Immigration Services

The Australian Skilled Migration Program

The Skilled Stream of the Australian Migration Program is designed to attract people who can contribute to the Australian economy, and fill positions where no Australian workers are available. The Program is generally for highly skilled workers, under the age of 45.

The Department of Home Affairs publishes a Skilled Occupation List which lists the occupations which people who are qualified or trained in can apply for a suitable visa.

You can access the list here

The Skilled Stream plays an important role in regional development through providing skills and labour which cannot be sourced locally, as well as encouraging investment and promoting local spending in regional areas.

Multiple visas exist within the Skilled Migration Stream. All applicants or businesses wishing to sponsor an applicant should get professional advice.

Please contact us if you have a question.

Employing Skilled Workers in Australia

Businesses can legally employ someone if they are a citizen or permanent resident of Australia.

If a company has been approved as a Business Sponsor by the Department of Home Affairs they can:

  • Employ or sponsor skilled workers who are already in Australia and have a visa that allows them to work.

  • Employ or sponsor other skilled workers who may be in Australia on another type of visa which does not currently allow them to work.

  • Sponsor skilled workers to come to Australia to work for you.

Any legally established and operating business can apply to be a sponsor. The type of sponsor your business becomes will determine your obligations and the support provided to your sponsored employee.

A business must nominate an employee for a role which is on the approved list of eligible occupations. There are different visa options available, and the steps involved differ according to the visa.

Becoming and approved sponsor allows a company greater flexibility and opportunity to secure global talent.

Please contact us about your company sponsoring employees in Australia.

Temporary Skills Shortages (482) Visa

This visa enables employers to bring in skilled workers where they can't source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

The are two streams for this visa, the Short Term and the Medium-Long Term, which determine the length of stay on a 482 visa - two or four years. Some exceptions and second visa grants apply.

A skilled occupation will be listed on the Short Term or Medium Long-Term list.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor (employer).

  • Have the right skills to do the job.

  • Meet the relevant English language requirements.

The visa allows family members to join this visa application as ‘subsequent entrants’.

If you are an employer or employee seeking assistance with 482’s please contact us

The Australian Government is changing requirements for temporary visa applicants in Australia. Legislation changes will commence in July 2023. More detail will be provided, please consult our NEWS section for up to date information.

Australian Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship

You can become a permanent resident of Australia by applying for and being granted a permanent visa that allows you to remain in Australia indefinitely. The most common permanent visas include some skilled work and family visas.

When you apply for a permanent residency visa you will need to meet a list of requirements regarding your health, character, and English proficiency. There are many ways to apply. Upon suitability evaluation, Stirling Henry will determine the best permanent visa pathway for you.

Beyond permanent residency you can become a citizen of Australia.

Contact Us for assistance with Australia permanent residency or citizenship.

Family Migration

If you are seeking a to move to Australia with your family or you would like your family to join you in Australia on a temporary or permanent basis there are visas available to you.

Partners and dependents of temporary visa holders may be included as subsequent visa holders. Family of Permanent Residents and Australian Citizens should define the intention of their move and then seek help to identify the suitable visa pathway.

For advice on Family Migration please contact us

Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186

This visa stream lets skilled workers, who are nominated by an employer live and work in Australia permanently.

There are three streams to this visa;

Direct Entry Stream

You must be nominated by an Australian employer, have competent English and your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​You must hold a 457, TSS or related bridging visa A, B or C. Usually, you must have worked for your employer full-time for at least three years and you must be nominated by your employer.

Labour Agreement Stream

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​You must currently work for, or will work for, an employer who is party to a Labour Agreement.

If you are an employer or employee please contact us

Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) Subclass 400 Visa

The work stream of this temporary visa lets you do short-term, highly specialised work in Australia. It is suitable if you have specialised skills, knowledge or experience not generally available in Australia.

It is supported by an Australian business or organisation and has a maximum stay period of 3 months.

Please contact us for assistance