of the skilled visa categories
• Have been employed at least 6 months of the previous 12 in a skilled occupation for which 60 points are available, or 12 months of the previous 18 for occupations for which 40 or 50 points are available

This is an initial three year temporary/provisional visa for applicants who do not qualify for permanent 'points test' migration. This Subclass 475 visa following grant allows a holder to apply for the subclass 887 permanent resident visa while in Australia after meeting certain criterion, such as:

• resident for 24 months in the same designated Australian area his/her sponsor resides in
• for at least 12 months was employed full-time for remuneration in any occupation (not a skill-listed occupation)
• complied with 475 visa conditions and intentions

This visa presents a good path for those people who do not meet the points test and have an eligible Australian relative willing to sponsor, supported by an assurance of support (either from the sponsor, relative(s), or eligble Australian(s)). Priority processing applies for this program.

Subclass 134 (skill matching) visa

This subclass of visa is designed to aid in the use of the DIAC Skills Matching Database introduced in November 1996. The operation of the database has been described by the Minister (MPS 41/98, 14 April 1998) as follows:

The Skill Matching Database is designed to give employers in participating states and regions who are trying to address critical skill shortages direct access to highly skilled potential migrants. … The Database contains the education and employment profiles of Independent category applicants. It is made available to State and Territory Governments who can then make the information available to employers. When a match is identified between an employer and a potential migrant on the Database, the employer may nominate the skilled applicant under the RSMS. State and Territory Governments can also nominate applicants from the Database on the basis of identified skill shortages.

Applicants for this subclass of visa do not have to satisfy the points test.

Applicants however must satisfy the minimum age and English language requirements and have their skills assessed against a nominated skilled occupation prior to applying for the visa. As for a subclass 475 visa, they must have been employed at least 6 months of the previous 12 in a skilled occupation for which 60 points are available, or 12 months of the previous 18 for occupations for which 40 or 50 points are available. The additional requirement at the time of application is that they must have provided information for inclusion in the Skills Matching Database.

Applicants for the 134 visa must be supported by a nomination from a State or Territory government agency, for which interested applicants must directly contact.

Please note: securing nomination can be difficult, time consuming, and relatively uncertain. Instead, Subclass 189 (skilled - independent) and Subclass 190 (skilled - Australian-nominated) are some of the categories to pursue from July 2012 subject to invitations by the Government. This means, post June 2012, even with a positive skills authority assessment, an applicant must register with the Government. And, if the government determines a registrant as suitable, will then be invited to apply for a points test visa, but not before; unlike previously where an applicant applied directly without this invitation to file for an appropriate visa.

Back to top