Visa Subclasses And Additional Tips

Description of visa subclasses

 

Following is a description of the main requirements for various visa subclasses. Please note, information provided in this document is general information, every situation is different. To confirm precise requirements and best options for your specific situation, we would like to invite you arrange a consultation appointment with one of our specialists to obtain detailed information. Read more about what a consultation involves.

 

Employer Sponsored visas

 

457

If you find an employer willing to sponsor you, you can apply for a 457 Temporary work (Subclass 457) visa and then apply for permanent residency after 2 years. To apply for a 457 visa you will need an English IELTS score of 5.0 overall with a minimum score of 4.5 in each band and your employer will need to be approved as a business sponsor as part of the first stage of the application process. Documents required for sponsorship include business registration details, financial documents, training requirements and a relevant contract for your nominated occupation. Please note, if you run a business or are serious about running a business you may also like to consider sponsoring yourself for a 457 visa.

 

ENS 186TRT

After 2 years on a 457 Temporary work (Subclass 457) visa, if your employer is willing to sponsor you for permanent residency, you can apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Temporary Transition stream visa. For this visa you will need a valid English IELTS score of 5.0 in each component and your employer will need to prove that sponsorship obligations have been met.

 

ENS 186DE

If you can prove that you have over 3 years of post-qualification work experience in a skilled occupation and if an employer is willing to sponsor you for permanent residency, you can also consider applying for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Direct Entry stream, permanent residency visa. For this visa, you will need to obtain a positive Skills assessment and obtain an English IELTS score of 6.0 in each component to qualify.

 

RSMS 187 DE

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) Direct Entry stream, permanent residency visa is also available, which is similar to the ENS 186 DE however a skills assessment is not required and you must find an employer in a regional area of Australia. You will also need an English IELTS score of 6.0 in each component and you will need to commit to living in the region for a period of 2 years.

 

Skilled visas

A Skilled permanent residency visa does not require employer sponsorship. To obtain a Skilled visa the main requirements are as follows:

  • Your work experience and qualifications must fit a skilled occupation on the relevant skilled list
  • You must obtain at least 60 points of the General Skilled Migration points test *If you were to obtain more than 60 points, the only advantage is that your application may be processed before those who have a lower score therefore extra points is optional
  • An English IELTS score of at least 6.0 is required in each component. Please note IELTS results are valid for a period of 3 years
  • You must obtain a positive skills assessment in a nominated occupation

 

Skilled 189

The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) permanent residency visa permits you to work anywhere in Australia if you meet requirements for a skilled occupation on the relevant skilled list.

 

Skilled 190

The Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) permanent residency visa requires state sponsorship which means that your skilled occupation must also exist on the state list of occupations in order to request sponsorship. Please note, state lists are reviewed regularly.

 

Skilled 489

You can also consider applying for the Skilled 489 visa however this visa is temporary initially and specifically for regional areas. Permanent residency can be obtained after 2 years if you can prove that you are still working and living in a regional area.

 

Student, Temporary Graduate 485

The option of a student visa is always available. An English IELTS score of 5.5-7.0 in each component is normally required depending on your Education provider and which visa subclass you wish to apply for. Australian study can also lead to permanent residency if you choose the right course. After 2 years of full-time study in Australia you may also be eligible to apply for a Skilled Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa which will permit you to work full-time in Australia for 1.5 to 4 years depending on your course of study.

 

Partner visas

To obtain a Partner visa you will need to prove that you are in a genuine relationship. If you are not married and have not been living together for more than 12 months, the first thing you will need to do is register your relationship in the Australian state where your partner is resident. NSW relationship registration information is provided at the end of this document in the useful resources section.

 

Partner visa (Subclass 820/801) – onshore
Partner visa (Subclass 309/100) – offshore

Main requirements:

  • Marriage certificate -or- evidence of 12 months de facto relationship –or- relationship certificate
  • Several documents required to prove relationship including statements, a detailed document list will be provided once we start the process
  • If applying onshore, a bridging visa can be granted to remain in Australia
  • Processing time once application is lodged – approx. 12 months
  • In most cases, temporary visa will be granted first for a period of 2 years before permanent residency

Prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300) – must be located offshore

Main requirements:

  • Evidence to prove intention to marry in Australia
  • Several documents required to prove relationship including statements, a detailed document list will be provided once we start the process
  • Processing time once application is lodged – approx. 6-12 months
  • Visa duration is for 9 months once visa is granted, during this time couple must get married and then must apply for Partner visa
  • Please note, if you apply for a prospective marriage visa and then apply for the Partner visa whilst holding a prospective marriage visa in Australia, a reduced government application fee for the Partner visa will then apply

Other visas

  • We also handle many other visa applications including family visas, visitor visas, resident return, citizenship and migration review tribunal applications. All options related to your situation will be discussed during a consultation.

Other useful resources and info…

  • See how the General Skilled Migration points can be calculated in different ways to achieve 60 points for skilled visas
  • View the regional postcode list to find out where all the regional areas of Australia are located for regional migration options
  • View example English tests to help you get an idea of what is expected for the IELTS exam. Other English exam options are also available. View the alternative English test score table including resources.
  • Document translations – We use reliable translators. We normally request a quote from our group of contacts to find the cheapest quote. Let us know if you would like us to arrange for you.
  • Find out about how you can pass a NAATI exam in a community language at para-professional SEO level or above to obtain an extra 5 points for a skilled visa. NAATI translations exams can also be obtained from overseas.
  • Read about the Australian values, society and lifestyle
  • To register a relationship in NSW

http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/Pages/marriages/relationship-register.aspx

  • The completed application must be taken to the office in person or posted by mail
  • Please ensure certified identification for each applicant is included
  • There are no particular requirements regarding length of relationship to register in NSW, one applicant must be a resident in NSW, the other can be overseas. Different rules apply for other Australian States.

Please note, information provided in this document is general information only, every situation is different. To confirm precise requirements and best options for your specific situation, we would like to invite you arrange a consultation appointment with one of our specialists to obtain detailed information. Read more about what a consultation involves.