The Skilled Stream of Australia's Migration (non-humanitarian) Program is specifically designed to target migrants who have skills or
outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy.
The Australian Government continues to emphasise skilled migration, while maintaining a commitment to family reunion migration.
The migration to Australia of people with qualifications and relevant work experience addresses specific skill shortages in Australia and
enhances the size, skill level and 'employability' factor of the Australian labour force.
There are five main categories of skilled migrants:
Independent Migrants
Independent migrants are selected on the basis of their education, skills and work experience, and their potential to contribute quickly to
the Australian economy. They are not sponsored by an employer or relative in Australia.
State/Territory Schemes
The
State/Territory Nominated Independent (STNI) Scheme enables State and Territory Governments to sponsor skilled
migrants and their families in the Independent Skilled category.
Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) - a sponsored temporary visa for skilled applicants who are willing to live and
work in Regional Australia where their particular skills are most needed. SIR visa holders can qualify for a Permanent Visa such as the
RSMS Visa (see below) after living in a regional area for at least two years.
Employer Nomination
Employers may nominate (or "sponsor") personnel from overseas through the following categories:
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) allows Australian employers to recruit, on a permanent basis,
'highly skilled' positions with non-Australian citizens, where they have been unable to fill a vacancy from the Australian labour market or
through their own training programs.
The
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) enables Australian employers in regional or low-growth areas to fill
'skilled' positions, on a permanent basis, with non-Australian citizens, where they have
been unable to fill a vacancy from the Australian labour market or through their own training programs.
The RSMS is one of several Government initiatives designed to help State and Territory Governments in their efforts to boost development in
regional Australia and less populated states/territories.
A
Labour Agreement, enables Australian employers to recruit a specified number of workers from overseas in
response to identified or emerging labour market (or skill) shortages. This is a formal arrangement negotiated between the Commonwealth
Government and the employer or industrial association.
The Business Skills program encourages successful business people to settle permanently in Australia and develop new business opportunities.
Distinguished Talent
This is a small category for distinguished individuals with special or unique talents of benefit to Australia.
The profile of people who have been successful under this category generally include sports people, musicians, artists and designers, all
of whom were internationally recognised as outstanding in their field.
Other Skilled Visa categories include:
Skilled Independent Overseas Student
Skilled Australian Sponsored Overseas Student
Skilled Designated Area Sponsored Overseas Student
New DIMIA Skilled Migration Web site
Effective July 1, 2005 detailed General Skilled Migration information is available from a new DIMIA Web site:
www.immi.gov.au/migration/skilled/
Questbay Migration Services welcomes your Skilled Migration enquiries and looks forward to offering its experienced services and support.
Email enquiries to: info@migrateaustral.com
