This visa is appropriate for people with skills in a job that is in high demand in Australia, and whose occupation is listed on ENSOL (found on the SOL). The employer must gain DIAC approval to sponsor the applicant, and the applicant has six months from the date of nomination approval to lodge an application. If the applicant does not have two years of recent work experience in Australia (including 12 months with the nominating employer), he or she must pass the skills assessment for their skill, unless a base salary of over A$165,000 (£67,650) per annum is offered. Applicants must be aged under 45 years, but may be older in exceptional circumstances. Please note that there are other permanent and temporary employer-sponsored visa categories. The most common employer sponsored visa is the 457, a provisional visa granted for up to four years. This visa allows an applicant to enter Australia quickly (typically within three months) to commence work in a skilled job. As the eligibility requirements for a 457 are less strict that skilled migration, the 457 is a viable options for many migrant wishing to settle in Australia and there is no age limit.
