Australia new visa program

Australia has a points-based visa system, which is designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the country's economy. The program is called the Skilled Migration Program, and it has several streams and subclasses. Here are some of the main visa programs:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): This visa is for highly skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member. To be eligible, applicants must have a high level of English language proficiency, a bachelor's degree or higher, and a minimum of 65 points in the points-based assessment.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government. To be eligible, applicants must have a high level of English language proficiency, a bachelor's degree or higher, and a minimum of 65 points in the points-based assessment.
3. Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491): This visa is for skilled workers who are sponsored by a state or territory government or a family member living in a designated regional area. To be eligible, applicants must have a high level of English language proficiency, a bachelor's degree or higher, and a minimum of 65 points in the points-based assessment.
4. Skilled Work Regional (subclass 494): This visa is for skilled workers who are sponsored by an employer in a designated regional area. To be eligible, applicants must have a high level of English language proficiency, a bachelor's degree or higher, and a minimum of 65 points in the points-based assessment.

The points-based assessment considers factors such as:

• Age: 18-45 years old
• English language proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL test results
• Education: Bachelor's degree or higher
• Work experience: Relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
• Qualifications: Relevant qualifications and certifications
• Language skills: Proficiency in English and/or another language
• Study in Australia: Previous study in Australia
• Community language: Proficiency in a community language
• Spouse skills: Skills and qualifications of the spouse

The points are allocated as follows:

• Age: 15-30 points
• English language proficiency: 10-20 points
• Education: 15-30 points
• Work experience: 5-15 points
• Qualifications: 5-15 points
• Language skills: 5-10 points
• Study in Australia: 5-10 points
• Community language: 5-10 points
• Spouse skills: 5-10 points

The total points required to apply for a visa vary depending on the stream and subclass. For example, the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) requires a minimum of 65 points, while the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) requires a minimum of 65 points.

It's important to note that the Australian government has introduced several changes to the visa program in recent years, including the introduction of the "Global Talent Independent Program" and the "Skilled Employer-Sponsored Employee Transition" program. These programs aim to attract highly skilled workers and address labor shortages in specific industries.

If you're interested in applying for an Australian visa, I recommend consulting the official government website or seeking advice from a registered migration agent.