SKILLED VISA APPLICATION PROCESS
There are generally two distinct stages involved in the process of applying for a skilled visa for Australia. They are:-
STAGE 1 – SKILL ASSESSMENT 
The type of skill assessment you require depends on your occupation. Please note that your occupation must be included on the Australian Government’s Skilled Occupations List (SOL).
For occupations scoring 40 or 50 points you must have a qualification equivalent to an Australian diploma or degree respectively. Work experience cannot be substituted for a formal qualification.
For occupations scoring 60 points you would need to have a relevant degree, although there are some occupations such as Managers or IT Professionals where you can substitute a substantial period of employment at a senior level for a formal qualification.
Trade occupations assessed by TRA (see the SOL) require a qualification and skilled work experience comparable to an Australian Trade certificate. Generally condensed or fast-track courses (such as a 2 week plastering course or a 6 week plumbing course) are not acceptable.
Trade occupations assessed by Vetassess (see the SOL) do not require a formal trade qualification but you must have at least 2 years skilled work experience in your trade and you will be required to undertake a practical trade test and technical interview, as well as proving your period of training by way of documentary evidence.
STAGE 2 – VISA APPLICATION 
Having obtained the positive skills assessment, you and your family are then able to lodge a migration visa application. This would involve you having to prove your recent work experience and satisfy health and character criteria. Other requirements at this stage might be proving relationship to sponsor, or English language testing for example.
Essential Information |
Permanent Visa Information |
Temporary Visa Information |