The skill stream of Australia's migration program targets people who are highly skilled, are under 45 years of age, and who will quickly make a contribution to the Australian economy.

Visa categories available under 'Offshore General Skilled' include:-
> Independent
> State Territory Nominated Independent
> Regional Sponsored
> Recognised Graduate

Independent
This category is for people who are under 45 years of age, have skills, qualifications and employability that will contribute to the Australian economy.

There is a points test for this visa category.

State Territory Nominated Independent
This category is for people who highly skilled and have education, skills and employability which will contribute to the Australian economy, and are willing to settle in States and Territories where their skills are in demand.

 Participating States and Territories sponsor applicants to meet a skill shortage in their state or territory.

 The State or Territory is not the employer. however, as a shortage of skills has been identified, it is anticipated a job may be found quickly.

 Successful applicants have a number of obligations, including to:

• remain in the State or Territory for at least two years;
• keep authorities informed of changes in address; and
• take part in surveys as required.

There is a points test for this visa category.

Regional Sponsored
This category is for people with nominated skills who have an Australian relative or Australian State/Territory willing to sponsor them. This visa category provides temporary residence for applicants and allows them to later apply for permanent residence.  

There is a points test for this visa category.

Recognised Graduate
This category is for recent graduates of certain disciplines from prescribed overseas tertiary institutions. This visa category provides temporary residence for applicants and allows them to later apply for permanent residence.

There is no points test for this visa category, however, graduates must apply within a specified period of graduation.

Visa categories available under 'Onshore General Skilled' include:-

> Independent
> Sponsored
> Regional Sponsored
> Graduate

An application for any of these visas must be lodged within 6 months of completing the Australian qualification.

Note: if you become unlawful, you will be unable to make a valid application for this visa.

If you need more time to prepare your permanent visa application, you may apply for the Graduate Skilled Temporary visa to keep you lawful.

Independent
This category is for people who are under 45 years of age, have skills, qualifications, and employability that will contribute to the Australian economy.  Applicants must either be recently graduated overseas students or the holders of visas from certain categories. 

There is a points test for this visa category.

Sponsored
This category is for people who are under 45 years of age, have skills, qualifications, and employability that will contribute to the Australian economy.  Applicants must be sponsored by an Australian relative or Australian State/Territory and either be recently graduated overseas students or the holders of visas from certain categories. 

There is a points test for this visa category.

Regional Sponsored
This category is for people with nominated skills who have an Australian relative or Australian State/Territory willing to sponsor them. This visa category provides temporary residence for applicants and allows them to later apply for permanent residence. 

There is a points test for this visa category.

Graduate
This category gives lawful status to eligible overseas students in Australia, who genuinely intend making a valid application for an Onshore General Skilled visa, and who need extra time to compile their application for permanent residence. This visa is not a compulsory part of permanent residence applications for overseas students in Australia, however, the visa will give the student and any dependants a stay of up to six months to lodge their application

Students and their dependants must maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance whilst in Australia.

There is no points test for this visa category