Permanent Visas

Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (subclass 176)

This visa allows you to migrate to Australia if you have good English language skills and have skills and qualifications in an occupation in need in Australia. You must be sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia or obtain nomination from a participating State or Territory government agency. 

This visa uses a points test to select visa applicants with characteristics needed in the Australian labour market.   The On 1 July 2011 the points test underwent significant changes, and the pass mark for this visa is now 65 points. If you score less than 65 points, your application will be refused.

Applicants must also:

• be under 50 years of age;
• nominate and hold a skilled assessment for an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL);
• have a competent level of English (minimum score of 6 in each of the four IELTS test components;
• have been employed for 12 out of the last 24 months in an occupation listed on the SOL; OR

• have been awarded a qualification in the last six months following at least two years of study in Australia. The qualification must be closely related to the nominated occupation.

Note: All State and Territory governments in Australia are participating in this visa scheme.

For full details of the current skilled migration points test, please click here.