Immigration to Australia

Employer-sponsored visas allow Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers for positions they cannot fill locally. Key visa subclasses include:

• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): For employers to address temporary skill shortages by sponsoring overseas workers.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): For skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer for permanent residence.
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187): For skilled workers nominated by an employer in regional Australia.

Australian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members to join them in Australia. Family visa categories include:

• Partner Visas: For spouses, de facto partners, and fiancés of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Parent Visas: For parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
• Child Visas: For dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
• Other Family Visas: For other family members such as aged dependent relatives, remaining relatives, and carers.

Australia offers several pathways for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners:

• Business Innovation and Investment Program: For business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs who want to establish or develop a business in Australia.
• Global Talent Visa Program: For highly skilled individuals in target sectors who can contribute to Australia's economy.
• Significant Investor Visa: For individuals willing to invest at least AUD 5 million in complying investments in Australia.

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily. There are two streams:

• Graduate Work Stream: For international students with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
• Post-Study Work Stream: For international students who have completed a Bachelor's degree or higher qualification in Australia.

The minimum points required for skilled migration visas is 65. However, receiving an invitation to apply depends on your ranking against other candidates. Higher scores increase your chances of receiving an invitation. Our consultants can help you understand the latest invitation trends and strategies to improve your points score.

Processing times vary by visa subclass and individual circumstances. Skilled visas typically take 6-12 months after receiving an invitation to apply. Employer-sponsored visas can take 6-9 months, while family visas may take 12-24 months or longer. These timelines can change based on application volumes and other factors.

A job offer is not mandatory for many skilled migration visas (such as Subclass 189). However, for employer-sponsored visas (like Subclass 186 or 482), a job offer from an approved Australian employer is required. Having a job offer can also add points to your skilled migration points score, increasing your chances of receiving an invitation.

The Department of Home Affairs accepts the following English language tests:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
• Occupational English Test (OET)

The required scores vary depending on the visa subclass and the level of English proficiency required (functional, vocational, competent, proficient, or superior).

Yes, most Australian visas allow you to include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your application. They will receive the same visa status as you. For other family members, you may need to sponsor them separately after becoming a permanent resident or citizen of Australia.