State Sponsorship

What is State Sponsorship and what is the process to apply?

State Sponsorship is effectively an 'endorsement' from an Australian State or Territory Government that your skills and other criteria are in demand in that State/Territory, and it can be a step in the process of applying for a skilled sponsored visa.

 

Either State Sponsorship, or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in Australia, is required as part of the application for the following visas:

 

Offshore (applying outside Australia):

• Skilled - Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 176)
• Skilled - Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 475)

Onshore (applying within Australia):

• Skilled - Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 886)
• Skilled - Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 487)

 

The Skilled - Sponsored 176 visa is a permanent visa valid for 5 years. You can either renew it or apply for Australian citizenship if you are eligible.

 

The Regional - Sponsored 475 is a provisional visa valid for 3 years. After 2 years, if you have met criteria, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. In South Australia, there are no restrictions on the areas you can work and reside in - this means you can work in Adelaide.

 

IMPORTANT! As of 1 July 2011, the new points test applies to all new visa applications being lodged with DIAC.

 

See our Visas for South Australia brochure and please visit the DIAC website for more information, especially on the new points test.

 

What is the basic process?

1. Ensure you meet State Government and DIAC criteria

 

2. Acquire a positive Skills Assessment for an occupation sponsored by the State Government. Carried out by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. Click on "Assessing Authorities" at the end of this page for more details.

 

3. English language test (if required for points or for sponsorship) - IELTS

 

4. Apply for State Sponsorship online - Immigration SA (State Government)

 

5. Apply for visa after State Sponsorship is approved, within specified timeframe - DIAC

 

 

Am I eligible for State Sponsorship?

 

To be eligible you will need to meet the criteria of both the State and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

 

Click here to go to the Immigration SA website and view South Australia's State Migration Plan and requirements for State Sponsorship, including the occupations eligible for sponsorship.

 

Click here to visit the skilled migration section on DIAC's website.

 

 

Are there any other visa options?

There are many different visas available, depending on your eligibility. As we cannot provide visa advice, we recommend using DIAC's online Visa Wizard to explore your options.