There are several different Australian visa options for US citizens wanting to move to Australia permanently.
Skilled visa options
If you are a US Citizen that is qualified in occupations that are in demand in Australia, including in healthcare, education and trades you may be eligible to apply for an skilled visa for Australia.
Skilled visas for Australia, include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa
- Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa
The Subclass 189 visa and the Subclass 190 visa are “points-based” visas. They require an assessment of how many points you would be awarded based on factors including your age, your qualification(s) and your skilled employment experience. Nevett Ford Lawyers can assist to calculate your eligibility and points score.
The Subclass 189 visa and the Subclass 190 visa also require you to complete a “skills assessment” with the relevant Australian assessing authority which is based on your qualification(s). There are different skills assessing bodies for different occupations and there are specific requirements that must be met.
Employer sponsored visa options
Many Australian employers are unable to source the experience and skill sets that they require for their business from the local workforce. For this reason, many Australian businesses will ‘sponsor’ employees who are not Australian Citizens or permanent residents.
Some examples of the employer sponsored visa options include:
- Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa (“temporary” visa with a “permanent” visa pathway)
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (“permanent” visa)
The above visas require you to be qualified in an occupation from specified skilled occupation lists and you will require an Australian employer that is willing and able to sponsor you. The minimum salary required is $AUD73,150.00 (excluding superannuation) but the salary you are paid must also be commensurate for the market rate for an individual in the Australian workforce with similar credentials (qualifications, employment experience and skills) to you. In some cases you may also need a skills assessment – for example, Nurses, Doctors, Electricians.
Family visa pathways
If you have family in Australia you may also have visa options.
The visa options include the following:
- Subclass 309/100 Offshore Partner visa
- Subclass 820/801 Onshore Partner visa
- Subclass 300 Prospective marriage visa
- Parent visas
- Remaining Relative visa
- Child visas
The above visas require you to have an Australian “sponsor”.
Other “Temporary” visas
In addition to visa options outline above, US citizens can also apply for other temporary visas, including:
- Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa
- Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa(for applicants under 31)
Need Australian immigration law & visa assistance?
Contact us today so we can help guide you
Nevett Ford Lawyers Melbourne
Telephone: +61 3 9614 7111
Email: melbourne@nevettford.com.au
Visit our website: www.nevettford.com.au