What is the Skilled Independent Category?
To apply for a Skilled Independent visa. You must pass the Points test as well as satisfy the basic requirements. There are five visa subclasses under which you can apply for Skilled Independent visa:
- Skilled – Independent: You must possess good academic background and must be highly skilled so much so that your education, skills and later your employment can contribute to the Australian economy. You must satisfy the basic requirements and pass the points test.
- Skilled – State/Territory Nominated Independent: If you satisfy the basic requirements and pass the Points test or meet the pool mark, you can also complete the skill matching part of your application form. Your details will be placed in a skill-matching database for possible nomination by a State or Territory government or employer.
- Skill Matching – this category is not based on points: Consider this category if you satisfy the basic requirements but are not certain or it is unlikely you will pass the Points test. This does not include those who wish to apply for the New Zealand citizen and overseas student in Australia visa categories.
- Skilled – Onshore Independent New Zealand: This category is similar to the Skilled Independent visa category but is only available to New Zealand citizens in Australia wishing to apply for permanent residence under this category. You must pass the Points test as well as satisfy the basic requirements.
- Skilled – Independent Overseas Students in Australia: This category is similar to the Skilled Independent visa category but is only available to eligible overseas students in Australia wishing to apply for permanent residence under this category. You must pass the Points test as well as satisfy the basic requirements.
What are applicants awarded points for?
- Skill
- Age
- English language ability
- Specific work experience
- Occupation in demand (and job offer)
- Australian qualifications
- Study and residence in regional Australia/low population growth metropolitan areas
- Spouse skills
- Relationship (for Skilled-Australian sponsored visa applicants only)
- State/territory sponsorship (for Skilled –Independent Regional visa applicants only)
Applicants may also receive bonus points for one of the following:
- Australian work experience or
- Fluency in one of Australia’s community languages (other than English)
Applications which achieve a score below the pass mark (but above another mark, known as the pool mark) will be held in reserve for up to 2 years after it is assessed. If the pass mark is lowered during this period and the applicant’s score is at, or above, the new pass mark, the application will proceed. If it is not, then the application will be refused.
What is permanent residence in Australia?
Permanent residence means you are allowed to live in Australia indefinitely, with unlimited right to work, engage in business, own property, study and do most of the things a citizen can do. There are some restrictions on access to social security, particularly in the first two years. Permanent residence can be lost by spending too long outside the country.
How can I find out if I am eligible to become a permanent resident of Australia?
If you are interested in migrating to Australia, please fill out the Free Assessment which will be assessed by us in accordance with the selection criteria established by the Australian government, at no charge to you, within 48 hours from the time your questionnaire is received.
What can I expect to receive in response to my free online assessment submission?
We will personally assess your eligibility for immigration to Australia and, if it is determined that you may qualify for immigration you will receive a detailed response together with a quotation for the fees. This response takes the form of a thorough assessment, and includes details of any other requirements that you will have to satisfy, such as English language, health or character checks. Due to the very large numbers of people looking for immigration solutions around the world, it is only possible for responses to be sent to people whom our consultants see as having the potential to qualify for migration to Australia.
Why do I need the services of a Consultant and why can’t I apply for migration to Australia on my own?
You can apply for migration to Australia on your own. There is absolutely no legal requirement that you get help from a registered migration consultant. But why would you? immigration law is extremely complex and changes frequently. In some instances, failure to provide the correct documents within a given timeframe can result in an application be refused which would otherwise have been successful. Also, if your application cannot be approved under one category an experienced consultant may be able to direct you towards another possibility. We assist you to provide exactly the information expected by the Australian authorities and ensure that the application forms are correctly filled out. We draft the written legal submissions which accompany the application package and draw the authorities’ attention to the relevant law and policies on which your case is based. As well, we advise you of the procedures involved in satisfying other requirements such as health and police clearances, English language tests, etc.
Am I guaranteed General Skilled Migration ?
No. The decisions are an application are made by DIMA and we do not guarantee a VISA, we can assure you we will make the best possible application in accordance to laws and legislations of Australian migration law.
I have passed your online skilled migration self-test. Does this mean my application will be successful?
Not necessarily. The self-test is just a convenient way to calculate your likely score in the skilled migration points test. It does not take into account the following:
- In order for the application to be successful, you will need to obtain a positive skill assessment in your nominated occupation. The rules for skills assessment are very different for each assessing authority, and even if you have worked for some time or have qualifications in a certain occupation, this does not mean you will pass skills assessment.
- All members of your family unit will need to pass health and character checks. If one family member fails a health or character check, it is likely that the application will be refused.
Do I need formal qualifications to apply for skilled migration?
In most cases, applicants will need formal qualifications in order to pass skills assessment. In particular, for 40 or 50-point occupations, you will definitely need to hold formal tertiary qualifications to qualify for skills assessment. However, formal qualifications are not necessarily required in the following 60-point occupations:
- Trades: If you can show that you have worked for 6 years plus in your trade, you can in most cases get a positive skills assessment in the trade. If you have completed a formal apprenticeship, the required period of work experience is less.
- Managers: If you have worked at a senior level of management in a large company for at least 5 years, you can qualify for skills assessment as a manager without formal qualifications.
- IT Professionals: If you have worked in IT for 6 years or more, and have gained similar level of understanding of IT as the holder of a diploma in IT through on-the-job learning and private study, you can qualify for skills assessment as an IT professional.
In addition to our fee, what are the other costs for making an application for General Skilled Migration to Australia?
The costs involved depend on the visa category under which you apply. Generally there is a specific application fee that varies according to the visa category. You will also have to pay for your skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority, for police clearances and for medical examinations.
Does the visa application cover my spouse and children?
If you are the principal applicant, the visa application can include your family. If this is the case, only you need to satisfy the main criteria. The family unit can include your husband/wife, dependent children and other dependants such as aged parents. Dependent children are usually under the age of 18, but older children may still be considered as dependent if you prove them to be wholly and substantially reliant on your financial, food, shelter and other support and prove that they are more reliant on you than on any other person.
Is settlement location important in assessing the application for migration?
In some visa categories, particularly for certain skilled and business migration categories, the Australia Federal Government and State Governments may have preferences of the location settlement.
Can you assist me in settlement in Australia?
Yes we provide initial assistance. Please contact us for further information.
Do you provide Employment?
We do not provide employment in Australia, we are registered as migrations agents and provide migration related advises only.