Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 176)

The Skilled- Sponsored (Migrant) visa (Subclass 176) is a permanent work visa for individuals who have the qualifications or skills that are needed by Australia and their occupation is listed in SOL(Skilled Occupation List), but cannot meet the pass mark required to obtain a Skilled Independent visa.

Skilled Sponsored visa applicants should score a minimum of 65 points on points assessment and must either obtain sponsorship from an eligible relative living in Australia or nomination from a participating State or Territory government.

Eligibility for 176

You are eligible for this visa if you:

• are under 50 years of age
• have the skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)

applicants must also pass a points test. Points can be claimed in areas related to age, English language ability, specific work experience, spouse skills and other bonus categories.

The current pass mark for the Skilled Sponsored visa is 65 points. If you score less tha 65 points your application will be refused.

Points can be claimed in areas related to age, English language ability, specific work experience, spouse skills and other bonus categories.

To be sponsored by a relative, an applicant's relative must live in Australia* and be either:

• an Australian citizen;
• an Australian permanent resident; or
• an eligible New Zealand citizen.

The applicant (or their spouse) must be related to their sponsor as either:

• a non-dependent child - including a natural, adoptive or step-child;
• a parent - including adoptive or step-parent;
• a brother or sister - including adoptive or step-siblings;
• a niece or nephew - including adoptive or step-niece or nephew; or
• an aunt or uncle - including adoptive or step-aunt or uncle.

* Some Extra requirements are there to be met if an applicant's relative lives in Sydney, Gosford, Newcastle or Wollongong.

To be nominated by a State or Territory government

State and territory governments can nominate visa applicants who have an occupation that is in shortage in their particular state or territory. This may include occupations from the Skilled Occupation List or from a broader occupations list known as state and territory Skilled Occupation List. It may be useful for you to check the websites of each state or territory government to see if your occupation is on their skills shortage list. If it is, then you could contact that state or territory government to determine if they want to nominate you. State and territory governments will also be able to provide you with information relating to employment, housing and schools in the region you may wish to live in.

NOTE :

Nomination from a state or territory government does not automatically result in the grant of a visa. Your application must also be assessed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship against a number of visa-specific requirements. You will only be granted a visa if all requirements are met.

What can I do with this Visa?

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

This is a permanent residence visa. As a permanent resident you are permitted to remain in Australia indefinitely. This visa also allows you to travel to and enter Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.

Permanent Residents in Australia can:

• live and work in Australia on a permanent basis
• study in Australia at school, Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector or university
• receive subsidised healthcare through Medicare.
• access certain social security benefits
• can be eligible for Australian citizenship
• and further sponsor people for permanent residence.

Categories: AU immigration