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Australian Skilled Independent Visa

Please note that the Australian General Skilled Migration (GSM) eligibility criteria will change upon the introduction of the New Points Test on 1 July, 2011.  However, please understand that all aspects of the New Points Test (including requirements and pass marks) are only proposed at this stage and the final version may differ.

The Australian Skilled - Independent Visa (subclass 175) entitles highly skilled migrants to permanent residency in Australia based solely on skills and work experience. No sponsorship by state or family is required for this visa, and visa holders are able to live anywhere in Australia.

The current Skilled - Independent Visa (subclass 175) pass mark on the Points Test is 120 points. Applicants must meet the Basic Requirements and nominate an occupation from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

To apply for this category you must:

• Satisfy the Basic Requirements;
• Pass the Points Test;
• Nominate a skilled occupation from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL);
• Be under 45 years of age; and
• Have been employed in a skilled occupation for 12 months in the period of 24 months immediately before the application is made for 60, 50 or 40 points categories.

 Click Here to Complete the Online Assessment for a Skilled Visa to Australia

Australian Skilled Visa Process

The Skilled - Independent Visa (subclass 175) is based on a 2 stage application process.

• 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 judge if you have the required level of skill in your chosen occupation to practice in Australia.

• Stage 2

  Only when this positive skills assessment has been obtained can you continue to the DIAC stage of the application. This second stage requires you to provide proof that you fulfil all eligibility requirements and meet the pass mark.

Australian Skilled Visa Conditions

A successful applicant is given a 5 year multiple entry visa to live and work in Australia. You only need to live in Australia for 2 of the 5 years to have the visa reissued for a further 5 years. Alternatively, you can spend 4 consecutive years in Australia and be eligible for citizenship.

If you choose not to gain citizenship, however, you must apply for a Resident Return Visa before the original one expires in order to travel to and from Australia. To qualify for this you must demonstrate that you have spent 2 years lawfully living in Australia or that you have significant personal, cultural or business ties to Australia.

Fill out an Online Assessment to determine if you can qualify for an Australian Skilled - Independent Visa (subclass 175) as a highly skilled migrant.

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