The purpose of the Skilled Migration Program is to attract highly employable people for migration to Australia. It is the most common form of migration to Australia.
There are a variety of skilled migration options:
Temporary Work (Subclass 457)
This visa allows skilled workers to come to Australia and work for an approved business for up to four years.
You must be sponsored by an approved business. A business can sponsor someone for this visa if they cannot find an Australian citizen or permanent resident to do the skilled work. You can be in or outside Australia when you lodge your application.
Skilled Independent (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.
It allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident. To be able to apply for this visa you need to submit an expression of interest and then be invited through SkillSelect to apply. You can be in or outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.
Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)
This a permanent work visa for individuals who have the qualifications and skills that are needed by Australian government and their occupation is listed in SOL (Skilled Occupation List), but cannot meet the pass mark required to obtain a Skilled Independent visa. Skilled Sponsored visa applicants should score a minimum of 60 points on Point Assessment Teat and must either obtain sponsorship from an eligible relative living in Australia or nomination from a participating State or Territory government.
Skilled Nominated Provisional (Subclass 489)
This is a 4-year provisional visa which allows holders to live only in certain areas of Australia. You would need to be sponsored by an Australian relative living in a designated area, or by a state or territory government.
Skilled Regional (Subclass 887)
The Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) is for people who have an eligible visa and have lived for at least two years and worked for at least one year in a specified regional area. You must be in Australia when you apply for this visa and when the visa is granted.