Australia has long been a magnet for skilled workers from around the world. A skilled visa is a crucial pathway for individuals with specific skills, qualifications, and work experience to live and work in Australia. These visas not only benefit the immigrants by providing new career opportunities but also contribute significantly to Australia’s economy by filling skill shortages in various industries. Understanding the ins and outs of Australian skilled visas is essential for anyone considering a move to Australia for work – related purposes.
What Is A Skilled Visa in Australia?
A Skilled Visa in Australia is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals with specific skills and qualifications to live and work in Australia. These visas are designed to fill gaps in the Australian workforce where there is a shortage of skilled workers. Skilled workers who are granted a skilled visa can live and work in Australia for a limited period or, in some cases, permanently.
Types of Skilled Visas in Australia
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
Purpose and Eligibility
The TSS visa is designed to address Australia’s short – term and medium – term skill shortages. To be eligible, you must have a job offer from an approved Australian employer. The employer first needs to be approved as a sponsor and prove that they cannot find a suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position. For example, if an Australian IT company is looking for a software engineer with expertise in a niche programming language, and there are no local candidates with the required skills, they may sponsor a foreign national for a TSS visa.
You, as the applicant, need to have the relevant skills and qualifications for the job. This often means having a degree or vocational qualification in the relevant field, along with work experience. For a software engineer position, a bachelor’s degree in computer science and several years of work experience in software development would be typical requirements.
Sub – Categories
Short – term Stream: This stream is for occupations on the Short – term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). It is usually valid for up to 2 years. Jobs in this category are those where the skill shortage is expected to be short – lived. For instance, a marketing campaign manager for a short – term project may be eligible for the short – term stream.
Medium – term Stream: Occupations on the Medium – and Long – term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) fall under the medium – term stream. This stream can be valid for up to 4 years. Jobs like registered nurses, engineers, and certain tradespeople often fall into this category. These are skills that Australia has a more long – term need for.
Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is for employers who have a labour agreement with the Australian government. It allows them to sponsor workers for specific projects or industries. For example, a large infrastructure project may have a labour agreement in place to bring in skilled workers from overseas.
Employer – Nominated Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)
Permanent Residency Option
The ENS visa is a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. It is suitable for skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian employer. The employer must be able to demonstrate that the applicant’s skills are needed in the Australian labour market.
For example, a mining company in Western Australia may nominate a highly experienced mining engineer for an ENS visa. The company needs to show that the engineer’s skills are not readily available among local workers and that the position is an integral part of their operations.
Eligibility Criteria
You must have a valid job offer from an approved employer for a full – time position. The job must be on the relevant skilled occupation list. You also need to meet the skills and experience requirements for the nominated occupation. This may include having a certain number of years of work experience, relevant qualifications, and sometimes, passing a skills assessment. For a mining engineer, a degree in mining engineering and at least 5 years of relevant work experience may be required.
Additionally, you need to meet health and character requirements. A medical examination will be required to ensure you are in good health, and a police check will be conducted to verify your good character.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Points – Based System
The Skilled Independent visa is a points – tested visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia without an employer nomination. It is designed for individuals with skills in high demand in Australia.
The points are awarded based on various factors. Age is one factor, with applicants between 25 and 32 years old receiving the maximum age – related points. For example, a 28 – year – old applicant may get 30 points for age. Your qualifications also play a role. A bachelor’s degree may earn you a certain number of points, and a master’s or doctorate degree will earn more. Work experience is another crucial factor. Each year of relevant work experience can contribute to your points total.
For instance, a 30 – year – old software developer with a master’s degree in computer science and 5 years of work experience may score well in the points – based system.
Skill Assessment
To be eligible for a Subclass 189 visa, you must first have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority. For example, if you are an engineer, you will need to have your qualifications and work experience assessed by Engineers Australia. The assessment ensures that your skills are equivalent to those of an Australian – trained professional in the same field.
Once you have a positive skills assessment, you can then submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. If your EOI is selected based on your points score and other factors, you will be invited to apply for the Skilled Independent visa.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
State or Territory Nomination
The Skilled Nominated visa requires you to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Each state and territory has its own list of eligible occupations and requirements. For example, the state of Victoria may have a demand for early childhood teachers. If you are an early childhood teacher and meet Victoria’s criteria, you can apply for a nomination.
The nomination process usually involves meeting the state or territory’s specific requirements, such as having a certain level of English proficiency, relevant work experience, and sometimes, a job offer in the state or territory.
