The Aristos Group

Australia

Australia has made more skilled worker visas available

Here’s what you need to know

There are now an extra 2,000 visas available to skilled workers looking to live and work in regional Australia.  Regional visas have opened up to help combat the number of immigrants to popular cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and this means more companies based in regional Australia will be looking to attract skilled migrants to help boost these areas and fill skilled positions.

Contrary to what most people believe, regional Australia is not all bush and outback. Over eight million people currently live in these regions, which are made up of towns and small cities.  Following the increase in the regional visa cap, the government has also updated the list of areas that fall under regional Australia.

The list of locations include:

  • South Australia;
  • Tasmania;
  • Western Australia;
  • Australian Capital Territory;
  • Victoria (except the Melbourne metropolitan);
  • Queensland (except the greater Brisbane area);
  • Northern Territory;
  • New South Wales (except Sydney).

So it’s pretty much all of Australia apart from the three largest metropolitan areas.

The type of skills in demand vary from region to region. David Coleman, Australia’s Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, said there are over 60,000 job vacancies in regional Australia.

Occupations in demand are listed on the government’s skilled occupation list.

Visas:

You can move to Australia on a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) or a Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494).

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

This visa lets you live and work in a designated regional area in Australia for five years. You can bring your family with you and leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you want while your visa remains valid. To be eligible for this visa you must:

  • Have an occupation on the skilled occupation list
  • Obtain sponsorship from an eligible relative or state or territory government
  • Be under the age of 45
  • Meet the points requirements
  • Meet the English language requirements

The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 494) works on a points system and you’ll need to obtain the required points to qualify for a visa. You’ll receive points for meeting the following requirements:

  • 10 points for having a skilled spouse/defacto partner
  • 15 points if you’re nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by a family member that resides in regional Australia
  • 10 points if you have certain science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) qualifications
  • 10 points if you do not have a spouse/defacto partner
  • 5 points if you have a spouse/defacto partner who meets the English language requirement

This visa can lead to permanent residency once you’ve lived in Australia for the required period and met the qualifying criteria.

Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)

The subclass 494 visa allows you to live and work in Australia for five years. To be eligible for this visa you must be nominated by an Australian employer and work for this employer when you move to regional Australia.  You must also have an occupation that’s on the eligible skilled occupations list and satisfy the English language requirement.

Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

NEW Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa & Permanent 191 Visa Pathway

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Australian Visas – Comparing Visas 189 and 190

Skilled Independent V State Sponsored

Skilled Independent visa subclass 189:

The Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 is known as an independent visa and visa subclass 190 is a state-sponsored visa.  For visa 189, sponsorship is not required and you can work and live anywhere in Australia.

The skilled independent visa subclass 189 is a points-based visa and is for individuals who are not appointed by any worker, family member, territory or state. The main advantage of this visa is that you are allowed to work and stay in Australia permanently. In simple words, the skilled independent visa subclass 189 permits you to live in Australia legally without any issues or restrictions. Skilled independent visa 189 was replaced by both onshore visa 885 and offshore skilled independent visa 175 in 2012-2013.

If you want to apply for the skilled visa subclass 189 then you need to obtain (EOI) Expression of interest through skill select.  You can apply for this visa from inside or outside of Australia. There are two streams in skilled independent visa subclass 189 and they are. points tested stream and New Zealand stream.  Cost for the 189 Visa is:

Stream

Cost

Points Tested Stream

AUD 4045

New Zealand Stream

AUD 4045

Requirements for Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189:

  • You must be under 45 years.
  • You need to gain at least six points in reading, listening, speaking and writing on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.
  • You need to gain at least 60 points on Australia’s points test system.
  • You need to fulfil the health requirements
  • You need to fulfil the character requirements
  • Have expertise in occupation from the skilled occupation list. The list of eligible occupations is provided by the Australian government. Positions like Architects, teachers, nurses, engineers, physicians, construction managers, social workers, programmers, electricians, welders, foresters, carpenters, dentists are involved in Australia’s skilled occupation list.

Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190:

The skilled nominated visa subclass 190 is known as a Permanent resident work visa. The visa subclass 190 is for the skilled employee who has been nominated from a registered employer, territory or state. With this visa, you can stay in Australia permanently legally. Skilled nominated visa subclass 190 provides the opportunities to study in Australia without any issue. You can apply for Australia citizenship if you were eligible. You can sponsor your relatives or family member for permanent residence in Australia.

To apply for the Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190, you must have expertise in an occupation from the skilled occupation list. The list of eligible occupations is provided by the Australian government. Positions like Architects, teachers, nurses, engineers, physicians, construction managers, social workers, programmers, electricians, welders, foresters, carpenters, dentists are involved in Australia’s skilled occupation list.  Cost for Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190 starts from AUD 4045.

