Skilled Independent , Skilled Worker Visa

Independent skilled migrants are at the top of the Skilled Program. These are people who have top job skills in occupations that are highly sought after in Australia. Perhaps it is surprising, but many people with trade skills are in high demand in our country where there are so many university graduates.

A hairdresser or a floor tiler has a better points score and will often find employment easier than an MBA or a Research and Development Manager. For many of these trades, apprenticeships and 6 years on-the-job training can be accepted instead of trade school training (although certificates are preferred).

Migrants can come to Australia without a sponsor if their qualifications, job skills, and record of employment is good. This means they will be able to settle into the Australian way of life and find work within a short period. If you are applying for this visa, you will also need excellent English and to be of a young working age.

The Subclass 136 visa is for younger people who don't have family here to sponsor them, and who have good prospects but no employer. Check out the criteria for this visa in our self-assessment section. When you arrive in Australia you can look for work.

Click here to view the occupations that are currently in demand in Australia. If your occupation is listed on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) you gain extra points towards your Independent Skilled Migration Visa, Subclass 136. If you looked at the MODL last year, check it again as it changes with labour market fluctuations in Australia.