Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 176)

Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 176)

Overview

This is a permanent visa for highly skilled people offshore who are sponsored by an Australian relative or nominated by a State or Territory government. This visa requires a lower points test mark than that for the Skilled – Independent visa (Subclass 175).

Who is eligible for an offshore skilled sponsored visa?

1. At the time of application, you are either
   • Outside Australia; or
   • New Zealand citizen in Australia holding a Subclass 444 visa
2. You are under 45 years of age
3. You have good English language skills
4. You are sponsored by an eligible Australian relative or State or Territory government agency
5. You must have either:
   • Paid work experience in your skilled occupation for at least 12 of the last 24 months; or
   • In the last six (6) months, completed an Australian qualification which was two (2) or more years study duration, in a field closely related to your skilled occupation
6. You meet health and character requirements (see Public Interest Criteria)

For more information about sponsorship eligibility, see Family Member Sponsorship or State and Territory Nomination

How will my visa application be assessed?

You must meet the prescribed criteria for the grant of the visa. You will be assessed using the points test and required to reach at least 65 points.