Migrating to Australia

Immigration Information

The first site you should look at to check out the requirements for obtaining visas to move to Australia is the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs. Check out their

Migration Overview for the types of visas available. The most common form of migrating to Australia is on a Skilled Migration Visa (that is, you get your vocational (work/employment) skills assessed and if your skills are considered usefull or in-demand in Australia, then you can apply under this category. Most migration visas are awarded under a points-based system. This means that depending on your skills, your age and other criteria, you are awarded points which must then add up to a required total in order to be allegible for a visa. Some visas, such as Regional Skilled Migration require a smaller number of points to qualify. Also, each Australian state has individual requirements for people, so there may be opportunites under a Skilled-State Territory Nominated Independant scheme. You skills are assessed and given points according to the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). If your skills are not listed on this document, then you will not be able to apply for a Skilled visa. Other options maybe to get your Employer to sponsor you for a visa, or to apply for a Business Skills Visa if you are a business owner, a senior executive of a major company or an investor.

Immigration Advice and Rights Centre - Community Legal Centre based in Sydney

Australia High Commission UK - London - Australia House - For UK citizens wishing to obtain a temporary visa to visit Australia.

Austimeline - Get an idea of how long visa applications are taking for other applicants.