Skilled Migration to Australia

To provide the reader with an overview of the Skilled Migration visas to enable them to come to Australia, the following may assist in their understanding.

Should the reader wish to find out more specific information, please contact the writer by completing our FREE VISA ASSESSMENT or email us directly at david@emigrateaustralia.com.au

General Information
The Skill Stream of Australia’s Migration Program is specifically designed to target migrants who have skills or outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy.
The Australian Government continues to emphasise skilled migration, while maintaining a commitment to family reunion migration. The migration to Australia of people with qualifications and relevant work experience helps to address specific skill shortages in Australia and enhances the size and skill level of the Australian labour force.
The 2008–09 Skill Stream outcome of 114 777 places accounted for 67 per cent of the total Migration Program. The permanent skilled migration program planning level was cut by 14 per cent from 133 500 to 115 000 in mid March 2009 in light of the economic situation. The 2009–10 Skill Stream was further reduced in 2009–10 to a planning level of 108 100.
The planning level for the Skill Stream of the 2010–11 Migration Program has been set at 113 850. This represents 67.5 per cent of the total Migration Program.
The Skill Stream gives priority processing to applicants who are sponsored by employers or nominated by a state or territory government under a State Migration Plan.

Skill Stream categories

There are four main categories of skilled migrants:

1. General skilled migration (GSM)
There is a range of visa options under general skilled migration for skilled workers who want to live in Australia and who do not have an employer sponsoring them.
Independent migrants are selected on the basis of their nominated occupation, age, skills, qualifications, English language, ability and employability so they can contribute quickly to the Australian economy. They are not sponsored by an employer or relative in Australia.
For those unable to meet the independent criteria, sponsorship by an eligible Australian relative or nomination by a state or territory government is also possible under GSM

2. Employer nomination
Employers may nominate (or ‘sponsor’) personnel from overseas through the following categories:
• The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) allows Australian employers to nominate overseas workers for permanent residence in Australia to fill skilled vacancies in their business.
• The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) is one of several government initiatives which are designed to encourage migration to regional and low population growth areas of Australia. Employers in these areas can nominate overseas workers for permanent residence to fill skilled vacancies in their business.
• A Labour Agreement enables Australian employers to recruit a specified number of workers from overseas in response to identified labour market shortages. This is a formal arrangement negotiated between the Australian Government and an employer.

3. Business skills migration
The Business Skills Program encourages successful business people to settle permanently in Australia and develop new business opportunities.

4. Distinguished talent
This is a small category for distinguished individuals with special or unique talents of benefit to Australia.
The profiles of people who have been successful under this category generally include sports people, musicians, artists and designers, all of whom were internationally recognised as outstanding in their field.
For those interested in contacting Emigrate Australia concerning this entry or for any reason regarding Immigration to Australia, please complete our FREE Visa Assessment on the Home Page