From1 January 2010, applicants nominating a trade occupation under one ofthe offshore GSM visa subclasses are no longer able to meet theAustralian Study Requirement when seeking to migrate to Australia. Thischange impacts on the following visa subclasses:
Skilled - Independent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 175)
Skilled - Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 176)
Skilled - Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 475)
Applicantsapplying for one of the above visa subclasses and in one of thespecified occupations can only seek to satisfy the work experiencecriterion. This criterion requires the applicant to have at least 12months work experience in a skilled occupation in the 24 monthsimmediately prior to applying.
Theoption for offshore applicants to apply based on meeting the AustralianStudy Requirement remains open to all other occupations contained onthe Skilled Occupation Demand List (SOL).