The requirement for Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190:

  • You must be under 45 years
  • You must be appointed by the registered employee
  • You need to provide evidence of English language proficiency
  • You need to provide evidence of health insurance
  • You need to fulfil the character requirement
  • You must have experience of two years for the same occupation

Elements

Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190

Skilled Independent visa subclass 189

Residency

Provide permanent residency

Provide permanent residency

Cost

AUS 4045

AUD 4045

Where can you stay in Australia

In sponsoring state in Australia

Anywhere in Australia

Process to apply for visa

1) Complete Skill Assessment

2) Provide Expression Of Interest

3) Obtain a government nomination

4) Receive your visa

1) Complete Skill Assessment

2) Provide Expression Of Interest

3) Apply for visa online

4) Wait for decision

5) Receive your visa

Age

You must be under 45 years

You must be under 45 years

Skilled Occupations list

Consideration with CSOL as well as SOL

Employment would be on SOL

Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Australian Immigration News Video December 2019 - Changes 491 visa & 494 visa Regional Rush & more!

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Australia – Coronavirus Update

Australia implements a new temporary travel restriction effecting all travellers arriving from, or who have transited mainland China

The Australian Government has announced that all travellers seeking to travel to Australia from any part of mainland China, regardless of nationality, will be subject to enhanced border control measures to address the public health risks associated with the global outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus.  Australia will deny travel to or entry into Australia to anyone who has left or transited mainland China from 1 February 2020 with limited exceptions.

Following the declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that the outbreak of a new Coronavirus that began in the Chinese city of Wuhan is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the Australian Government has announced temporary new measures including travel restrictions on all nationalities who have left or transited through mainland China on or after 1 February 2020.  The new measures mean that Australia will deny travel to or entry into Australia to anyone who has left or transited mainland China from 1 February 2020, with the exception of:

  • Australian citizens
  • Australian permanent residents
  • Immediate family members of Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents including spouses, minor dependents and legal guardians; and
  • Airline and maritime crew, where appropriate precautionary measures have been taken

The travel restriction, implemented as a public health precaution, will apply to those seeking to enter Australia as well as those seeking transit through Australia on route   to a third country.  The travel restriction only applies to anyone who has left or transited mainland China from 1 February 2020.  It does not apply to anyone who has travelled to or transited the special administrative regions of Hong Kong or Macau.  The new measures are temporary.  The Australian Government will review these measures in 14 days.  As a further precaution to the spread of the new Coronavirus, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has raised the level of travel advice for mainland China to ‘Do not Travel’.

Any temporary visa holder who has left or transited mainland China on or after 1 February 2020 will be unable to travel to Australia until further notice.   We understand that any temporary visa holder in this situation seeking to travel to Australia may have their visa cancelled.   However, arrangements will be made to reinstate visas as appropriate following the lifting of these enhanced border control measures.

We recommend that clients assess whether staff have left or transited mainland China on or after 1 February 2020 before making travel arrangements.  This measure is likely to disrupt some individuals seeking to travel to Australia to take up assignments holding subclass 400 (Temporary Work) or subclass 482 (Temporary Skills Shortage) visas and travel arrangements would need to be postponed for these individuals.   In addition, if any existing temporary visa holders may have travelled to or through China, for example due to the Chinese New Year celebrations, they would also be unable to return to their assignments at this time. 

There have been no announcements as to the impact of visa processing of Australian visas  however employers should plan for delays in processing and potential requests for further information.  Student visa holders are subject to these measures and will be unable to return to Australia. We understand educational institutions are providing guidance to new and returning students and student visa holders should contact their educational institution

Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and their immediate family, who have left or transited mainland China on or after 1 February 2020, will still be able to travel to and enter Australia.  However, the Australian Government have announced that those individuals will be required to self-isolate for 14 days from the time they left mainland China.

Scott Morrison announces travel ban on Chinese tourists entering Australia amid Coronavirus outbreak

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Australia’s Fastest Growing Jobs

Top 3 Industries On The Rise

Community Services & Development led as the fastest-growing industry according to SEEK (www.seek.com.au) with 8.7% year-on-year growth in 2019. National Australia Bank (NAB) Economist Kaixin Owyong says this is due to momentum in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which is creating fresh demand for talent.

 

The Healthcare & Medical industry came in second place with year-on-year growth of 7.8%. “The increase is largely due to growing demands of the aging population,” Owyong says.

 

The Mining, Resources & Energy industry came in third place, largely due to the upturn in mining in 2019. Job seekers in this sector saw a 4.5% increase in opportunities on SEEK compared to 2018.

