General Skilled Visa

How it works

If you want to apply for this visa you must be qualified and under 45 years of age when you apply for this visa. Your nominated occupation, which fits your skills and qualifications, must be on the list of approved occupations for migration to Australia, which is adjusted by the Government from time to time. (Skilled Occupations List from DIBP) At present you can find managers, administrators, engineers, teachers, trade persons and most occupations in the medical sector on the list.

Before you apply for a visa you have to obtain a positive skills assessment by the relevant Australian skills assessing authority.

You also have to show recent work experience for a period of time in your field, or in another field that is on the skilled occupation list. In addition you have to show threshold English and also meet the health, character and public interest requirements.

To be granted this visa you must pass what is called the Points Test. Points are allocated for qualifications, age, English language ability, work experience, your spouse's skills. Extra points are given to those applicants who have family in Australia, who have Australian qualifications or those with skills in demand.