The first thing to do is to see if you qualify on the basic requirements for the General Skilled Migration visa (Sub class 175).

You’re age must be of under 45 years old (current point system - before July 2011).

Proof of good English proficiency is mandatory and most applicants need to qualify by obtaining a certain score in IELTS exam.

Check also if the occupation right now is in Australia’s NEW skilled occupations list (SOL) (launched last July 2010).

If your occupation is in the SOL then briefly verify if you have relevant years of experience for your nominated occupation (see point requirement list at http://www.workpermit.com/australia/general-skilled-migration/points_requirements.htm).

Note: This skills assessment is done by relevant assessment authority in Australia, the assessing body will advise, whether you are or not a suitable candidate for the chosen nominated occupation (e.g. IT prefessionals = Australian Computer Society (ACS))

Again double check the point requirement list if you can obtain 120 or more point.

If you met all the the basic requirement and you think you are able to achieve or surpass the 120 points passing mark, go for skills assessment and take the IELTS exam.

In addition, If you have a spouse, as per the checklist... you can also claim additional points for him/her,

If claiming for spousal points, check whether she/he meets the basic requirements.

If yes, better let him/her take an IELTS test to avoid the secondary payment (check the immi.gov.au FEEs http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/990i/professionals-outside-australia.htm).

The passing mark is set by the Australian government and has the authority to modify it anytime.

If you did not meet the passing mark, review your credentials for other visa category like Sponsored and provisional categories.

You may also seek nomination from ‘Designated Area’ or ‘Regional Australia’ or see if you have any relatives in Australia that might wish to sponsor you for immigration.