If you are not eligible for an independent skilled visa (eg if you do not have 60 points, or your skill is not in the independent skilled list), then you can apply for a skilled visa with the assistance of a sponsor.
This visa application may also assist where you require a visa more quickly, as sponsored visas enjoy quicker turnaround times.
The sponsored skills list also contains a longer list of eligible skills than the independent list, so it is often the solution.
Sponsors can be a State Government, employer, or regional council.
Each State has different types of people that they wish to sponsor, and they publish their list on websites.
The lists for each State or Territory are as follows:
Western Australia: http://www.migration.wa.gov.au/skilledmigration/Pages/Occupationsindemand.aspx
Northern Territory: http://www.migration.nt.gov.au/visa/sol.html
South Australia: https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/SNOL_data
Queensland: http://www.workliveplay.qld.gov.au/pdfs/visa-eligible-skills-list.pdf
New South Wales: http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/25147/NSW-State-Occupation-List.pdf
Australian Capital Territory: http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/workspace/uploads/documents/act-occupation-list-2012-13-july1.pdf
Victoria: http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/visas-and-immigrating/occupation-lists/state-nomination-occupation-list-for-victoria
Tasmania: http://www.migration.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/41927/List_SMP_2012_2013.pdf
See also: http://immigrationdirect.com.au/skill-occupation-list.jsp
At The Migration Place, we are experienced in checking the lists, and we monitor the lists for any changes or adjustment in case it helps an existing, or prospective, client secure residency in Australia.
We include these searches in our fixed price initial advice of $300.