A) Skilled Independent Visa

The Skilled Independent visa, subclass 189, is tailored for highly qualified individuals with relevant work experience, aiming to address Australia's skills deficits. Successful candidates are granted permanent residency. This visa caters to those with university or trade qualifications.

Subclass 189 is for skilled professionals wishing to live and work permanently in Australia in professions listed on the Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL). Applicants can be inside or outside Australia during the application process and when the visa is awarded. However, this visa is invitation-only, requiring an initial Expression of Interest submission to the Department of Home Affairs.

This particular visa stream is designed for skilled workers who are evaluated based on a points system and do not have sponsorship from an employer, family, or a state/territory government. It grants the freedom to work and settle in Australia indefinitely. If applying under the Skilled Independent (Pointed-tested) stream, an expression of interest is mandatory. Additionally, New Zealand citizens might qualify for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) (New Zealand) stream.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Skilled Independent visa, subclass 189, applicants must:

• Possess a relevant occupation.
• Obtain a valid skills assessment for their occupation.
• Achieve a minimum of 60 points on the points test.
• Be below 45 years of age when invited.
• Demonstrate competent English proficiency.
• Receive an invitation from the government to apply.
• Satisfy both health and character criteria.

Points are awarded in the following categories:

These appear to be the various factors or criteria that might be considered for a points-based skilled visa application, such as the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189. To put it in context:

• Age: Points are awarded based on the age bracket of the applicant.
• English Language Ability: Proficiency in English, ranging from competent to superior, can earn applicants varying points.
• Previous Australian and Overseas Skilled Work Experience: Points may be allocated depending on the number of years of work experience in Australia and abroad.
• International Qualifications: The level of education and its relevance can also earn points.
• Australian Study Requirements and Awards: Completing specific courses or studies in Australia can contribute to the overall points.
• Credentialed Community Language Qualifications: Proficiency in certain community languages recognized by NAATI can fetch additional points.
• Regional Australian Study: Studying in regional Australia might give applicants extra points.
• Spouse Skill Qualifications: If a partner has certain skills or qualifications, it can contribute to the applicant's total points.
• Professional Year in Australia: Completing a professional year in a specific field in Australia can also add to the points total.

Each of these criteria contributes to an applicant's eligibility in the points test for visas such as the Skilled Independent visa.

This visa enables skilled professionals, nominated by an Australian state or territory, to reside and work in Australia as permanent residents. It offers an alternative pathway for those who might not meet the points requirement for the Skilled Independent Visa, allowing them to pursue permanent residency via state or territory sponsorship. Applicants for this sponsored skilled visa category are evaluated based on their expertise and must secure a nomination from a state or territory.

Eligibility

• Meet the points test pass of 60 points
• Be under 45 years of age at time of invitation
• Have Competent English
• Be invited by the Department of Homes Affairs to apply
• Meet the health and character requirements

To be eligible for this via, you must:

• Have a relevant occupation
• Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation

Points are awarded in the following categories:

• Age
• English
• Australia and Overseas Work Experience
• Australia study
• Qualifications
• Community Language
• Regional Australian Study
• Spouse Skills
• State Sponsorship Points
• Professional Year

Post-Study or Graduate Visa Overview

The Temporary Graduate Visa is designed for international students who've recently completed their education in Australia, granting them the opportunity to live, work, and continue their studies in the country on a temporary basis.

Eligible students can only apply once as the primary applicant for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).

This visa comprises two main streams:

Graduate Work Stream

This is tailored for students who've recently earned their degree with skills and qualifications pertinent to occupations deemed in demand over the medium to long term in the Australian job market.

Post-Study Work Stream

This stream caters to students who've recently acquired a relevant qualification from an Australian institution, irrespective of their specific field of study.

It's crucial for the primary applicant and any dependents included in the application to be physically present in Australia both at the time of application and when the visa decision is made.

Eligibility Criteria

For qualification under this visa, candidates must adhere to the subsequent prerequisites:

• Be below 50 years of age.
• Possess an appropriate visa.
• Have recently completed a course registered with CRICOS.
• Fulfill specific criteria of the chosen stream.
• Satisfy both health and character standards.
• Enroll in Australian health services like Medicare.

Depending on the stream:

• For the Graduate Work Stream, the qualification should align with an occupation on the skilled occupation list.
• For the Post-Study Work Stream, the qualification should be a higher education degree.

It's essential to acknowledge that applicants must secure their employment. The Australian government won't facilitate job placements.

The Skilled Regional visa is designed for skilled professionals aiming to live and work in Australia's regional areas or low population growth metropolitan regions for a duration of up to four years.

This visa offers three distinct pathways:

• Extended Stay Pathway
• Invited Pathway
• Subsequent Entry Pathway

A notable feature is that this visa could serve as a precursor to the permanent skilled regional visa (subclass 887).

Eligibility Criteria

For potential candidates to qualify for this visa, they should:

• For the Extended Stay Pathway, hold one of the following visas: subclass 475, 487, 495, or 496.
• For the Invited Pathway, either be nominated by a state/territory government agency or have sponsorship from an eligible relative. Additionally, they must receive an invitation to apply.
• Possess a relevant occupation and have a pertinent skills assessment.
• Achieve at least 60 points on the points test.
• Be younger than 45 years when invited.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

Points can be earned based on:

• Age
• English proficiency
• Work experience, both within and outside Australia
• Australian educational background
• Academic qualifications
• Proficiency in certain community languages
• Regional Australian education
• Spouse's skills and qualifications
• State or family sponsorship
• Completion of a professional year in Australia