Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): This visa allows skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state, or territory government to live and work in Australia permanently. Applicants must meet the points test based on factors like age, English proficiency, and work experience.
Employer Sponsored Visas (subclass 482, 186, 187): These visas allow employers to sponsor skilled workers to work in Australia temporarily or permanently, depending on the visa subclass. They include the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187).
Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188): This visa is for business owners, investors, and senior executives who wish to establish a business or invest in Australia. It has several streams, including the Investor Stream, Significant Investor Stream, and Entrepreneur Stream, each with specific requirements and investment thresholds.
Investor Stream: This stream of the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188) is for experienced investors who want to make a designated investment in an Australian state or territory and maintain business or investment activity in Australia.
Significant Investor Stream: The Significant Investor Stream of the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188) is for high-net-worth individuals who are willing to invest a significant sum into complying investments in Australia for a specified period.
Entrepreneur Stream: The Entrepreneur Stream of the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188) is for entrepreneurs who have a funding agreement from a third party for at least AUD200,000 to undertake a complying entrepreneur activity in Australia.
Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (subclass 132): This visa is for high-caliber business owners or entrepreneurs who are nominated by a state or territory government agency and are willing to establish or develop a business in Australia.
Global Talent Independent Program: This program aims to attract highly skilled individuals to Australia in target sectors where there is a demonstrated need for exceptional talent. It offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for individuals with exceptional skills in specific industries.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): This visa allows employers to address labor shortages by sponsoring skilled workers from overseas to work in Australia on a temporary basis, provided they cannot find suitable workers locally.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187): This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia permanently, provided they are nominated by an employer in a regional area of Australia.
Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 887): This visa is for skilled workers who have lived and worked in specified regional areas of Australia on a previous eligible visa and want to apply for permanent residency.
State Nomination Programs: Various Australian states and territories operate nomination programs to attract skilled migrants to fill specific skills shortages in their regions. These programs are often linked to certain visa subclasses, such as the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 491).
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers for permanent residency to fill skilled vacancies in their businesses.
SkillSelect Program: SkillSelect is an online system used by the Australian government to manage its skilled migration program. It allows skilled workers interested in migrating to Australia to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be considered for skilled visas by prospective employers or state and territory governments.
Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (subclass 888): This visa allows holders of certain provisional business visas to apply for permanent residency after meeting specific requirements related to their business or investment activities in Australia.
Family-Sponsored Visas: These visas allow Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their family members to live and work in Australia permanently or temporarily, depending on the visa subclass.
Business Visitor Visas (subclass 600): This visa allows business people to visit Australia for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations. It is suitable for short-term stays and does not permit work in Australia.
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa pathway constitutes a significant portion of Australia’s skilled migration program, with approximately 13,000 visas granted in the 2019-2020 migration year alone. According to Department of Home Affairs data, skilled independent migrants accounted for around 39% of the total skilled migration intake during that period. This visa stream attracts individuals with high levels of skills and qualifications, contributing to Australia’s workforce and economy across various sectors.
Employer Sponsored Visas (subclass 482, 186, 187): Employer-sponsored visas are vital for addressing labor shortages in Australia. In the 2018-2019 migration year, there were over 100,000 primary visa grants under the Employer Sponsored Visa program. These visas enable Australian businesses to fill skilled positions with overseas workers, supporting industries such as healthcare, IT, and engineering. The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) alone accounted for nearly 45% of the total visas granted in this category, highlighting its significance in meeting labor demands.
Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188): The Business Innovation and Investment Visa program is instrumental in attracting entrepreneurial talent to Australia. In the 2019-2020 migration year, there were over 2,500 visas granted under the Business Innovation and Investment Visa program. Among these, the Significant Investor Stream constituted a notable portion, with approximately 34% of the total visas granted. This pathway encourages high-net-worth individuals to invest in Australian businesses and ventures, stimulating economic growth and innovation across the country.
Investor Stream: The Investor Stream of the Business Innovation and Investment Visa program appeals to individuals seeking to invest in Australian businesses. According to Department of Home Affairs statistics, there were over 500 visas granted under the Investor Stream in the 2019-2020 migration year. This stream requires a minimum investment of AUD 1.5 million in Australian securities and managed funds, contributing to the development of local enterprises and job creation. Investors under this pathway play a vital role in stimulating economic activity and fostering innovation in Australia.
Significant Investor Stream: Australia’s Significant Investor Stream is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals who are willing to make substantial investments in the country. Data from the Department of Home Affairs reveals that in the 2019-2020 migration year, over 800 visas were granted under the Significant Investor Stream. This pathway requires a minimum investment of AUD 5 million in complying investments, such as venture capital, startups, and infrastructure projects. By attracting significant investment, this stream drives economic development and creates employment opportunities across various sectors in Australia.
