2.1.3 SKILLED PROFESSIONAL MIGRATION

For General Skiled Migration to Australia, you or your spouse must be able to satisfy the following basic
requirements:

Age

- You must be under 45 when you apply

English

- You must have sufficient ability in English for working in Australia
- A higher level of English is reequired for certain occupations where English ability forms part of the skills
  assessment
- In the Skills-Designated Area Sponsored categories and the Skill Matching visa category you may be
  eligible with a lower level of English

Qualifications

- You must have post-secondary (such as university or trade) qualifications (in a small number of
  occupations substantial, relevant work experience may be acceptable)
- Your skills must have been assessed by the relevant Australian skills assessing authority as suitable
  for your nominated occupation

Nominated Occupation

- When you apply, you must nominate a skilled occupation which fits your skills and qualifications
- Your nominated occupation must be on the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural and
  Indigenous Affairs' (DIMIA) Skilled Occupations List (SOL)
- If your nominated occupation is not on the list you cannot apply

Recent Work Experience

- This requirement is separate to the need to have your skills assessed as suitable for you nominated
  occupation before you apply.
         - If your nominated occupation is worth 60 points, you must provide evidence of work experience
          for at least 12 of the 18 months immediately before applying
         - If your nominated occupation is worth 40 or 50 points, you must provide evidence that you have
           been in paid employment in an occupation on the SOL for at least 2 of 3 years immediately before
           applying
         - In the Skill Matching or Skilled-Designated Area Sponsored categories, you may be eligible with
           less work experience

- You do not need to meet work experience requirement if you have completed an Australian qualification
  less than 6 months before lodging your visa application

PERMANENT VISA CLASSES :

- Family Visa
- Business Professional Visa
- Skilled Professional Visa
- Retirement Visa