For general skilled migration to Australia, you or your spouse must be able to satisfy all of the following basic requirements:

• Age
  You must be under 45 years of age when you apply.

• English language
  You must have sufficient ability in the English language for working in Australia. This is known as 'vocational English'.
  A higher level of English is required for certain occupations where English ability forms part of the skills assessment. This information will be available from the relevant assessing authority. In the Skilled–Designated Area and the Skill Matching visa categories, a lower level of English may apply.

  You are encouraged to have your English language ability tested before you apply.

• Qualifications
  You must have post-secondary (such as university or trade) qualifications (in a small number of occupations, substantial relevant work experience may be acceptable).
  
  Your skills must have been assessed by the relevant assessing authority as suitable for your nominated occupation.

• Nominated occupation
  When you apply, you must nominate an occupation which fits your skills and qualifications. Your nominated occupation must be on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL)
  See: Form 1121i (PDF file, 125kb) Skilled Occupations List.

  If your nominated occupation is 'Medical Practitioner',
  See: Migration of Medical Practitioners under the General Skilled Migration Program

  If your nominated occupation is not on the SOL, you cannot apply.

• Recent work experience
  This requirement is separate from the need to have your skills assessed as suitable for your nominated occupation before you apply.
  
  If your nominated occupation is worth 60 points (see the points for your nominated occupation on the SOL), you must have been in paid employment in a skilled occupation (any on the SOL) for at least 12 of the 18 months immediately before applying.
  
  If your nominated occupation is worth 40 or 50 points, you must have been in paid employment in a skilled occupation (any on the SOL) for at least 2 of the 3 years immediately before applying.
  
  For certain occupations, a longer period of specific work experience is required to obtain a suitable skills assessment (for example, manager).
  
  In the Skill Matching or Skilled-Designated Area Sponsored categories, you may be eligible with less work experience.
  
  Recent work experience exemption
  You do not need to meet the work experience requirement if you meet the 2 years study in Australia requirement less than 6 months before lodging your visa application.
  
  This exemption cannot, however, be used to waive any specific work experience requirement imposed by an assessing body as part of a skills assessment.
  
  If you intend taking advantage of this concession, you should note that the 6 month period begins from the date that you completed the qualification, not from the date the qualification was conferred.