Australian Migration Services

This visa  for skilled workers who are unable to meet the criteria for a Skilled - Independent visa. Successful applicants are granted a 3 year temporary visa with the prospect of being eligible to apply for permanent residence.

To qualify for this visa, you must:

• be sponsored by a state or territory government authority;

• meet the basic requirements for the General Skilled Migration categories: such as age, English, skilled occupation, recent work experience;

• meet the SIR visa pass mark (currently 100 points);

If you are an overseas student applying in Australia, you must have a positive skills assessment:

• in a 60 point occupation; or

• in a 50 point occupation if you have completed an Australian doctorate;

• undertake to live and work in regional Australia or a low population growth area for at least 2 years.

You can read detailed requirements for the grant of this visa on the web sites of each of the participating State/Territory governments.

SIR visa holders meeting these conditions will be eligible to apply for permanent residence after 2 years through:

• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme;
• State/Territory Nominated Independent visa; or
• State/Territory Business Owner visa.

Please note that in addition to living in the regional area for at least 2 years, you must work in a skilled occupation for at least 12 months. If you do not meet the criteria for permanent residence after 3 years of holding SIR visa, you can extend your SIR visa for another year.

Please note that the information about visas is in general terms. There are many subclasses of visas that may be appropriate to your personal and unique situation that we can advise you about . Furthermore , the law concerning migration is subject to frequent amendment.