General Migrant / Highly Skilled Permit

Skilled Migrant (permanent) (subclass 175)

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/175/

For a longer term, permanent move to Australia you will likely fall into one of two main categories – either an employer sponsored permit, or as a general skilled migrant. It’s worth noting that eligibility for the general skilled migrant permit is subject to applying within an occupation listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121i.pdf

This visa allows you and any secondary applicants included in your visa application to live as permanent residents in Australia.

Australian permanent residents can:

• live and work in Australia on a permanent basis
• study in Australia at school or university
• receive subsidised healthcare through Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• access certain social security payments (subject to waiting periods)
• be eligible for Australian citizenship (subject to the residency eligibility criteria)
• sponsor people for permanent residence.

Fees – costs for the skilled migrant visa are in the region of $6000

Applying for skilled migration is subject to a points test, assessing all elements of your professional and personal circumstances – see the summary here at http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/175/eligibility-applicant.htm