Skilled Sponsored visa

As of 1 September 2007 this new Australian Skilled Sponsored visa (subclass 176) has replaced the State Territory Nominated Independent (subclass 137) visa, the Skilled Australian Sponsored (subclass 138) visa, and the Skilled Australian Sponsored New Zealand Citizen (subclass 862) visa.

The Australian Skilled Sponsored visa (subclass 176) allows you to migrate to Australia permanently on the basis of your skills, work experience, and sponsorship from a family member (parent, non-dependent child, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew) who is already a permanent resident or citizen of Australia.

Skilled sponsored visa - eligiblity

To make a successful application for the Skilled Sponsored visa you must meet the following basic requirements:

  • Age - you must be under 45 years of age.
  • English language - you must be able to show that you have sufficient level of English language ability.
  • Qualifications - you must have post-secondary qualifications and your skills must be assessed by the relevant skills assessing authority.
  • Sponsorship - you must be sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia or a state/territory government.
  • Occupation - you must select an occupation from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) that matches your occupation and skills.
  • Recent work experience - you must have been employed in an occupation listed on the SOL for 12 months in the period of 24 months immediately before the application is made.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements for the Skilled Sponsored Visa, you will also need to meet the minimum score in the points test. Points are awarded according to factors such as your age, level of English language ability, sponsorship by a relative/nomination by a state/territory government, qualifications, occupation and work experience.

The current pass mark for the Skilled Sponsored visa points test is 100 points.

Skilled sponsored visa - application process

Applications for the Skilled Sponsored Visa generally consist of three stages:

Stage 1
The first stage of the application process involves completing a skills assessment with the relevant government body. Your skills assessment enables the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to determine if you have the required level of skill to practice in Australia in your chosen occupation.

Stage 2
Before you can apply for the Skilled Sponsored visa you must first arrange to be either nominated by a participating State/Territory government or be sponsored by an eligible relative.

Stage 3
Once you have gained the sponsorship required in stage two you can then progress to the DIAC stage of the application.  This stage requires you to provide proof that you fulfil all eligibility requirements and meet the current points test pass mark.

Skilled sponsored visa - entitlements

Once your application is approved you will be granted a five year multiple entry visa entitling you to live and work in Australia. Note that you only need to live in Australia for two of the five years in order to have your visa reissued for a further five years. Please note that if you are sponsored by a State/Territory you have an obligation to remain in that State or Territory for at least 2 years.

Alternatively, you can spend a period of 4 years in Australia to be eligible for citizenship. Please note that this must include 12 months in the 2 years prior to when you make your Citizenship application.

If you would like to learn more about the Australian Skilled Sponsored visa please complete our free online assessment, contact us or ask@visalogic.net.