Looking for Job in Sydney
In 2012, Australia implemented a major change in how it manages migration to Australia for skilled workers and business people. Those who are interested in living and working in Australia and have a skill that is in short supply or is in high demand can use SkillSelect. SkillSelect is an online registration where an interested person can record their personal and work information, in the form of an EOI (Expression of Interest) which can then be accessed by Australia companies, as well as state and territory governments. Through this system, you may receive an invitation to apply for a visa — sometimes for a specific job with a company and in other instances by the government as an independent worker. Please see http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect for more information.
The points-based visas are still in effect and are required after you are invited or nominated through SkillSelect. For more information or to check your points value, visit and of the websites below and click on the Points tab.
The four most common visas are:
Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)
A permanent visa for people with skills in demand in the Australian labour market. Applicants are not sponsored and must pass the points test, but you are required to be invited to apply after you have submitted your EOI to SkillSelect. For more information on this visa, visit: http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/index/visas/subclass-189.
Once awarded the validity is as a permanent resident which enables:
- Live and work in Australia on a permanent basis
- Study
- Receive subsidised health care through Medicare
- Access selected social security payments
- Be eligible for Australian citizenship
- Sponsor people for permanent residence
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This visa is more difficult to gain than the Independent Visa above. You, your spouse or inter-dependent partner must be sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia or you can obtain nomination from a participating state or territory government agency after submitting your EOI through SkillSelect.
- This visa grants indefinite stay and unlimited entry.
- You can live anywhere in Australia.
- Study
- Apply for Australian citizenship
- Your partner and dependents can be included as secondary applicants.
For more information, visit http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/index/visas/subclass-190.
Skilled – Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) (subclass 489)
This visa is similiar to the one above except that it limits the visa holder to a designated area in Australia.
- This visa is for four years.
- You can apply for permanent residence after two years stay and completing at least 12 months of work.
- You must be sponsored by a relative or nominated by a participating state or territory.
- You must also be under 45 years of age and have the skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
- You will be required to live and work in a specified regional area.
- You will not be eligible for social security or Medicare.
- Your partner and dependents can be included as secondary applicants.
For more information, visit http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/index/visas/subclass-489.
Skilled Recognised Graduate
This visa allows recent graduates of selected overseas universities to gain up to 18 months of skilled work experience in occupations in demand in Australia.
- This visa is for 18 months and unlimited entries.
- You can apply for a permanent visa as a holder of this visa.
- You need to have completed degree at a recognised institution in the last 2 years to be eligible.
- You will not be eligible for social security or Medicare.
- Your partner and dependents can be included as secondary applicants.
Visit http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect for the complete list of visas that are available if you are nominated or invited after you EOI has been submitted through SkillSelect. If you wish to live and work in Australia and you do not currently have a job offer, submitting your EOI should be your very first step.
