Australia has 3 main avenues for sponsored permanent skilled migration.
Some Australian businesses experience a skills shortage in certain professions or trades. When this happens, accredited Australian employers are allowed to sponsor qualified candidates from overseas to fill the vacancy.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)
To qualify, you need to be sponsored by an employer. This visa entitles you to permanent residency in Australia.
To apply for this visa you need to:
- be sponsored by an Australian employer
- check your occupation is included on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- show that you are qualified in your nominated occupation by presenting recognized qualifications and experience and/or having your trade skills assessed by Trades Recognition Australia.
- pass police, health, language, age and character checks.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187)
To qualify, you need to be sponsored by an employer based in regional Australia. This visa entitles you to permanent residency in Australia.
To apply for this visa you need to:
- check your occupation is included on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- be sponsored by an Australian employer,
- work in regional Australia
- show that you are qualified in your nominated occupation by presenting recognized qualifications and experience and/or having your trade skills assessed by Trades Recognition Australia.
- pass police, health, language, age and character checks.
Skilled – Nominated visa (subclass 190)
To qualify, you must be invited by an Australian state or territory. This visa entitles you to permanent residency in Australia.
To apply for this visa you need to:
- check your occupation is included on the individual State or territory’s Sponsored Occupation List.
- submitting a SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
- show that you are qualified in your nominated occupation by presenting recognized qualifications and experience and/or having your trade skills assessed by Trades Recognition Australia.
- pass police, health, language, age and character checks.