Qualification relies on you meeting a certain point score.  If you gain 100 points or more then you qualify for a Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa.

You can conduct a self assessment to see if you qualify.

DIAC's booklet 6, General Skilled Migration, contains comprehensive information on requirements for skilled migration. Alternately, information is available on DIAC's web site.

Please note that there are limited opportunities for teachers and computer professionals. Further information is available on our website.

If you are planning to migrate to Western Australia under either the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa or the Skilled Sponsored Visa Schemes, there are three steps that all applicants must take.

What are the steps in applying?

STEP 1     APPLY FOR A PROFESSIONAL OR TRADE 
               QUALIFICATIONS SKILLS ASSESSMENT

To process your application, the State Migration Centre (SMC) and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) need verification that your qualifications and skills meet Australian standards.

This means that you must have your qualifications and skills assessed before you lodge an application. To assist you in this process, DIAC has commissioned assessment authorities for each occupation. A fee is usually payable which will vary between assessing authorities.
 
A full list of these authorities is provided on DIAC's website.

The assessment process usually takes into account the following factors:

. formal training and experience 
. on-the-job experience
. skills, knowledge and experience equivalent to an Australian trained tradesperson

The assessment authority will ask you to provide them with supporting documentation as evidence of your skills and practical experience.

This documentation must be submitted to the assessment authority along with the assessment application form, evidence of completed tertiary studies, trade or other vocational courses and statements from employers.

The assessing authority will then send you a written statement indicating that your skills have been accepted for migration purposes.

A copy of this letter will need to be included with your application for State sponsorship and also with your visa application to DIAC.

Cost: Determined by each assessing authority.

STEP 2         APPLY FOR STATE SPONSORSHIP

The Western Australian Government, through the State Migration Centre, decides which skilled migrants are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Regional Sponsored and Skilled Sponsored Visa Schemes. The Western Australian Government sponsors skilled migrants on the basis that you have a skill identified as one in demand.

Applications can be lodged online.  Please note that your skills assessment advice must accompany your application.

The State Migration Centre will generally notify you within 10 working days if you have been sponsored under the appropriate visa scheme.

You will then be sent formal advice that will explain the outcome of your sponsorship application.
Please note that a successful sponsorship does not guarantee a visa as DIAC is the body that ultimately approves all visas. You must meet both the sponsorship and visa eligibility criteria to migrate to Western Australia. 

Cost: No fees applicable

STEP 3      OBTAINING A VISA

Once you have been sponsored by the Western Australian Government under either the Skilled Regional Sponsored and Skilled Sponsored Visa Schemes, you will need to apply to DIAC for a visa.  Details of all skilled migration visas and application forms can be found in "Booklet 6: General Skilled Migration" which can be accessed via DIAC's website.  All forms can be downloaded free from this website.

Forms associated with a General Skilled Migration application include:

Information forms

Form 990i Charges
Form 1121i Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
Form 966i International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Form 1071i Health requirement for permanent entry to Australia
Form 47P Character requirement: penal clearance certificates

Application forms

Form 1276 Application for general skilled migration to Australia
Form 47A Details of child or other family member aged 18 years or over
Form 40 Sponsorship for migration to Australia
Form 26 A Medical examination for an Australian visa (for use in Australia only)
Form 160 Radiological report on chest x-ray of an applicant for an Australian visa (for  use in Australia only)
Form 80 Personal particulars for character assessment
Form 1101 Police records check - consent to obtain information

Please ensure that you include the sponsorship letter from the Western Australian Government with your visa application as DIAC gives priority to processing State-sponsored visa applications.

DIAC may take 6-10 months to process your visa application.

Cost: see Form 990i Charges.