Australian Immigration Visa

for Skilled, Young People

You are interested in an Australian immigration visa.

You have heard a lot about life in Australia. Or not...

If you browsed this site there must have been something that you liked about the country and its lifestyle.

For example: the sun, the beaches, the easy-going people.

Well... that looks like something you'd like to experience.

The job opportunities sound appealing too.

This means income to fund the lifestyle. Wouldn't that be nice?

There are lots of benefits that come with moving to Australia.

But everything has pros and cons. So which are the negatives?.

Here are a couple of things that you should consider before you migrate to Australia.

Did you check them? Still thinking about relocating Down Under?

Ok then, you're in for a ride. You need to score some points to become eligible.

Points? What points? And how many?

Check them on the Department of Immigration website: immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/175/eligibility-applicant.htm. Visit the immi website often as changes to general skilled migration visas happen quite frequently.

"Why is that?", you may ask.

Well, everything changes, so skills in demand do too. Jobs that were hot a couple of years ago are not any more.

Australian Immigration Visa - Skilled - the Basics

Here is a rundown of the basic requirements for an Australian immigration visa for skilled people. And some hints about the more complex ones, those that can help you with more points.

But first, it's about you. So, who are you? Do all of the following apply to you?

You are young.

Or think you are - if you haven't reached 50 yet. It used to be 45 but the cut-off age has now gone up.

You know...the 40 is the new 30 and 50 is the new 40 mantra. It is creeping into all the aspects of our lives.

You have a good command of English.

If you think you have because that's what you first heard from your mum, that's fine. Everyone should agree that you are competent.

Which is what you need to become eligible for an Australian immigration visa.

But not to score you points.

If you want to get some points for your English you need to sit an IELTS exam and get pretty high marks across all topics. The higher the better.

It does not matter that you've been speaking English all your life, you still need your exam.

You make an income as a skilled person in one of the occupations in demand in Australia.

The longer you have been employed in that occupation the more points you get.

You don't just make the income, you also have the papers to prove you have the right qualifications for that profession.

Again the higher the qualification degree, the more points you get...For the maximum score you should have your Ph.D. degree.

If you haven't studied that hard yet, that's fine, there are other areas where you could get more points and compensate for the lack of the doctorate degree.

If all this is who you are, then start evaluating your chances.

Review the point test at immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/points-test.htm

If you go as a couple decide which of you responds best to the criteria. That person should be the main applicant.

Have a quick read of the basic info about applying as an independent or a sponsored person on the following pages:

Australia Work Visa - independent,
Work Visa Australia - sponsored.

In addition there are provisional and temporary visas that can increase your odds for a permanent residency visa. For example:

the provisional Australia business visa for business owners, or
the 457 visa - you can find a brief summary on the Australian work visa page.

Make sure you visit immi.gov.au and read carefully through the site to understand the conditions of these visas.

Generally, if you do not meet the basic requirements or need more clarification, it is good to talk to an immigration consultant as they provide professional advice and can help find solutions for your circumstances.

When Will You Know What's Next?

Interested to know how long it will take before you get a reply about your visa application? That is, if you decide to make an application first.

Here is where you can find information about the standard processing time for various categories of visa - immi.gov.au/about/charters/client-services-charter/visas/8.0.htm

There are some visas that are processed quicker than others. Have a look and see whether you fit the bill to apply for one of these.