Immigration News

• Points Test Update
• New Skilled Migration Points Test
• Snapshot - Partner Visa Eligibility Requirements
• New Skilled Migration Points Test
• Australian Immigration Update - 1 July 2010

The Skilled - Sponsored Visa entitles you to permanent residence in Australia based on a combination of your skills, your work experience and either sponsorship from a family member who is already a permanent resident of Australia or sponsorship by an Australian State or Territory.

This visa allows you and any secondary applicants included in your visa application to live as permanent residents in Australia.The current Skilled – Sponsored pass mark on the Points Test is 65 points.

To be eligible to apply for a Skilled - Sponsored visa, you must meet certain requirements:

• be under 50 years of age
• meet one of the following two criteria:

1. you are nominated by a State or Territory government agency on the basis of the nominated occupation, OR
2. you are sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who is over the age of 18, usually resident in Australia, who is related to you or your spouse (if applying together) and as either a parent, non dependent child, brother, sister, nephew or nice

• meet the English language requirement 
• nominate an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupations List - SOL Schedule 2
• have a suitable skills assessment from the relevant authority for the nominated occupation
• have either:

1. worked for 12 out of the last 24 months in an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL 2), OR
2. met the two year study requirement in the last six months with Australian qualification colsely related to the nominated occupation

• you and any migrating family members must satisfy health and character requirements

The Skilled - Sponsored is a permanent visa. As a permanent resident, you are permitted to remain in Australia indefinetly. This visa also allows you to travel to and enter Australia for five years form the date the visa is granted.

The expiry of this visa does not affect your permanent status if you are in Australia. However, if you wish to continue to travel to and from Australia as a permanent resident after the initial visa has expired, you must obtain a Resident Return Visa (RRV). Alternatively, you can spend four consecutive years in Australia and be eligible for Australian citizenship.

Do you qualify for an Australian Skilled Sponsored Visa? Look for an expert advice.