Benefits and Application Process
Being nominated by a state or territory gives you additional points in the SkillSelect system. This can significantly increase your chances of being invited to apply for the visa. After receiving a nomination, you need to submit an EOI through SkillSelect. If your EOI is selected, you can then apply for the Subclass 190 visa. The visa allows you to live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least 2 years, after which you may be eligible for permanent residency.
Application Process for Skilled Visas
Skills Assessment
Finding the Right Assessing Authority
The first step in applying for a skilled visa is to have your skills assessed. Different occupations have different assessing authorities. For example, for tradespeople like electricians or plumbers, the relevant assessing authority may be the Australian Trade and Skills Commission. For medical professionals, it could be the Medical Board of Australia.
You need to research and identify the correct assessing authority for your occupation. Each authority has its own set of requirements for the skills assessment, which may include providing transcripts of your educational qualifications, work experience certificates, and sometimes, undergoing a practical test.
Submitting the Assessment Application
Once you have identified the assessing authority, you need to submit an application for skills assessment. This usually involves filling out an application form, providing all the required documentation, and paying the assessment fee. The fee amount varies depending on the assessing authority and the type of assessment. For example, an engineering skills assessment may cost more than an assessment for a non – technical occupation.
The assessing authority will then review your application. This process can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of your case and the workload of the authority. If your skills are assessed as equivalent to those of an Australian – trained professional, you will receive a positive skills assessment report.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Creating an EOI through SkillSelect
After obtaining a positive skills assessment, you need to create an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. In your EOI, you will provide details about your skills, qualifications, work experience, and other relevant information. You will also indicate your interest in different visa subclasses, such as the Subclass 189, 190, or 482.
The SkillSelect system uses a points – based system to rank your EOI. The higher your points score, the more competitive you are in the pool of applicants. You can also update your EOI if there are any changes in your circumstances, such as gaining more work experience or obtaining a higher qualification.
Invitation to Apply
The Australian Department of Home Affairs regularly reviews the EOIs in the SkillSelect system. If your EOI is selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for a specific visa subclass. The invitation will specify the visa subclass, the time limit within which you need to submit your visa application, and any additional requirements. For example, if you are invited to apply for a Subclass 190 visa, you will need to submit your application within 60 days.
Visa Application
Gathering Documentation
Once you receive an invitation to apply, you need to gather all the required documentation for your visa application. This may include your passport, a copy of your skills assessment report, evidence of your English language proficiency (such as IELTS or PTE scores), educational transcripts, work experience certificates, and a medical examination report.
If you are applying for an employer – sponsored visa, you will also need to provide a nomination from your employer, a job offer letter, and details of your employer’s sponsorship approval.
Submitting the Application and Paying the Fee
You will submit your visa application online through the ImmiAccount system. Make sure to fill out all the forms accurately and attach all the required documents. There is an application fee for each skilled visa subclass, and the fee amount varies. For example, the application fee for a Subclass 189 visa is different from that of a Subclass 482 visa. The fee must be paid at the time of submitting the application, usually through an online payment system.
Visa Processing and Decision
The Australian Department of Home Affairs will then process your visa application. They will check the authenticity of your documents, verify your eligibility based on the visa criteria, and may conduct background checks. The processing time can vary depending on the type of visa, the complexity of your application, and the current workload of the department. For example, a simple employer – sponsored visa may be processed within a few months, while a more complex Skilled Independent visa could take up to a year or more.
If your visa application is approved, you will be notified through your ImmiAccount. You will receive details about your visa, including the visa subclass, the date of issue, the expiration date, and any conditions attached to the visa. If the visa is refused, the department will provide reasons for the refusal, and in some cases, you may have the right to appeal the decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Australian skilled visas offer a valuable opportunity for skilled workers to build a new life in Australia. The different types of skilled visas, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage visa, Employer – Nominated Scheme visa, Skilled Independent visa, and Skilled Nominated visa, cater to a wide range of skills and circumstances. Whether you are a highly – qualified professional, a tradesperson, or someone with in – demand skills, there is likely a skilled visa option for you. However, the application process can be complex and time – consuming. It requires careful preparation, meeting strict eligibility criteria, and providing accurate documentation. By understanding the various aspects of skilled visas, from the types available to the application process, you can increase your chances of a successful application and embark on a rewarding career and life in Australia.
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