Australian Migration

Where Can a Sponsor be Living?

Sponsors must provide evidence that, at the time the department receives the sponsorship application, they have been living in a designated area for one (1) year or longer. Additionally, a sponsor must be able to demonstrate that they will continue to live in a designated area until a decision is made on the visa application.

As a general guide, Australia’s designated areas include:

• ACT
• South Australia
• Northern Territory
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Queensland – except Brisbane
• New South Wales – except Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong
• Western Australia – except Perth.

Additional Information

The following factors may help to provide additional support to a marginal Australian Skilled Independent Visa application.

High Demand Occupation / Job Offer

An Australia Skilled Migration Visa applicant will receive additional points if their skills are listed as high demand. Additional points are awarded for a job offer in these high demand areas.

Australian Study

General Skilled Migration to Australia applicants who have undertaken successful study within Australia may be able to use these qualifications to support their application.

Investment

Applicants for Australian Skilled Migration Visas with the ability to make a capital investment in Australia may be able to use the ability to invest to strengthen their application.

Spouse

The qualifications/work experience, family connections and past Australian experience of a spouse may be of support to a marginal Australian Skilled Independent Visa application.

Health & Character

Australia has strict health and character requirements that must be met before any permanent visa of more than 12 months will be granted. People attempting skilled migration to Australia on a Skilled Independent Visa will be required to:

• Undergo a medical examination and chest X-ray undertaken by one of a panel of doctors selected by the Australian authorities, and;
• Obtain police certificates for all countries in which you have lived for more than 12 months in the 10 years leading up to the application.

Processing Times