Types of visas

Skilled Migration

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa program is for professionals who are not sponsored by an employer and have skills in a particular occupation currently in short supply and thus required in Australia. It is the most common form of migration to Australia.

There is a range of visa options for skilled people applying as an independent migrant as well as those sponsored by a relative, or nominated by a State or Territory government.

There are a variety of skilled migration options:

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 489)
• Skilled Temporary Work Visa (subclass 457)

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

This visa is for points-tested skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member or nominated by a state or territory government.

This is a permanent visa and allows visa-holders to live and work as a permanent resident anywhere in Australia, study in Australia, enrol in Medicare (Australia’s scheme for health-related care) and expenses sponsor family members for permanent residence. Successful applicants can apply for Australian citizenship after four years

In order to apply for a Skilled Independent Visa to Australia, an applicant must satisfy the following minimum requirements:

• Nominated an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
• Have a suitable skills assessment for that occupation.
• Be under 50 years of age at the time of application.
• Achieved the score specified in your letter of invitation based on the factors in the points test.
• Be able to score at least 60 on the points test.
• Meet the English language requirements.

Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

This visa is for points-tested skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government agency.

This is a permanent visa and allows visa-holders to live and work as a permanent resident in Australia, study in Australia, enrol in Medicare (Australia’s scheme for health-related care) and expenses sponsor family members for permanent residence. Successful applicants can apply for Australian citizenship after four years and may require you to live in the nominating state or territory for a specified minimum time.

In order to apply for a Skilled Nominated Visa to Australia, an applicant must satisfy the following minimum requirements:

• Nominated an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
• Have a suitable skills assessment for that occupation.
• Be under 50 years of age at the time of application.
• Achieved the score specified in your letter of invitation based on the factors in the points test.
• Meet the English language requirements.
• Nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency.
• Be able to score at least 60 on the points test.

Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 489)

This visa is for points-tested skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian State or Territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area and allows applicants to live and work for up to four years.

In order to apply for a Skilled Regional Visa to Australia, an applicant must satisfy the following minimum requirements:

• Nominated by an Australian State or Territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area.
• Nominated an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
• Have a suitable skills assessment for that occupation.
• Be under 50 years of age at the time of application.
• Achieved the score specified in your letter of invitation based on the factors in the points test.
• Meet the English language requirements.
• Be able to score at least 60 on the points test.

Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (subclass 476)

This visa allows recent engineering graduates of recognised institutions to gain up to 18 months of skilled work experience.

In order to apply for a Skilled Recognised Graduate visa to Australia, an applicant must satisfy the following minimum requirements:

• Younger than 31 years of age
• Completed an eligible engineering qualification from a recognised institution in the past two years
• Have not held a Skilled ó Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) or a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) before (unless you were a dependent family member)
• Demonstrate your English language ability
• Meet the health and character requirements.

Visa applications

Once the best option for your circumstances has been selected we can begin the formal visa application process. While we await the outcome of your application the Placeme counsellor assigned to you will maintain contact and keep you informed regarding the progress of the application.

Travel documents

Going to a new country where things will be unfamiliar will, in all likelihood, heighten your anxiety along with the anxiety of those you leave at home. At Placeme we want to do everything we can to ensure that you are not stressed or anxious. We want you to be looking forward to what will be a new and exciting challenge.

At placeme we will work with the travel agent to provide you with the best ticket price and travel options ensuring you can travel on the dates we specify on your behalf. We will also provide you with the various internet and telephone network connectivity providers in your destination country. We will ensure you are well informed about public and private transportation that will be available upon your arrival.

Luggage allowances, items to pack in your luggage, special dietary requirements for in-flight consumption along with all other travel and arrival information can be discussed with us before you leave.

We offer you practical advice based on our extensive experience and understanding of the rules and regulations that these countries have in regards to taking medicines and indigenous items for consumption.

It is recommended to keep the following list of travel documents and information in your hand-carry items at the time of your departure:

• Valid passport
• Destination/stopover country’s valid visa
• Plane tickets
• Accommodation details
• Airport pickup details
• Travel & medical insurance
• Bank accounts and details
• Travel card and local currency (cash)

Accommodation

Landing in a abroad country and attempting to find accommodation on arrival can be a time consuming, expensive exercise – not to mention the stress that would be associated with that process. Without knowledge of the local environment or the way things are done in a particular country can make it difficult for you to make informed decisions. Placeme will provide information and contacts that will make your decision-making stress-free and appropriate for your personal circumstances. We are your ultimate guide to abroad study and accommodation services.

Information relating to accommodation will be important to you as there are many options available to you when you first arrive in-country. From our past experience we believe that most people find homestay accommodation with a resident family the most helpful in easing your transition into a new country and way of life. If you require such assistance please tell our counsellors. We are your ultimate guide to overseas study.

There are many types of accommodation to suit various needs and budgets. A cautionary note here – it is not wise to select a place to stay based purely on the cost. You need to consider such things as the distance from where you are living to where you are working and the available public transport. Although public transport will probably be available, the frequency and routes may not suit where you work or what time you need to be at work. You should also be aware as to whom you may be sharing your accommodation with in terms of safety and privacy. Some accommodation types have rules and regulations that you need to be aware of before signing an agreement or contract.

Please ensure you research your chosen accommodation thoroughly before deciding on it – involve us in this research as we are the experts in this area.

Local forms of transport will be listed on Government or regional websites. Information regarding transport can also be gleaned by visiting various online forums.

It will also be important to know if parking is available if you have access to the use of a car. If you do consider buying or renting a vehicle, please ensure that you have the valid licence as per the country’s requirement before you leave home. Different rules apply in different countries with regards to international vehicle licences. Have a thorough understanding of the limitations of your current licence as well as the road rules that apply in your destination country. Find our what is best for you ie, driving, pedestrian or cycling. Know the rules and abide by them as there are heavy fines and possible loss of licence if you fail to do so.