In this post I have compiled some general information about Australian visas that might be of interest to wall and floor tillers , who are qualified trades people .It is just a basic overview , intended as an introduction to the various available options for those who are thinking of migrating and haven’t done any in-depth research yet.If you have any questions or are seeking additional information, feel free to contact me Please note that this information is of a general nature only and does not constitute legal or migration advice.Please also note that rules and regulations change constantly and often at short notice.[Always check the latest information on the officialDepartment of Immigration and Citizenship web-site
Most qualified trades people wishing to migrate to Australia would apply for either a General Skilled or an Employer Sponsored visa.
PART 1 Permanent Visas.
In this section we are concentrating on people who are currently living outside Australia.
General Skilled Migration
Skilled Independent Visa (175)
In order to qualify for this visa you need to meet the following criteria :
At the time of application:
-you must be under 45 years of age at the time you lodge your visa application.
-you must list an occupation from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
-you must have a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation
-you must have vocational or competent English
-you must have been employed in “a skilled occupation” for at least 12 of the 24 months before application
*”a skilled occupation” is any occupation that is on the SOL. It does not have to be the same as your nominated occupation.
At the time of decision:
-you must have a score of at least 120 in the GSM point test
-all applicants must meet health, character and public interest criteria.
Skilled-Sponsored Visa (176)
In order to qualify for this visa you need to meet the following criteria :
At the time of application:
-you must be under 45 years of age at the time you lodge your visa application.
-you must list an occupation from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
-you must have a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation
-you must have vocational or competent English
-you must have been employed in “a skilled occupation” for at least 12 of the 24 months before application
*”a skilled occupation” is any occupation that is on the SOL. It does not have to be the same as your nominated occupation.
At the time of decision:
-you must have a score of at least 100 in the GSM point test
-you must be sponsored by a relative in Australia or you must have been nominated by a State or Territory government and the sponsorship or nomination must have been accepted.
-all applicants must meet health, character and public interest criteria.
Note: for State or Territory nomination there are some additional requirements which can differ for each State or Territory.
Employer Sponsored Migration
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (121)
The sponsoring business must first lodge a nomination application. The nominated occupation must be on the Employer Nomination Scheme Occupation List (ENSOL) and there are various other requirements the employer must meet for the nomination to be approved. The position must be available for a minimum of 3 years minimum.
To apply for this visa you can be in or outside Australia, but you must be outside Australia for granting of the visa.
In order to qualify for this visa you need to meet the following criteria :
-you must be nominated for a position with a minimum annual salary of AUD $ 165000.
or
-you have been employed in the nominated occupation for at least 3 years before the application is lodged and you have obtained a positive skills assessment.
-you must be under 45 years of age at the time you lodge your visa application.
-if your nominated occupation has mandatory licensing or registration requirements in
Australia, then you must hold, or be eligible to hold, the relevant license or registration
at the time the application is lodged.
-you must have vocational English.
-all applicants must meet health, character and public interest criteria.
It is possible to apply for “Exceptional Circumstance” re. age, English language and work experience, if you do not meet the basic criteria.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (119)
The sponsoring employer must first apply to the closest Regional Certifying Body to have the position certified.
After receiving approval from the Regional Certifying Body the sponsoring employer must lodge a nomination application. The employer must demonstrate that they have a genuine vacancy and why they need an overseas employee to fill the position. There are various other requirements the employer must meet for the nomination to be approved.The position must be available for a minimum of 2 years and be located in a regional area of Australia.
To apply for this visa you can be in or outside Australia, but you must be outside Australia for granting of the visa.
In order to qualify for this visa you need to meet the following criteria :
-you must hold a diploma or higher qualification relevant to the position you are to fill.
-you must be under 45 years of age at the time you lodge your visa application.
-if your nominated occupation has mandatory licensing or registration requirements in
Australia, then you must hold, or be eligible to hold, the relevant license or registration
at the time the application is lodged.
-you must have functional English.
-all applicants must meet health, character and public interest criteria.
It is possible to apply for “Exceptional Circumstance” re. age, English language and work experience, if you do not meet the basic criteria.
If you have any questions or are seeking additional information, feel free to contact me.

Nick van Voorst