Business, Professional and other Skilled Visas

Business People

For people to come to Australia for a business-related visit. Also for people to establish, manage or develop a new or existing business, or invest in Australia.

Visa Options

Business Visits - Temporary

For business people to visit Australia for business purposes, for example, to attend a conference or training session, to conduct business with an Australia-based organisation, to conduct business negotiations or for an exploratory business visit.

Business Development - Provisional

These visas, known as Business Skills visas, are for business people to establish a business in Australia, manage a new or existing business or invest in Australia. All except the Investor Retirement visa offer a pathway to permanent residence.

Business Development - Permanent

These visas, known as Business Skills visas, are for people who have established the required level of business in Australia while holding a provisional visa. A direct permanent residence visa is also available for high-calibre business people.

Professionals and Other Skilled Migrants

There are a number of visa options available for people who want to migrate permanently to Australia and who have the required skills and qualifications. The General Skilled Migration Program (GSM) is for professionals and other skilled migrants who are not sponsored by an employer and who have skills in particular occupations required in Australia.

Visa Options

There is a range of visa options under the General Skilled Migration program for skilled workers who want to live in Australia and who do not have an employer sponsoring them. These include options for skilled people applying as an independent migrant as well as those sponsored or nominated by a State or Territory government.

Independent

Independent migrants have the least number of restrictions placed on them and this is the preferred option for eligible applicants who do not have an employer to sponsor them. Assess your eligibility for the independent visas before you continue.

Sponsored

If you wish to be sponsored by a State or Territory Government you will need to meet their specific criteria for sponsorship as well as the Immigration Deaprtment's criteria for a visa.

All visa options

You may be eligible for a number of different visa categories and each has different requirements and obligations. Please read through the various visa options to ensure that you choose the visa most beneficial to you and your circumstances.

Visa Options – Skilled Employees

Skilled – Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

A permanent visa for people with skills in demand in the Australian labour market. Applicants are not sponsored and must pass a points test. This visa is for skilled workers who are not seeking nomination by a State or Territory of Australia, or a relative living in a Designated Area of Australia. It is Points-Tested visa available under the SkillSelect Program where potential applicants are to achieve, or exceed, the minimum Pass Mark for the visa. Points are awarded on the basis of age, English Language ability, qualifications, work experience, etc. Certain family members can be included in the application.

Skilled – Sponsored Visa (Subclass 190)

A permanent visa for people with skills in demand in the Australian labour market. Applicants are sponsored and must pass a points test. This visa is for skilled workers who are not seeking nomination by a State or Territory of Australia, or a relative living in a Designated Area of Australia. It is Points-Tested visa available under the SkillSelect Program where potential applicants are to achieve, or exceed, the minimum Pass Mark for the visa. Points are awarded on the basis of age, English Language ability, qualifications, work experience, etc. Certain family members can be included in the application.

Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489)

This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area in Australia.It is Points-Tested visa available under the SkillSelect Program where potential applicants are to achieve, or exceed, the minimum Pass Mark for the visa. Points are awarded on the basis of age, English Language ability, qualifications, work experience, etc. Certain family members can be included in the application, including members not included in previous Subclass 495, 496, 475 and 487 applications.The visa can be valid for four years, and a visa holder must live and work in a specified regional area.

Skilled – Recognised Graduate (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 476)

An 18 month temporary visa for recent Engineering graduates of recognised overseas educational institutions who have skills in demand in Australia. There is no points test for this visa.

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