Entrepreneur Stream: The Entrepreneur Stream of the Business Innovation and Investment Visa program aims to facilitate the entry of innovative entrepreneurs into Australia. According to official statistics, there were over 200 visas granted under the Entrepreneur Stream in the 2019-2020 migration year. This pathway requires applicants to have funding agreements from third-party investors of at least AUD 200,000 to undertake entrepreneurial activities in Australia. By encouraging entrepreneurial ventures, this stream fosters innovation, job creation, and economic growth in the country’s startup ecosystem.
Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (subclass 132): The Business Talent Visa is a key pathway for attracting high-caliber business owners and entrepreneurs to Australia. Data from the Department of Home Affairs indicates that in the 2018-2019 migration year, over 2,000 visas were granted under the Business Talent Visa program. This pathway requires nomination by a state or territory government agency, highlighting the importance of regional development and investment. Business Talent Visa holders contribute to Australia’s economy by establishing and developing successful businesses, creating employment opportunities, and driving innovation in various industries.
Global Talent Independent Program: Australia’s Global Talent Independent Program aims to attract highly skilled individuals with specialized expertise to the country. According to recent figures, the program has identified over 15,000 candidates with exceptional skills across various sectors since its inception. Among them, over 5,000 individuals have been granted visas, demonstrating the program’s success in attracting top talent to Australia. By targeting specific industries and professions facing skill shortages, the Global Talent Independent Program strengthens Australia’s workforce, fosters innovation, and enhances its global competitiveness in the rapidly evolving global economy.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa plays a crucial role in addressing immediate skill gaps in the Australian labor market. Statistics from the Department of Home Affairs indicate that in the 2019-2020 migration year, over 25,000 primary visas were granted under this category. This pathway allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill positions that cannot be filled locally. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa holders contribute to various industries, including healthcare, IT, engineering, and hospitality, supporting economic growth and productivity in Australia.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187): The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme provides a pathway for skilled workers to settle in regional areas of Australia. According to recent data, over 3,000 visas were granted under this scheme in the 2018-2019 migration year. This pathway aims to address skill shortages in regional areas and support local economic development. Employers in regional areas can sponsor skilled workers for permanent residency under this scheme, contributing to the growth and sustainability of regional communities across Australia.
Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 887): The Skilled Regional Visa offers a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who have lived and worked in regional areas of Australia. In the 2019-2020 migration year, over 7,000 visas were granted under this category, reflecting its importance in retaining skilled workers in regional communities. This visa allows holders to contribute to the economic and social development of regional areas, supporting industries such as agriculture, tourism, and healthcare. By incentivizing settlement in regional Australia, the Skilled Regional Visa helps address population growth imbalances and promotes regional prosperity.
State Nomination Programs: State and territory governments play a significant role in Australia’s skilled migration program through nomination programs. Statistics from recent years indicate that state and territory governments nominate thousands of skilled migrants annually. These programs allow states and territories to address specific skill shortages and attract talent to support their economic priorities. State nomination programs are often linked to visa subclasses such as the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 491), providing pathways for skilled migrants to settle and contribute to regional and state economies.
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): The Employer Nomination Scheme is a pathway for skilled workers nominated by Australian employers for permanent residency. Recent data shows that in the 2019-2020 migration year, over 8,000 visas were granted under this scheme. This pathway benefits Australian businesses by allowing them to sponsor skilled workers to fill critical positions that cannot be filled locally. Employer Nomination Scheme visa holders contribute to various industries, including healthcare, IT, engineering, and construction, supporting economic growth and productivity in Australia.
SkillSelect Program: Australia’s SkillSelect program manages the country’s skilled migration intake through an online platform. According to Department of Home Affairs statistics, SkillSelect has received over 200,000 expressions of interest (EOIs) since its inception. This program allows skilled workers interested in migrating to Australia to submit their EOIs and be considered for skilled visas by prospective employers or state and territory governments. SkillSelect plays a crucial role in targeting skilled migration to address specific skill shortages and meet the evolving needs of Australia’s labor market.
Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (subclass 888): The Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa offers a pathway to permanent residency for holders of certain provisional business visas. Data from the Department of Home Affairs shows that in the 2018-2019 migration year, over 1,500 visas were granted under this category. This pathway requires applicants to meet specific requirements related to their business or investment activities in Australia. By facilitating the transition to permanent residency, the Business Innovation and Investment Visa supports the ongoing contribution of skilled entrepreneurs and investors to Australia’s economy and innovation ecosystem.
Family-Sponsored Visas: Family-sponsored visas allow Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their family members to live and work in Australia. Recent statistics indicate that family-sponsored visas constitute a significant portion of Australia’s migration program, with over 50,000 visas granted annually. These visas enable family reunification and support social cohesion by allowing family members to join their loved ones in Australia. Family-sponsored migrants contribute to various sectors of the economy and enrich Australia’s cultural diversity and social fabric.
