Building Paths to Australia through Skilled Migration Visa
As a land of opportunities and new beginnings, Australia is the perfect destination for great workers from across the globe. Fortunately, the country offers a Skilled Migration Visa to all qualified job seekers. If you’re having second thoughts about which visa fits you best, here’s an overview of the three kinds of visas you may want to consider.
Types of Skilled Migration Visas and Eligibility Requirements
1. Independent Skilled Visa (Subclass 189)
This visa is granted to skilled workers invited by the Department of Home Affairs. You can permanently work in any region in Australia, given that you have passed all requirements and exams. Unlike the others, the holder of this visa does not need a nominator or sponsor to apply.
You become eligible for this visa if you have the following:
● Must be below 45 years of age during the application
● Must be English competent, written and verbal
● Must have a point test score of at least65 points
● Must have an occupation listed on the skilled occupation list
● Must have a suitable skills assessment based on the desired occupation
● Must have been invited by the Department of Home Affairs
● Must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
● Must meet health and character requirements
● Must have no outstanding debts from the Australian Government
● Must sign the Australian Values Statement, signifying compliance with Australian law
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This visa is granted to skilled workers nominated by the Australian state/territory government. Same with Subclass 189, it is a permanent visa. You have to commit to living and working in the state or territory that nominated you.
It applies to the same eligibility requirements of the Independent Skilled Visa. The only difference is that you must be nominated by the Australian government and invited by the Department of Home Affairs. You get an additional 5 points.
3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
This visa allows the skilled worker to live, study, and work in Australia for five years. As the name describes it, it is provisional. The upside of this, however, is that you can apply for permanent residence after three years from the time your visa was approved.
It also has the same eligibility requirements of both aforementioned visas. The only difference is that you may have an eligible relative to sponsor you or be nominated by the state or territory. You get an additional 15 points.
Skill Assessment for Australian Skilled Migration
Before taking the assessment, ensure that you are qualified in the right occupation. You can find the list of available jobs here.
A skill assessment is important, as it determines your qualifications and work experience towards your nominated occupation.
After nominating the appropriate occupation, contact the relevant assessing authority. Each assessment varies in cost, procedure, and timeframe.
A positive skills assessment is one of the requirements for the visa application. It must be valid at time of invitation to apply for the visa. It is valid for three years.
English Language Requirements for Skilled Migration Visas
Having a mastery of the English language is one of the main requirements in visa application. You have to show proof of you communication competence through any of the following exams:
● IELTS or International English Language Testing System (General unless required for registration of occupation)
● PTE or Pearson Test of English
● CAE or Cambridge English: Advanced
● OET or Occupational English Test
That said, you must pass the five levels of English. Here are the types of English Test and their respective passing average scores in each level:
Note: The test results are valid for three (3) years.
Skill Shortage in Australia
The skill shortage in Australia has definitely opened a lot of doors for immigrants. To fill in the labour gaps, the country is open to hire plenty of workers under the medical field, retail management, construction, ICT industry, and a lot more. Here’s a list of the most sought after occupations as of December 2022:
1. Registered Nurses
2. Software and Applications Programmer
3. Aged and Disabled Carers
4. Child Carers
5. Construction Managers
6. Motor Mechanics
7. Retail Managers
8. Chef
9. Generalist Medical Practitioners
10. Metal Fitters and Machinists
11. ICT Business and Systems Analysts
12. Civil Engineering Professionals
13. Electricians
14. Early Childhood Teachers
15. Contract, Program, and Project Administrators
16. Advertising and Marketing Professionals
17. Physiotherapists
18. Gardeners
19. Mining Engineers
20. Database and System Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists
Source: https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/work/2023/03/13/skills-shortage-in-demand-jobs/
Skilled Migration Visas Costs, Processes, and Waiting Time
Acquiring a Skilled Migration Visa is like an investment. It will cost you time and a lot of money. However, once you get approved, all of that will be worth it. With that said, it’s important to note that visa prices and waiting periods vary. The information below sums up how much you’ll be paying, how long it will take before you obtain the visa, and how long your stay is.
Independent Skilled Visa (Subclass 189)
Process:
●Determine your eligibility by choosing the right occupation that fits your skills.
●Take and pass the skills assessment with a positive result.
●Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) if your points reach 65 and above.
●Wait for the invitation to apply.
Apply withing 60 days after acquiring said invitation.
Processing Time:
75% of applications take five months processing time from a Point Tested stream, while it’s 21 months from a New Zealand stream
90% of applications take six processing time from a Point Tested stream, while it’s 25 months from a New Zealand stream
Costs:
4,640 AUD is the cost from a Points tested and HongKong stream. Take note that there are separate charges for additional applicants.
From a New Zealand stream, prices are not applicable
Period of Stay:
Permanently
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Process:
●Determine your eligibility by choosing the right occupation that fits your skills.
●Take and pass the skills assessment with a positive result.
●Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) if your points reach 65 and above.
●Wait for the invitation to apply.
Apply withing 60 days after acquiring said invitation.
Processing Time:
75% of applications take five months processing time from a Point Tested stream, while it’s 21 months from a New Zealand stream
90% of applications take six processing time from a Point Tested stream, while it’s 25 months from a New Zealand stream
Costs:
4,640 AUD is the cost from a Points tested and HongKong stream. Take note that there are separate charges for additional applicants
From a New Zealand stream, prices are not applicable
Period of Stay:
Permanently
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Process:
●Determine your eligibility by choosing the right occupation that fits your skills.
●Take and pass the skills assessment with a positive result.
●Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) if your points reach 65 and above.
●Wait for the invitation to apply.
Apply withing 60 days after acquiring said invitation.
Processing Time:
75% of applications take 16 months processing time
90% of applications take 17 months to be completed
Costs:
4,640 AUD is the cost for this visa. Take note that there are separate charges for additional applicants
Period of Stay:
Five (5) years
Pathways to Permanent Residency through Skilled Migration
Once a skilled visa is obtained, it becomes easier for you to acquire a permanent residency or Australian citizenship. It varies on what visa you hold. The table below shows what benefits you can acquire when your visa is approved.
Independent Skilled Visa (Subclass 189)
Benefits:
●Work in renowned firms and organizations in Australia
●Study in the country
●Possibility of citizenship
●Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency
●Avail Australia’s health care system
Travel freely to and from Australia for five years
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Benefits:
●Work and study in Australia
●Permanent Residence
●Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency
●Avail Australia’s health care system
Travel freely to and from Australia for five years
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Benefits:
● Stay in Australia while visa is valid
● Live, work, and study in specified regions in the country
● Pathway to permanent residence
Travel freely to and from Australia for five years
Changes and Updates in Australia’s Skilled Migration Visa Policies
Despite the enticing invitation to work and live in Australia, some changes have been made, particularly in the New Zealand stream application. Those who wish to apply a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) through this stream ceased on 1 July 2023.
The new policy has been established as way to support the new direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens. Despite the closure, the Department of Home Affairs will continue to process on-hand applications, specifically those who submitted before December 10, 2022.
You may wish to withdraw your application if you are a New Zealand citizen with a pending New Zealand stream application and family members under Subclass 444 (Special Category visa). However, the first installment fee won’t be refunded, even if you withdraw the application.
Luckily, there is an alternative. If you still wish to pursue an Australian citizenship, you may want to consider applying through citizenship by conferral. You may want to visit the department’s website for further information.
