State sponsored skilled visas

Skilled Sponsored Visa (SSV)

To apply for a State Sponsored Skilled Sponsored Visa you require sponsorship from the Government of Western Australia. All sponsorship applicants must meet the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) criteria set for General Skilled Migration . Full details of the visa criteria can be found in the DIAC publication Booklet 6: General Skilled Migration.

Please note that being granted State Sponsorship does not guarantee your visa will be approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

All successful applicants are required to:

• commit to living and working in Western Australia for two years upon arrival;
• participate in a survey every six months for two years; and
• bring sufficient funds (for at least 3 months) into the State to cover settlement costs.

Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176)

This visa allows an applicant to migrate to Western Australia provided they meet the criteria for State sponsorship.

This visa allows the successful applicant to live and work in all areas of Western Australia.

Information about the application process can be found in the How to apply for State Sponsorship section of the website.

Further information regarding the conditions and obligations you are required to meet if granted this visa can be found in DIAC’s website Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176).

Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886)

This visa allows International Students who have completed their study in Western Australia 12 months prior to applying for State sponsorship and meet the criteria for State Sponsorship, to apply for permanent residency.

This visa allows the successful applicant to live and work in all areas of Western Australia.

Further information regarding the conditions and obligations you are required to meet if granted this visa can be found in DIAC’s website Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886).

International students who have studied in Western Australia

International students who have completed their study in Western Australia 12 months prior to applying for sponsorship must provide evidence that they have applied for one of the following:

• Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886);
• Been granted a Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485);
• Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176);
• Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visas (subclass 475) or (subclass 487); and
• are working in Western Australia.

Apply for State Sponsorship online.

Information about the application process can be found in the How to apply for State Sponsorship section of the website.

Regional classification for Perth - 12 September 2011

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

On 12 September 2011 the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship confirmed Perth's regional status for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 119/857).

As a result, employers located in Perth and surrounding areas will be able to access the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) to recruit and sponsor skilled workers.

For further information regarding the RSMS process please contact Skilled Migration WA by email at migration@dtwd.wa.gov.au.

State sponsorship applications for the Skilled Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (Subclass 475 or 487)

The changes announced by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship do not affect State Sponsorship applications for the Skilled Regional Sponsored visa classes.

Applicants who are successful in gaining a State Sponsored visa for the Skilled regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (Subclass 475 or 487) are still required to live and work in a regional area of Western Australia outside of Perth.

Listed below are the eligible postcodes in Western Australia for Skilled Regional Sponsored visa holders:

For further information regarding State Sponsorship please contact Skilled Migration WA by email at migration@dtwd.wa.gov.au.

Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475)

This category is a three year provisional visa for skilled workers who are unable to meet the criteria for a Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176).

This visa allows an applicant to migrate to Western Australia provided they meet the criteria for State Sponsorship.

The Skilled Regional Sponsored visa provides eligible skilled migrants with temporary residency and allows the successful applicant to live and work in any regional area of Western Australia.

Applicants will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after having lived for two years and worked at least 12 months in regional Western Australia.

Information about the application process can be found in the How to apply for State Sponsorship  section of the website.

Further information regarding the conditions and obligations you are required to meet if granted this visa can be found in DIAC’s website Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475).

Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (sub class 487)

Applicants for this visa must be residing in Australia at time of lodgement.

This category is a three year provisional visa for overseas students and certain visa subclass holders who are unable to meet the criteria for a Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176).

This visa allows an applicant to migrate to Western Australia provided they meet the criteria for State Sponsorship.

The Skilled Regional Sponsored visa provides eligible skilled migrants with temporary residency and allows the successful applicant to live and work in any regional area of Western Australia.

Applicants will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after having lived for two years and worked at least 12 months in regional Western Australia.

Information about the application process can be found in the How to apply for State Sponsorship section of the website.

Further information regarding the conditions and obligations you are required to meet if granted this visa can be found in DIAC’s website:

Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 487) for Skilled  - Graduate (Subclass 485) visa holders

Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 487) for Working Holiday Visa Holders