Business Visitor Visas (subclass 600): Business Visitor Visas facilitate short-term visits to Australia for business purposes such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations. According to Department of Home Affairs data, over 300,000 Business Visitor Visas were granted in the 2019-2020 migration year. These visas enable international businesspeople to engage in legitimate business activities in Australia, supporting trade, investment, and collaboration with Australian businesses. Business Visitor Visa holders contribute to Australia’s economy by fostering international partnerships, knowledge exchange, and economic growth in various industries and sectors.
Here are some helpful resources for further information:
Australian Migration Agents Authority: Explore the Australian Migration Agents Authority website for information on registered migration agents who can provide professional assistance and guidance throughout the skilled regional sponsored visa application process. Access the Australian Migration Agents Authority
Australian Government – Study in Australia: Considering further study as part of your skilled migration journey? The Study in Australia website offers insights into educational opportunities across the country, including those in regional areas. Explore Study in Australia
Australian Government – Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS): The ABS provides data and statistics on various aspects of Australian life, including regional demographics, employment trends, and economic indicators. Gain insights into regional Australia through their comprehensive reports. Visit the ABS website
Australian Government – Australian Taxation Office (ATO): Understanding taxation obligations is crucial for migrants to Australia. Explore the ATO website for information on tax requirements, including those specific to regional areas. Access the Australian Taxation Office
Australian Government – MyGov: MyGov is a convenient online portal for accessing various Australian Government services, including those related to visas and migration. Stay updated on visa applications and communications through the MyGov platform. Sign in to MyGov
Australian Government – Department of Health: Health and medical requirements are integral to the skilled migration process. Visit the Department of Health website for information on health services, insurance, and requirements for visa applicants. Visit the Department of Health
Regional Australia Institute: Explore resources and support services for settling and working in regional Australia. Learn about regional areas and employment opportunities. Regional Australia Institute
Migration Institute of Australia: Access valuable resources and updates on Australian migration policies and procedures. Find accredited migration professionals for visa assistance. Migration Institute of Australia
Australian Government – Department of Education: Explore education options and resources for families moving to Australia on a skilled work regional visa. Department of Education
Australian Government – Business and Industry Portal: Discover opportunities for business and investment in regional Australia. Access information on industries and regional development initiatives. Business and Industry Portal
Just Australia: Information hub providing articles, guides, and resources on various aspects of living and working in Australia, including immigration pathways for older individuals. Visit Just Australia
Australia Forum: Online community and discussion platform where individuals can seek advice, share experiences, and ask questions related to immigration, visas, and living in Australia. Visit the Australia Forum
Australian Skilled Migration: Discover tailored migration services and assistance for skilled workers seeking visa extensions and permanent residency in Australia. Australian Skilled Migration
Immigration Lawyer Australia: Access legal expertise and personalized advice on skilled visa extensions and migration pathways from experienced immigration lawyers. Immigration Lawyer Australia
Australian Citizenship – Wikipedia: Wikipedia page providing an overview of Australian citizenship, its history, eligibility requirements, and acquisition process. Australian Citizenship – Wikipedia
Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) Providers: Various OVHC providers offer health insurance policies tailored to the needs of visa applicants and holders in Australia. Their websites provide information on coverage options and how to purchase insurance. Visit OVHC Providers
Regional Development Australia
Network of organizations promoting economic growth and development in regional Australia, providing information on job opportunities and regional initiatives. Regional Development Australia
Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
Regulatory body overseeing the quality of vocational education and training providers in Australia, offering resources for skill development and accreditation. Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
Regional Australia Institute
Organization focused on promoting economic development and opportunities in regional Australia, including information on job prospects and living in regional areas. Regional Australia Institute
Seek
Leading job search platform in Australia, connecting job seekers with employers offering opportunities across various industries and regions. Seek
LinkedIn
Professional networking platform where job seekers can connect with employers, recruiters, and industry professionals, often featuring job listings in Australia. LinkedIn
Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Official website providing information on Australia’s foreign policies, trade relations, and diplomatic efforts, relevant for those considering immigration. Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
Government agency promoting trade, investment, and innovation opportunities in Australia. Austrade
Engineers Australia: Engineers Australia is the designated assessing authority for engineering occupations in Australia. Their website provides valuable resources and information for engineering graduates applying for skilled visas. Visit Engineers Australia
Australia Visa Advice
Professional advice on all aspects of Australian visas and citizenship, including eligibility for those with Australian citizen parents.
Australia Visa Advice
Australians Together – Citizenship
Insights into the citizenship process, including the importance of understanding cultural and societal values as part of becoming an Australian citizen.
Australians Together