 

Specialisations on the rise:

  • Risk Consulting in the Insurance & Superannuation industry was the fastest-growing specialisation on SEEK in 2019 – it grew by 54.1% year-on-year, which is likely due  to the aftermath of the Hayne Royal Commission, which put a spotlight on risk in the financial services sector.
  • The speech therapy specialisation came in second with a 53.8% year-on-year lift.
  • Healthcare was also home to the third fastest-growing specialisation – Residents & Registrars. Job ads for this role rose by 37.2% year-on-year. “Population growth is putting pressure on hospitals, and this is leading to greater demand for these roles,” Owyong says.

 

We can help you take advantage of these trends in the first instance Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Australian Industries where jobs are booming

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Australian Labour Agreements – All You Need To Know

Australian Labour Agreements – All You Need To Know

Labour agreements enable approved businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers when there is a demonstrated need that cannot be met in the Australian labour market and standard temporary or permanent visa programs are not available. 

Labour agreements are developed between the Australian Government represented by the Department of Home Affairs (the department) and employers. They are generally in effect for five years and provide for visas to be granted under one or both of the following visa programs: 

There are five types of labour agreements:

There are nine industry agreements in place:

  • dairy
  • fishing
  • meat
  • minister of religion
  • on-hire
  • pork
  • restaurant (fine dining)
  • advertising
  • horticulture

Steps in the process:

Step

Action 

1

Read Information about requesting a labour agreement (114KB PDF) and determine if you meet the minimum requirements and are in a position to lodge an online request for a labour agreement with all required supporting documentation.

2

Lodge your labour agreement request online using the Labour Agreement Request form in ImmiAccount. If you don’t have an ImmiAccount you will need to create one – ImmiAccount.

3

Attach required supporting documentation to your online Labour Agreement request.

On receipt of a complete labour agreement request:

  1. The department will assess the information you have provided and advise you of the outcome.
  2. If they are satisfied and approve your request for a labour agreement, they will send you a labour agreement document for review and signature.
  3. When you and all parties have the signed the document and returned it, the labour agreement comes into effect.  The department will send you a copy of confirmation when the agreement is in effect.

If you already have an existing labour agreement in place and you wish to renew it, you will need to lodge a new labour agreement request in ImmiAccount.

If you would like to make a change to your existing labour agreement email the department quoting your current PRID.

Ensure that you lodge your request and allow for at least three months in advance. Failing to do so may result in the cessation of your current agreement before a new agreement is approved.

 

Assessment process:

Labour agreements are assessed on a case by case basis and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances however may take up to 6 months.  Additional time may be taken depending on:

  • whether you have lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents
  • how quickly you respond to any requests for more information

If a request for further information is received, you have 7 to 14 calendar days to respond.

If the labour agreement is approved and it is in effect, you can sponsor workers from overseas on their visa application. The labour agreement usually lasts for up to 5 years.

Any nominations or visa decisions cannot be made until a decision is made on the labour agreement request.  

Note: Processing times listed on the website and in ImmiAccount are for visa subclasses only—not for labour agreements.

Labour agreement sponsor obligations:

The labour agreement will tell you the number of workers from overseas you can nominate in each year for the first 3 years. It will also tell you which visas allow you to sponsor workers from overseas.

As the employer, you need to complete a nomination application for a worker from overseas through ImmiAccount. The worker then puts in their individual visa application.  You must meet all labour agreement and visa requirements for the whole time of the agreement and the visa

Requesting a change:

You can ask for a change to the number of workers from overseas you nominate in any year of your agreement by writing to us. You will need to provide the following information with your request:

  • an updated workforce plan, including any retrenchment or redundancies of Australian workers
  • evidence of all recruitment activities in the immediate 6 months before your request
  • evidence of salary for each occupation in your agreement for an Australian employee and an overseas worker

Copies of labour agreement templates:

For company specific templates, the agreement template is below – noting that it will be adapted dependant on negotiations with the relevant employer.

Industry labour agreement templates are as follows:

Note: Templates for DAMA or Project labour agreement are not available on the departments’ website.

For assistance with your Labour Agreements and finding employees to fill them Contact us for a confidential discussion.

Australian Labour Agreements

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Australian Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 – All You Need To Know

How To Obtain Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

If Australia is your dream country and you want to stay and live in Australia then a skilled Independent Visa subclass 189 is the best option for you. This visa permits you to stay in Australia legally without any issues. It is for the skilled employee who holds employment on Australia’s skilled occupation list. The skilled occupation list is already characterized by the Australian government. Positions like architects, engineers, physicians, construction managers, programmers, social workers, welders, electricians, nurses, dentists, teachers, carpenters are involved in Australia’s skilled occupation list.

To apply for the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189, you need to complete the skills assessment that shows you have required qualifications and skills for specific occupations and your occupation must be from the skilled occupation list.

