Skilled Sponsored Visa

The skilled sponsored Visa enables the holder to remain indefinitely in Australia while still permitted to travel to and from the country for a period of five years. It is a type of permanent residency Visa which can be applied for from both within and outside Australia.  It is open to applicants under the age of 50 years and has an eligible sponsor.  The applicants also have to meet 65 points in the points test.
Sponsorship by a relative
The sponsor can either be an eligible relative (Australian citizen, Australian resident or in some cases an eligible New Zealand citizen) who is currently residing in Australia.
The applicant must be sufficiently related to the sponsor, namely;

• A non-dependent child either natural born, adoptive or step-child;
• A parent of the sponsor- including adoptive or step-parents.
• A sibling (brother or sister) including adopted and stepsiblings
• A niece or nephew - including adoptive or step-niece or nephew; or
• An aunt or uncle - including adoptive or step-aunt or uncle.

Sponsorship by a State or Territory Government
Applicants may be nominated by a state or territory government where the applicant meets certain criteria as set by the government. These criteria may include

• Being trained in occupation for which there is a skills shortage in that State or Territory
• Demonstrating specialised skills relevant to a particular region of that state or territory

The 65 points referred to above are scored according to the following personal attributes or skills the applicant has namely:-

• Age
• Ability to speak and understand English
• Relevant offshore and Australian work experience
• State government or family sponsorship
• Completion of any Australian courses of study
• Current qualifications
• Other languages known
• Skills held by the applicant spouse
• Completion of a professional year in the skill held by the applicant
• Has met regional study pre-requisites (two year period)

Applicants who successfully obtained an Australian skill sponsored Visa obtain permanent residency and are entitled to live, work and study in Australia on a permanent basis.  Successful applicants are also eligible for benefits such as access to Medicare certain types of social security after two years and may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.