The Australian Government has always placed a high priority 
on skilled migration as various studies have shown skilled migrants usually have the lowest rate of unemployment or reliance on social welfare, and the highest degree of professional development.
General Skilled Migration visas has operated under the “SkillSelect” system since 1 July 2012. Apart from the Skilled Graduate (485), Skilled Recognised Graduate (476) and Skilled Regional (887) visas which were retained from the previous scheme, the number of new visa subclasses have been reduced to 3. Applications for these visas (except the 485, 476 and 887 visas, which are not subject to the points test) will be assessed in accordance with the points test.
Options under skilled visas are:
- Skilled Indepenent (189)
- Skilled Nominated (190)
- Skilled Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) (491)
- Skilled Nominated or Sponsored (Permanent) (191)
- Skilled Graduate (485)
- Skilled Recognised Graduate (476)
- Skilled Regional (887)