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Australia has traditionally been a favourite destination for working professionals looking for career advancement opportunities abroad. With its booming economy, quality life assured, and cultural diversity, many people dream of going to work and settling in Australia. For many, this journey starts by acquiring an Australian work visa.
The article explains the kinds of work visas available in Australia, how they point to permanent residency, and outlines one important role that could be played within Australia’s migration services in that process.
Understanding Australian Work Visas
Work visas are designed to bring foreign skilled workers into the country to supplement the labour gap within the national economy. They come in different subclasses, each with different eligibility requirements, application procedures, and pathways leading to permanent residency.
Types of Work Visas in Australia
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): This visa allows an employer to nominate a position that cannot be filled from the local labour market and sponsor a skilled worker. A temporary Subclass 482 visa could last as long as four years, depending on considerations for a specific occupation and possibly other factors. More importantly, this visa offers the potential to transition to permanent residency if your application meets all the requirements.
Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186: Under this, a skilled employee is granted a visa, which is nominated by the employer in a permanent position in Australia. For this, you must have an occupation relevant to the SOL and also meet particular age, English language, and skill assessment requirements.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187): Similar to the Subclass 186 visa, this pathway allows skilled workers to be nominated by employers in regional Australia. This visa encourages migration to regional areas, helping address labour shortages in less populated regions. This is now available to the Temporary Residence Transition Stream only.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This visa is for those skilled workers in specified occupations who do not have any employer or family sponsorship. Applicants get invited to apply if their skills and qualifications, assessed against the points-based system, are found suitable. It gives you permission to live and work anywhere in Australia and can lead to permanent residency.
Skilled-Nominated Visa: Subclass 190: This is for nominated skilled workers by state or territory government. An applicant must meet the required criteria for this particular stream and have their skill assessed in an occupation that is on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
Skilled-Work Regional Provisional Visa: Subclass 491: This is for skilled people nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in regional Australia. It is a five-year visa with an excellent pathway to Permanent residency via a Subclass 191 visa for those who have lived and worked in a regional area of Australia for three years out of the five.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
While many of the Australian work visas are issued temporarily, many provide a pathway to permanent residency. Many of the general steps and requirements for transitioning from a temporary work visa to permanent residency are outlined below.
- Understand Eligibility Criteria
Whether or not you will be eligible for permanent residency depends upon the particular eligibility criteria of the visa subclass you are holding. Requirements may include:
- Having an appropriate skill check.
- Meeting minimum English language proficiency.
- Having an offer of employment or being employed in a skilled occupation.
- Acquire Relevant Work Experience
Most of the temporary work visas require work experience in Australia or overseas. Having a job related to one’s field shows that an applicant is committed to staying and working in Australia. This, in turn, will increase your chances of getting permanent residency either through employer-sponsored visas or points-based applications.
- Complying with Visa Conditions
Any conditions applying to your work visa should be adhered to. Failure to do so may impact permanent residency. Following are some of the most common conditions one may encounter:
- Maintaining valid employment with a sponsoring employer.
- Not working in a manner that is not authorised under your visa.
- Nomination Options Consider
If you are in the country on a temporary working visa and would like to apply for permanent status, consider employer nomination. Your employer may nominate you for a permanent visa if you have already proven your capabilities and commitment to the job.
- Application/ Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI)
For skilled visas (such as Subclass 189, 491 and Subclass 190), you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. This online system allows you to indicate your interest in applying for a skilled visa. Based on your EOI and points score, you may receive an invitation to apply for a permanent visa. Additionally, when seeking a state-sponsored visa, certain states mandate that you declare your interest and submit a nomination application to qualify for state sponsorship.
- Cooperation with the Australian Migration Services
Navigating the complexities of the Australian immigration system can be daunting. Engaging migration services in Australia can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your application process. Migration agents can help you:
- Check your visa qualification in these categories.
- Correct preparation and lodging of your application.
- Review your documents and present the evidence correctly..
- Navigate changes in immigration policies or regulations.
Benefits of Moving into Permanent Residency
Obtaining permanent residency in Australia comes with numerous benefits, including Job Security. Permanent residents have the right to work in any job; therefore, this provides more flexibility and security with your employment.
Access to Government Services. Permanent residents can access Medicare and other government services that contribute to an improved quality of life in Australia. Permanent residency could eventually lead to Australian citizenship after the residence period required has been satisfied, entitling you to many more rights and privileges.
Family Sponsorship. You will be allowed, as a permanent resident, to sponsor eligible family members for Australian visas, thus reuniting you with your family.
Conclusion
Permanent residency in Australia via an Australian working or skilled visa is a serious commitment; however, it does have its rich rewards for the skilled professional. Knowing the different visa options available to you, meeting the eligibility requirements for the right visa, and knowing the various migration services in Australia could make your application smoother and more successful.
Remember, the road from a temporary work visa to permanent residency is not easy; it requires careful planning and navigating rules and regulations set aside by the Department of Home Affairs. If you secure the proper support and necessary preparation, then your dream to live and work in Australia will finally come true, opening an even bigger window to success in this lovely country.