Australia is a country that has plenty to offer to its residents- nature at its best, unlimited adventure and fun sports, a slowly but steadily progressing economy, a wide array of jobs in several occupations- all these and more have prompted many people to choose to travel, visit, migrate and work in Australia. In order to be able to migrate to Australia one must possess a valid immigration visa. An immigration visa is the only document that offers one the legal approval to stay in Australia and later on probably apply for the status of a permanent resident.

An Australian Immigration visa can be issued under various categories. The eligibility criteria for an Australian immigration visa differ for each category and changes have been made in the immigration policy frequently in order to meet the changing demands of the Australian labor industry. The important classification of Australian immigration visas include those issued to workers, migrants, tourists, students, employers and refugees.

Amongst the various categories mentioned above the migrants and workers categories receive the maximum applications for an Australian immigration visa. This is mainly due to the reason of increasing work prospects in specific occupations that are of great demand in the country.

Regarding Australian immigration visa for workers, this group has various categories like those who have been sponsored by employers, those who have no sponsorship from employers but who possess specialized skills in specific occupations that are in demand in Australia, people who want to pay a business visit to Australia, special immigration visas for those in the medical profession (doctors, nurses etc) and who wish to work in the country, applicants with special occupational skills but wanting to work in areas that are outside the important cities of Australia.

Some important changes have been effected in the Australian Immigration Policy early this year. The General Skilled Migration Program which is the vital component of the Australian Immigration Policy that has been formulated with the aim of bringing in more skilled laborers to Australia has seen some modifications. The Migration Occupations in Demand List has been revoked and replaced by a Skilled Occupations List (SOL) formulated by an independent body known as the Skills Australia. The SOL is expected to be introduced by mid-2010.

Another major modification has been brought into points-based evaluation system that forms the basis of selection for an Australian immigration visa. The new evaluation system is anticipated to enable an increased number of deserving candidates applying for an Australian immigration visa to get preference.  Currently points are allocated on the basis of academic qualifications, skills, experience and English proficiency. The new amendment has brought in scope for more points to be awarded for certain selective occupations that could be of more sought after in the country. Additional criteria are expected to be added in the coming years.

The new laws pertaining to issuance of an Australian immigration visa have also effected changes to the policy that would be more state and territory specific. This is considered as an improved method of catering to the skill requirements in several states.

It has been the constant endeavor of the Australian government to throw open more and more avenues of employment to well deserving applicants from all over the world who dream of getting an Australian immigration visa. The changes that have been brought about in the Australian immigration policy are only an indication of the government’s honest attempts of opening its hands and receiving more migrants who are capable of contributing to the country’s economy in a healthy manner.