Skilled and Employer Visas
Skilled independent, skilled nominated and employer sponsored visas, including skills assessment issues, nomination and labour agreement matters.
Skilled and Employer-Sponsored Visa Options
Skilled and employer sponsored visas are points and criteria driven, and small differences in occupation, skills assessment or sponsor capacity can change which pathway is available. Settings shift regularly, so a strategy that worked a year ago may not work today.
Choosing the Appropriate Visa Pathway
Options range from skilled independent and skilled nominated visas to employer sponsored temporary and permanent pathways, each suited to different occupations, sponsors and long term goals.
Skills Assessments and Occupation Requirements
Most skilled pathways require a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority, and the occupation must appear on the relevant list for the visa subclass and the date of invitation or lodgement.
Points, Sponsorship and Compliance
Points, English and Work Experience
Points tested visas require a minimum points score based on factors such as age, English language ability, qualifications and skilled work experience. We assess your points position honestly before deciding whether to proceed.
Sponsorship and the Nominated Position
An Australian business can sponsor a skilled worker where it meets the sponsorship criteria and the position is genuine, and smaller businesses can still sponsor with the right preparation. The salary offered must meet the relevant threshold and market rate requirements for the occupation, which decision makers scrutinise closely.
Refusals and Ongoing Obligations
Refused nominations or visa applications can sometimes be reviewed by the Tribunal, and sponsors have ongoing compliance obligations. A change in employment during a temporary visa period should be raised with us as soon as it happens.
Our process
How a matter of this kind moves from first contact to outcome.
Skills Assessment
We confirm the correct assessing authority and occupation, and address any prior unfavourable assessment.
Points and Pathway Check
We assess your points position or sponsorship route before committing to an application.
Nomination or Invitation
We prepare nomination documents or manage the expression of interest and invitation process.
Lodge the Visa Application
The visa application is lodged with supporting evidence aligned to the nomination or points claims.
Respond to the Department
We handle any requests for further information or evidence of ongoing employment.
Decision and Next Steps
We advise on the grant, any conditions attached, or options if the outcome is unfavourable.
How Shah & Co Lawyers can assist
Skilled and sponsored pathways change with policy settings, so we confirm your position is current before you commit time and cost.
Skilled Visa Applications
Skilled independent and skilled nominated visa applications.
Employer Sponsored Visas
Employer sponsored temporary and permanent visa applications.
Sponsorship and Nomination
Sponsorship and nomination applications for businesses.
Skills Assessment Strategy
Advice on skills assessment strategy and review of unfavourable assessments.
Labour Agreements
Labour agreement and Designated Area Migration Agreement advice.
Tribunal Review
Review of refused nominations and skilled or employer sponsored visa applications.
Frequently asked questions
General information only. Every matter turns on its own facts.
Other immigration law services
Visa Refusals
Advice and representation following the refusal of a visa application, including assessment of merits review rights and preparation of review applications within the statutory time limits.
View Visa RefusalsVisa Cancellations
Notices of intention to consider cancellation under sections 116 and 501, responses to the Minister or delegate, and merits review of cancellation decisions.
View Visa CancellationsMerits Review
Applications to the Administrative Review Tribunal (Migration and Refugee jurisdiction) for review of visa refusal and cancellation decisions, including preparation of submissions and representation at hearing.
View Merits ReviewProtection Visas
Protection visa applications under Australia's protection obligations, including complementary protection, statements of claim and Tribunal review where required.
View Protection VisasPartner Visas
Onshore and offshore partner visa applications, including prospective marriage visas, evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship and dealing with sponsorship issues.
View Partner VisasFamily Visas
Parent, child, remaining relative and other family visa applications, including queue dates, balance of family test and assurance of support.
View Family VisasArrange a confidential consultation about your skilled or employer sponsored visa.
Arrange a confidential consultation. Discreet, professional and tailored to your circumstances.