Skilled Migration Program

As a result of the skills shortage crisis in Australia, over the last decade the Australian Government has geared the migration program towards Skilled Migration. In 1995-96 the Skilled Migration component of the migration program made up only 29.2% overall. This share increased to 52.6% in 2000-01, 57.5 in 2001-02, 61.1% in 2002-03, 62% in 2003-04, and 65% in 2004-05. For 2008, the Government has allocated over 102, 500 Skilled Migration places, which is great news for potential migrants.

The Skilled Migration Program is divided into two main categories, which are:

• Offshore General Skilled – Both temporary and permanent visas available for applicants living outside Australia.
• Onshore General Skilled – Temporary, provisional and permanent visas available for applicants living inside Australia.

Within these categories there are a number of different subclasses as shown below, some of which require sponsorship by a relative already residing in Australia or from a participating State or Territory Government Agency and some can be lodged without a sponsor. If you are not able to meet the requirements of one of the Permanent visas, a temporary or provisional visa can provide a pathway to permanent residency. The majority of skilled visas require you to undergo a Points Test to determine whether you have the characteristics needed in the Australian labour market.