SKILLED VISAS

Australia is facing a severe skills shortage and with the booming mining industry employers will be searching for skilled workers from overseas for many years.

New regulations were introduced in September 1st, 2007 to “simplify’ the skilled visa program.

There are various visa options but for most the basic criteria are:

Age – under 45 years

English – Level 6 IELTS  (except for trade occupations)

Qualifications –  your skills must be assessed by the relevant authority in Australia.

Work Experience – a minimum of 12 months (in the 24 months prior to lodging an application) work experience is required in a skilled occupation  except for applicants who have completed 2 years study in Australia in the 6 months prior to lodging the application.

OCCUPATION - you must nominate one occupation in the SOL http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121i.pdf

OPTIONS - There are both temporary and permanent skilled visa options:

Graduate

Independent

Sponsored – state  or  family

FREE ON LINE ASSESSMENT