Requirements for a Skilled/Work Visa

In order to work in Australia, the applicant must apply for a Skilled or Work Visa. Here are the basic requirements for applying for this type of Visa:

  • The applicant must be at least 18 years old and not over 45 years of age.
  • The applicant must have the ability to speak sufficient English.
  • The applicant must pass the Skilled Visa Points test, Heath, and Character Requirements.
  • Skills and qualifications must be met in Australian standards under the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
  • The applicant must have at least 12 months of employment of the skill he/she is applying.
  • Applicants must have positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority for the occupation they are applying for.
  • As of July 1, 2008, applicants must lodge their application to the Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre (ASPC) and Brisbane Skilled Processing Centre (BSPC; for online and Onshore General Skilled Visa applicants only).
  • Applicants must submit certified copies of documents, travel documents and passport.
  • Applicants must fill up the Form 1276 (Application for General Skilled Migration to Australia); complete and signed.
  • Applicants must also fill up Forms 47A (Details of child or other dependent family member) for 18 years old and above; and 80 (Personal particulars for Character Assessment) for 16 years old and above.
  • Applicants must submit and sign an Australian Values Statement.

Processing Duration:

Processing time of a skilled visa depends on the following conditions:

  • Complete assessment of skills by a relevant government body.
  • Applicant submitted the application via online, post, or by courier.
  • Payment of a non-refundable visa application charge.
  • Processing time usually takes 6-15 months depending on the application and the country of origin.
  • An application that meets the requirements and required documents may be processed quickly.
  • The application will be assessed by a case officer and will advise the applicant for the final steps in completing the application.
  • Providing additional information at any time until the decision is made on the application.
  • The applicant must attend the interview, if invited.
  • If the information on the application is no longer valid or outdated, the applicant must notify the department handling the application of the changes immediately.
  • Incomplete applications will be initially assessed by the case officer and the applicant will be informed if any outstanding documentation is needed.

Visa Application Payment

Visa application must be paid on the time when the application was made. For dependents aged 18 years old with less than functional English, the charge of the visa application is higher than of the regular application charges. Aside from the visa application charges, there are miscellaneous charges involved in making a Skilled Visa Application:

  • Skills Assessment
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Test
  • Medical Examination
  • Character Clearance
  • Certification / Translation of documents

Visa Decision

If the visa application is granted, a visa grant number will be assigned that will certify that the applicant is a holder of a valid visa. Otherwise, the applicant will be notified through a letter of decision that refuses the visa application.