Immigration Categories
General Skilled Migration (GSM) – Points Tested
Major changes to the GSM program came into effect on 1 September 2007 and affect all visa applications lodged after that date. Many of the old visa categories have been abolished or have been merged into new subclasses. The basic requirements are that:
- Under 45 years of age at the time of application;
- Your occupation is on the current list of skilled occupations.
- Meet the new English Language Threshold.
- Have recent work experience or meet the 2 year study requirement;
- Satisfy health and character requirements; and
- Meet the pass mark on the points test.
The pass mark for independent visa applications is 120 and for sponsored applications is100. Some of the changes that have recently been implemented include:
- English Language threshold is now “competent English” for non-trade occupations which means that you must obtain a score of at least 6 in each of the categories of the IELTS English test. Extra points are available for applicants who have “proficient English” (which means a score of 7 in each of the four IELTS components);
- The threshold of “vocational English” remains for trade occupations;
- There are new uniform work experience requirements.
- Points are no longer points awarded for having a relative (parent, sibling or aunt or uncle) sponsor you, but the pass mark for the sponsored categories of visa has been lowered to compensate;
- the old state and territory nomination scheme has been abolished and now additional points are scored if you have a state or territory nomination;
- additional points are awarded if your relative lives in a designated area;
- the SSASSL has been abolished (which means there are no longer restrictions placed on the occupations that relatives who live in Sydney can sponsor);
- points are no longer available for making a capital investment;
Employer Nominations – The new GSM changes have not altered the employer nomination scheme (ENS).Australian employers are able to recruit skilled people from overseas when they have been unable to find a suitable Australian to fill the position.
Temporary Working Visas – There are many other categories of visa which allow temporary entry into Australia. Many of these will allow for work rights. In particular, you may be able to secure sponsorship from an Australian business to work in Australia for four years. This is known as a long stay business visa.
Distinguished Talent Applicants for this visa must be nominated by an Australian organization or person and is only for people who have a record of exceptional achievement in their occupation, field of endeavour or in the arts or sport.
People with successful careers as a business owners, senior executives or investors may be eligible to apply in the business skills categories. Applicants for these classes of visa may either be independent or sponsored by a state or territory. In general the requirements are slightly easier to meet if sponsorship is obtained. In addition (with the exception of the business talent visa) these visas are provisional for a period of two years.
Common criteria for provisional visas: For all classes the applicant must show a commitment to establishing a business (or making an investment) in Australia, a need to be temporarily resident in Australia, must have no adverse business history and must pass health and character requirements.
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