The Australian government developed the Skilled Migration program in the 1980s to fill in demand positions within the country. As of 2005, the majority of all immigration visas issued are in the Skilled Migrant category; the government projected that 84,000 skilled workers would migrate to Australia that year.
Workers must be under the age of 45 to qualify for the Skilled Migrant program. They must also possess skills listed on the Department of Immigration's Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL). As of 2010, the list included positions such as medical professionals, teachers, engineers and scientists.
There are several visa options available in the Skilled Migrant category. Immigrants may apply as independent migrants, or as part of a sponsorship from a family member. There are also different visa options for workers currently residing in Australia, residents of New Zealand and overseas applicants.
