Australian Skilled Sponsored Visa

The Skilled Sponsored visa is a permanent work visa for individuals who have the qualifications or skills that are needed by the Australian economy, but cannot meet the pass mark required to obtain a Skilled Independent visa.

Skilled Sponsored visa applicants are required to obtain a minimum of 65 points on a points assessment and must either obtain sponsorship from an eligible relative living in Australia or nomination from a participating State or Territory government. The assessment is such that applicants are required to be under 50 years of age and be able to demonstrate that they have a qualification or the skills of an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Employers seeking to sponsor or hire foreign workers can sign up for Australian Corporate Immigration Services.

Australian Skilled Sponsored Visa Basic Requirements

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has set specific basic requirements that all applicants must meet in order to apply for a visa in the General Skilled Migration program.

To qualify for a Skilled visa, applicants (or their partner) must be able to satisfy the basic visa requirements related to age, English language ability, occupation, skills, qualification, recent work experience, health and character.

In addition, applicants must also pass a points test. Points can be claimed in areas related to age, English language ability, specific work experience, spouse skills and other bonus categories.

The current pass mark for the Skilled Sponsored visa is 65 points.

To be sponsored by a relative, an applicant's relative must live in Australia* and be either:

• an Australian citizen;
• an Australian permanent resident; or
• an eligible New Zealand citizen.

The applicant (or their spouse) must be related their sponsor as either:

• a non-dependent child - including a natural, adoptive or step-child;
• a parent - including adoptive or step-parent;
• a brother or sister - including adoptive or step-siblings;
• a niece or nephew - including adoptive or step-niece or nephew; or
• an aunt or uncle - including adoptive or step-aunt or uncle.

* Additional requirements must be met if an applicant's relative lives in Sydney, Gosford, Newcastle or Wollongong.

To be nominated by a State or Territory government, applicants must satisfy specific criteria, as set by the particular State or Territory. These may include:

• having an occupation on the skills shortage list in that State or Territory; or
• demonstrating specialised skills in a particular region of that State or Territory.

Australian Skilled Sponsored Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Skilled Sponsored visa become permanent residents of Australia. Australian permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Australia on a permanent basis. Additional benefits of Australian permanent residence include access to government-subsidised healthcare (Medicare), certain social security benefits and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship.