Have you ever considered the idea of starting a new chapter of your life in Australia? With its dynamic cities, stunning landscapes, and a thriving economy, it’s no surprise that many individuals dream of living and working in the Land Down Under.
But to make this dream a reality, you’ll need the right visa. In this article, we’ll shed light on the Skilled Migrant visa, the golden ticket that could open the doors to your Australian adventure.
The Skilled Migrant visa, designed to attract talented professionals who can enrich the Australian economy, is not just restricted to employed individuals.
Even small entrepreneurs with a yearly turnover less than AUD 500,000 and equity of AUD 800,000 can come under its purview. However, to qualify for this visa, there are several key criteria that you need to meet.
Firstly, you’ll need to show that your profession features on Australia’s occupation list – a comprehensive catalogue of jobs where the demand exceeds the local supply.
This could be anything from a surgeon to a software engineer, the spectrum is wide. Your skills, qualifications, and experience need to match up with what’s expected for the listed profession.
Beyond this, there are a few other prerequisites. You should fall within the age bracket of 18 to 45 years, possess a level of proficiency in English, have a clean bill of health, and a clear criminal record.
Additionally, you need to score well on a points-based test which considers factors like age, educational qualifications, professional experience, and English language skills.
The Skilled Migrant category is further divided into various subclasses of visas, each with their specific requirements. Let’s delve into a couple of them.
The Skilled Independent visa is for individuals whose professions feature on the ‘Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List’ – jobs that are currently in high demand across Australia.
This visa offers the liberty of settling anywhere within the country and doesn’t bind you to any particular employer. Imagine the freedom of exploring opportunities in cosmopolitan Sydney or laid-back Perth!
If your points score is less than required, or your profession is on the ‘Short-term Skilled Occupation List’, which lists jobs that are in demand in certain regions, you may consider the Skilled Nominated visa.
This visa requires a nomination from a state or sponsorship by a first-degree relative.
Remember, each Australian state has its own list of professions that they are willing to sponsor for a visa and their own set of nomination requirements.
Australia is a country that offers immense opportunities and a high standard of living. Making the big move might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be a smooth journey.
Now that you understand the basics of the Skilled Migrant visa, you’re one step closer to realizing your dream of living and working in Australia. Start gathering your documents and prepping for the points test – your Australian adventure awaits!
We recommend reaching out to the Australian immigration department or a certified immigration consultant for further details and personalized guidance.