State Territory Nominated Independent visa
(Subclass 137)

This visa enables participating state/territory governments to nominate skilled migration applicants who are interested in permanently settling in states and territories where their skills are in demand. There is particular demand for skilled workers in regional areas of Australia.

Who is this visa for?

This visa is for:

• skilled workers with an occupation that is required in Australia
• dependent family members of the skilled worker who also wish to apply for a visa.

You must have skills and qualifications in an occupation that is required in Australia. These occupations are listed on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

• You will need to be nominated by a participating state or territory government.

Each State or Territory has its own list of skill requirements depending on what skills are in demand in that state. You should check the state shortage lists before proceeding with your application.

What does this visa let me do?

This visa allows you and any dependent family members included in your visa application to live as permanent residents in Australia.

Australian permanent residents can:

• live and work in Australia on a permanent basis
• study in Australia at school or university
• receive subsidised healthcare through Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• access certain social security payments (subject to waiting periods)
• be eligible for Australian citizenship (subject to the residency eligibility criteria)
• sponsor people for permanent residence.

The contents of this page are necessarily an abbreviated overview of a very detailed subject. The situation may change as the law can alter quickly and we therefore strongly recommend that you take professional advice about your personal circumstances before placing any reliance on the contents of the website. Contact us to let us know your situation and we will be happy to provide a telephone appraisal without charge.