AUSTRALIAN SKILLED VISAS – SKILLED VISA REQUIREMENTS

All applicants for skilled visas must be able to demonstrate the following basic requirements:

Age - Applicants must be at least 18 years old and younger than 45 at the time of application.

English language - In most cases, applicants must have "functional" or "vocational" English. This means that they must speak English well enough to communicate in a work environment in Australia.

Nominated occupation -In order to apply for a skilled visa, applicants must nominate an occupation that appears on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Those with professions that are not on the list are not eligible to apply. Once applicants nominate an occupation, they must have their skills assessed by a government appointed Australian Assessing Authority in order to determine if their skills are appropriate for this visa type.

Qualifications -In order to qualify for most kinds of skilled visas, applicants must have either university or trade qualifications. There are some exceptions in a small number of occupations, where substantial work experience might suffice. The relevant Skills Assessment Authority will assess all certificates and work experience skills.

Recent work experience - Applicants are required to have recent work experience in their nominated occupation at the time the visa is lodged. However, this requirement is waived for students with Australian qualifications (generally onshore applicants).

Recent work experience exemption - Applicants who have studied for at least two years in Australia may have the work experience requirement waived if they lodge their skilled visa application within six months of completing their studies.