Main criteria (primary applicant):

• under 45 years of age (unless transitional arrangements apply)
• has skills assessed as suitable by the relevant skills assessing authority, has at least three years full-time work experience in the nominated occupation and achieved band score of at least 6 on each of the four components of the IELTS test, or other prescribed English test, before the visa application is lodged,  OR
• has worked full-time in Australia in the nominated occupation on a Subclass 457 or 482 visa
  temporary residence visa for the nominating employer for the last two years prior to the visa application being made and achieved band score of at least 5 points on each of the four components of the IELTS test,  OR
• meets the age, skills and English language requirements stated in the labour agreement (applicants sponsored by an  employer through a tailored and negotiated labour agreement or regional migration agreement)
• meets any mandatory licensing, registration or professional membership requirements (if applicable)
• no substantial criminal record
• good health
  
  Under some circumstances, visa applicants may seek exemption from skill, language or age eligibility requirements.

Main criteria (employer):

• actively and lawfully operates a business in Australia has a vacancy to fill
• follows all relevant Australian laws and has an implemented training strategy for existing and future Australian employees
• Job offer:
  • full-time, ongoing and available for at least two years
  • with working conditions that are no less favourable than provided for under the relevant Australian legislation and awards in an occupation from the MLTSSL list

This visa was closed for the Direct Entry applications on 16 November 2019. The holders of subclass 457/482 visa prior to that date, may still be eligible to apply under Transitional Entry. Main criteria (primary applicant):

• has worked full-time in Australia in the nominated occupation on a Subclass 457 or 482 temporary residence visa for the nominating employer for last two years prior to the visa application being made and achieved band score of at least 5 points on each of the four components of the IELTS test,  OR
• meets the age, skills and English language requirements stated in the labour agreement (applicants sponsored by an employer through a tailored and negotiated labour agreement or regional migration agreement)
• no substantial criminal record
• good health
  
  
  Under some circumstances, visa applicants may seek exemption from language or age eligibility requirements.

Main criteria (employer):

• actively and lawfully operates a business in regional Australia, has a vacancy to fill
• follows all relevant Australian laws and has a satisfactory record of meeting immigration laws
• job offer:
  • full-time, ongoing and available for at least two years
  • that is or similar to the position sponsored by the Standard Business Sponsor under the subclass 457 visa

Main criteria (primary applicant):

• under 45 years of age
• has skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority
• minimum three years of relevant employment experience
• achieved band score of at least 6 on each of the four components of the IELTS test, before the visa application is lodged, 
• meets the age, skills and English language requirements stated in the labour agreement (applicants sponsored by an employer through a tailored and negotiated labour agreement or regional migration agreement)
• meets any mandatory licensing, registration or professional membership requirements (if applicable)
• no substantial criminal record
• good health

Main criteria (employer):

• actively and lawfully operates a business in regional Australia, has a vacancy to fill
• follows all relevant Australian laws and has a satisfactory record of meeting immigration laws
• job offer:
  • full-time, ongoing and available for at least two years in an occupation that is listed on the relevant occupations list
  • with working conditions that are no less favourable than provided for under the relevant Australian legislation and awards certified by a Regional Certifying Body 

• Skills in Demand Visa (SID) (Subclass 482)
• The SID Visa has replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) Visa.
• The new visa aims to better address Australia’s labour market requirements and provide a more structured pathway to Australian permanent residency for applicants.
• Skills in Demand visas can be granted for up to four years but Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years.
• There are three visa pathways/streams:
• Specialist Skills Pathway (SSP)
• This pathway is for highly skilled workers earning at least $135,000 annually. This figure is indexed and subject to change each year.
• Eligibility:
• The SSP stream is open to all occupations except trades workers, machinery operators, drivers and laborers.
• You must demonstrate that you have the skills and experience necessary to perform the nominated occupation. Some applicants must undertake a skills assessment to demonstrate this,
• You must have at least 1-year relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field Primary visa applicants must meet certain minimum standards of English language proficiency unless exemptions apply.
• Core Skills Stream
• The Core Skills Stream is open to eligible applicants with occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
• Guaranteed earnings equal or above TISMIT – currently $73,150 are required.
• Eligibility:
• Your proposed employer have submitted a nomination application for you. Your employer must have nominated you to fill an occupation specified on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
• You must demonstrate that you have the skills and experience necessary to perform the nominated occupation. Some applicants must undertake a skills assessment to demonstrate this,
• You must have at least 1-year relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field Primary visa applicants must meet certain minimum standards of English language proficiency unless exemptions apply.
• Labour Agreement Stream
• This visa is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a Labour Agreement. It lets you live and work in Australia temporarily. Labour agreements are developed between the Australian Government (represented by the Department) and employers.
• Be nominated to work in a specified occupation under the terms of a Labour Agreement.
• Unless otherwise specified in the Labour Agreement, have gained at least 12 months relevant full-time work experience, or equivalent, within the last 5 years.
• You meet the English proficiency requirements as specified in the Labour Agreement.

Labor agreements are formal contracts negotiated between Australian employers and the Australian Government under certain circumstances. A negotiated agreement allows overseas workers to be sponsored for a skilled visa enabling them to work in Australia for a specified period of time, in an approved occupation. There are three types:
– DAMA
– Industry
– Company