Popularly referred to as the land down under, Australia has emerged as the hub of immigrants from across the world. It is a destination that caters to needs of both the explorers and the settlers. It is known for its flora and fauna. The geographical diversity is what makes the country a hotspot for tourist attraction. The country has something in store for the travelers the explorers, and the ambitious. With some of the most well-known and developed metropolitan in the country, Australia is a hub for making money and fame. With the sparse population of the country, the Australian government finds it rather difficult to meet up with the growing need for a human resource to match up with the requirement for the same in different sectors. This has led them to initiate a process that permits people from walks of life, from different nationalities to enter their country thereby contribute to the economy of the country. Australian Immigration has by far proved to be the most sought-after Immigration Process across the globe.
Skilled Migration Visa
The Australian migration system is considered as most demand-driven applicants friendly. Each year Australia approves more migration visas than any other similar country. Even the number of occupation categories is considerably high than Australia is currently permitting. Due to its rapid economic growth and lowest density of population, Australia is a perfect migration destination for professionals who really care about their careers and family.
What Are the Basic Requirements for Skilled Migration?
Professionals should have required education and multiple years of successful professional experience for skilled migration. The current skilled immigration requirement for Australia is:
Age should be below 50 years
At least a Bachelor / Masters degree completed
Should have experience on SOL/CSOL listed occupation
Should achieve at least 60 points according to DIBP specification
Should have good command on English (Min. IELTS score 6.0 should be provided later)
Some SOL and State Sponsored Occupations that are in Demand
All Computing Professionals, Training & Development Professional, Project Builder, All Engineering Professionals, Community Worker, Urban & Regional Planner, All Environmental Professionals, Social Worker, Research and Development Manager, All Agricultural Professionals, Financial Investment Adviser, Production Manager, Architect, Financial Institution Branch Manager, ICT Business Development Manager, Life Scientist, Geologist, University Lecturer, Chemist, Healthcare Professionals, Metallurgist, Human Resource Professional, Construction Project Manager, Hotel or Motel Manager, Conference and Event Organizer, Program or Project Administrator, Call or Contact Centre Manager, Occupational Health and Safety Adviser, Laboratory Manager, Veterinary Doctor, Industrial Pharmacist and many more.
More job opportunities, a secure place to live
A total of 1,28,550 Skilled Migration Visas will be issued between the period of July 2015 to June 2016
Leading Australian job portal Seek advertises about 120,000 – 140,000 job positions on a daily basis
Full-time average weekly cash earning is Australian $1,464.40 as on May 2013 reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics
According to The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) report, Melbourne has named as the most livable city in the world. Three other Australian cities (Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide) claimed positions in the top ten as well
Australia has attracted more than 7 million people who have been successfully migrated there
Skilled Migration Criteria
Applicants for skilled migration need to meet strict threshold criteria. These criteria include:
Age » You must be aged between 18 and 49 at the time of invitation.
English Language Ability » Non-Native English Speakers will have to take English language test (in most cases, the IELTS). Natives might be exempted from taking IELTS but they are prescribed to take it for claiming more points. The usual or threshold requirement for IELTS is 6.0 that is a qualifying score for most of the occupations.
Skills Assessment » For skill verification, all applicants will have to undergo skills assessment from the relevant assessment authority. A number of skill assessment bodies are available for varying skills having different verification requirements. In most cases, the skills assessment will be based on the applicant’s qualifications and work experience, though in some cases English language ability and formal examinations are required.
Skill Select » From 1 July 2012, most applicants will need to go through the SkillSelect system – this involves of making an Expression of Interest and receiving an invitation from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to apply which usually requires expert guidelines.
Skill Select Expression of Interest (EOI) System
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection introduced the Skill Select System on 1 July 2012. Applicants for a number of visa subclasses needs to go through an Expression of Interest (EOI) prior lodging their final applications.
The following types of application can be lodged through Skill Select:
» Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visas
» Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visas
» Skilled Regional (Provisional) Subclass 489 Visas
How Skill Select applies to Skilled Points Tested Visas
To lodge an EOI, you must have completed your skills assessment and your English language test (usually IELTS). You also may wish to obtain a nomination from a state or territory government prior to lodging an EOI as this will improve your chances of getting an invitation.
Processing of EOIs - Independent and Family Sponsored Applicants
For Independent and Family Sponsored Applicants, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection regularly reviews the EOIs which have been lodged. They issue the eligible candidates with an invitation to make an application for skilled points tested migration.
Processing of EOIs - State Nominated Applicants
If you are looking at being nominated by a state or territory government, you will need to lodge an EOI. Once the state or territory government completes your nomination, you would usually receive an invitation from SkillSelect. There are two things to bear in mind though:
» You must have a passing score to receive an invitation (currently 60 points for Skilled Points Tested applicants)
» You will not receive an invitation if the occupational ceiling for your occupation has been reached
Time Limit to Apply after being Invited
Once you receive an invitation, you will need to make your visa application within 60 days. There is no assurance that you will be re-invited if you fail to file your visa application. At best you can be invited twice before the EOI is removed from the system. Feel free to contact us if you would like a full assessment of your situation, or if you would like our assistance in making your visa application.
Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is a list of skilled occupations that deliver high value skills needed by the Australian economy. The SOL only applies to independent, which is non-State/Territory government nominated skilled migration. It aims to meet medium to long-term skills needs of high value occupations, rather than immediate short term shortages. This means your occupation must be on the SOL if you are applying for points based skilled migration independently.
Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL)
According to DIBP, the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) is relevant for Points based skilled migration applicants who are nominated by a State or Territory government agency under a State Migration Plan. The CSOL only applies to non-independent, which is State/Territory government nominated skilled migration.
If you have an occupation on the CSOL, you may be eligible for State and Territory nomination or family sponsorship. States and Territory governments, have access to a wider range of occupations on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL).
English Language Requirement for General Skilled Migration
If you are applying for Skilled Migration, you will need to prove your English language ability. The required level of English depends on the visa subclass you are applying for and there are 3 different levels of English which may be relevant:
» Superior English
» Proficient English
» Competent English
Timing of English
This means that you would need to provide evidence of English testing at the time of application, however, some skills assessing authorities require IELTS score result during assessment. As it can take some time to obtain a booking for a test and to receive the results, you may wish to plan to take the English test well ahead of time. Tests conducted up to 3 years prior to lodgment of a skilled visa application will be accepted by DIBP.
Acceptable English Tests
The IELTS test is the most common way of evidencing English language ability. Either the Academic or General Training versions of the test are acceptable to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, but some skills assessing authorities require applicants to sit the Academic version. You will need to obtain a minimum score in each band of the IELTS (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) in a single sitting. The threshold requirement is 6.0 yet it might vary according to the nominated occupation’s requirement against the state. One can take IELTS in either General Training or Academic module once General IELTS is the requirement but when Academic IELTS is the requirement one will have to take Academic IELTS.
The Occupational English Test (OET) is also accepted as evidence of proficient and superior levels of English. The OET is only appropriate for medical and allied health professionals. It is likely that other tests will be added to the list of acceptable tests in the future.
