There are 4 main categories of skilled migrants:

1 General Skilled Migration (GSM)

There is a range of visa options under General Skilled Migration for skilled workers who want to live in Australia and who do not have an employer sponsoring them.

Independent migrants are selected on the basis of their age, skills, qualifications, English language, ability and employability so they can contribute quickly to the Australian economy. They are not sponsored by an employer or relative in Australia. This group forms the largest component of skilled migrants each year. In 2008-09, the outcome in the skilled independent category was 44 594, representing 38.9 per cent of the Skill Stream.

For those unable to meet the independent criteria sponsorship by an eligible Australian relative or nomination by a state or territory government is also possible under GSM.

2. Employer nomination

Employers may nominate (or 'sponsor') personnel from overseas through the following categories:

  • The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) allows Australian employers to nominate overseas workers for permanent residence in Australia to fill skilled vacancies in their business.

  • The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) is one of several government initiatives which are designed to encourage migration to regional and low population growth areas of Australia. Employers in these areas can nominate overseas workers for permanent residence to fill skilled vacancies in their business.

  • A Labour Agreement enables Australian employers to recruit a specified number of workers from overseas in response to identified labour market shortages. This is a formal arrangement negotiated between the Commonwealth Government and an employer.

  • In 2008-09, the outcome in the Employer Nominated categories was 38 026.

3. Business skills migration

The Business Skills Program encourages successful business people to settle permanently in Australia and develop new business opportunities.

In 2008-09, the business skills migration outcome was 7 397.

4. Distinguished talent

This is a small category for distinguished individuals with special or unique talents of benefit to Australia.

The profiles of people who have been successful under this category generally include sports people, musicians, artists and designers, all of whom were internationally recognised as outstanding in their field. In 2008-09, the outcome for this category was 201.