Significant changes to Australian Skilled Sponsored Visas on 1 July 2011 will result in the removal of the permanent family sponsored visa route; Family members can still sponsor relatives under a provisional sponsored migration visa.
This visa can still lead to permanent residence. Holders of a provisional sponsored skilled migration visa may be eligible for a Skilled Regional (Residence) visa (subclass 887) after meeting certain eligibility criteria. As Australia’s economy heats up, demand for skilled overseas workers will increase. Australia is well known for its skilled migration program, which has influenced immigration programs in other countries such as those in the UK.