Requirements for Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189:

  • You must hold a subclass 444 visa
  • You need to fulfil the health requirement
  • You need to fulfil the character requirement
  • You need to fulfil taxable income requirement
  • You must be under 45 years.
  • You need to attain at least 6 points in speaking, writing, reading and listening to the International English Language Testing System.
  • Have expertise in occupation from the skilled occupation list.

 

To apply for Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189, you need to:

  • Submit the Expression of Interest
  • Meet the Skilled Migration basic requirement
  • Follow the Australian polices and Australian rules

The main Advantage of 189 Visa Australia is that you can stay, work and study in Australia legally.  If you are eligible for Australian citizenship then you can apply for Citizenship.  You can also include your relatives and family members in your application and you can take advantages of the Medicare system.

There are two streams in the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 and they are the following:

Points-Tested stream:

This stream allows skilled employees to stay and work permanently anywhere in Australia. For this stream, you don’t require a nominator or sponsor.

The requirements for Points-tested stream are:

  • You must be under 45 years
  • You need to fulfil taxable income requirement
  • You need to fulfil the character requirement
  • You need to provide Expression of Interest
  • You need to complete the Skills assessment
  • You need to fulfil the health requirement
  • You need to provide evidence of English language proficiency
  • You need to achieve the required marks in point test
  • You need to fulfil special return and public interest criteria

 

New Zealand stream:

New Zealand stream is for New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated contribution and commitment to Australia. This stream allows to work and stay in Australia permanently without any issue. The main condition to apply this visa is that you must have a subclass 444 visa and you must have stayed in Australia for a minimum of 5 years.

The requirement for New Zealand stream are:

  • You must have a subclass 444 visa
  • You need to provide evidence of English language proficiency
  • You must have stayed in Australia for a minimum of 5 years
  • You need to fulfil taxable income requirement
  • You need to fulfil the character requirement
  • You need to fulfil the health requirement
  • This is for New Zealand citizens
  • You need to fulfil special return and public interest criteria
  • You need to demonstrate the income of last year

 

Requirements  to obtain Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189:

  • Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List
  • You need to fulfil all requirements
  • Complete and submit the Skills Assessment
  • Provide EOI (Expression of interest) through skill-select
  • Find a sponsor and finish the required paperwork
  • Apply visa 189 online through DHA
  • Receive 189 Visa Australia

For more information Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Australian Immigration News Video December 2019 - Changes 491 visa & 494 visa Regional Rush & more!

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Australia’s Suite Of Regional Work Visas

Plenty Of Opportunities With Australia’s Suite Of Regional Work Visas

There is an abundance of opportunities with Australia’s suite of Regional Work Visas and “Regional” means anywhere in Australia other than the capital cities Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.  What is left is some of the most beautiful and best places in the world to live, work and raise a family.  Here is a breakdown of the visas available:

Skilled regional provisional visas

 

Temporary skilled visas

 

Permanent skilled visas

 

Working Holiday Maker visas

 

Pacific and seasonal work visas

We have some fantastic opportunities in regional areas so check out the jobs page on our website and Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Australian Immigration News Video December 2019 - Changes 491 visa & 494 visa Regional Rush & more!

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Australian Regional Migration Occupations

Australian Regional Migration Occupations

Skilled visas require migrants to be working in an eligible skilled occupation. Skilled visas are those designed to grow the Australian economy by filling skills gaps or building productive capacity in the labour market. Details of the revised Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Regional Occupation List (ROL) are available on the links below.

On 11 March 2019, the skilled migration occupation lists were updated to respond to labour market changes, and help ensure that Australian workers are given the first priority for jobs, while allowing business access to the critical skills they need to grow.

Regional employers and skilled migrants applying for regional visas have access to more occupations than are available to metropolitan areas. 

Following the 11 March 2019 changes, there are 77 additional regional occupations available on the Regional occupation list.

The following visas are available to individuals who are qualified to work or train in an eligible skilled occupation in Australia and can meet all other requirements:

The combined list specifies:

  • the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code for each occupation. The ANZSCO provides information on the skill level of jobs, qualifications and/or experience needed to work in occupations
  • caveats which exclude the use of the occupation in certain circumstances (applies to the ENS and TSS visas only)
  • whether the occupation is included on theMedium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), the Regional Occupation List (ROL) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) ROL List.
  • the assessing authority for skills assessments

A current list of eligible skilled occupations can be found in a legislative instrument for the relevant visa program.

*The RSMS ROL list is a separate list of occupations that applies to the RSMS visa only.

To respond to changes in the Australian labour market and regional variations across Australia, the list is reviewed regularly by the Department of Jobs and Small Business.

Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Australian Immigration News Video December 2019 - Changes 491 visa & 494 visa Regional Rush & more!

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