Skilled Migration

Australia’s skilled migration program is a key pathway for individuals seeking to live and work in the country. This program focuses on attracting skilled professionals to meet labor shortages in various industries, ensuring a robust and diverse economy.

The type of visa you can apply for depends heavily on your occupation and its inclusion on specific government-approved occupation lists.

These lists outline the skills and professions currently in demand across Australia and play a crucial role in determining your eligibility for different visa types.

Understanding the Skilled Occupation Lists

Australia’s skilled migration system uses occupation lists to categorize professions based on the country’s labor needs. These lists guide the visa eligibility process, helping match skilled migrants to the regions and industries that need them most.

By identifying which list your occupation is on, you can determine which visas and pathways are open to you. These lists are updated regularly, reflecting changes in the Australian labor market, so ensuring your occupation is eligible is the first step toward your skilled migration journey.

Explore Occupations

Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL):
- For highly in-demand occupations nationwide.
- Relevant for visas such as Subclass 189, 190, and 491.
Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL):
- Includes occupations in demand for temporary work.
- Primarily used for Subclass 482 visas.
Regional Occupation List (ROL):
- Focuses on jobs needed in regional areas.
- Used for regional visas like Subclass 491 or 494.
State-Specific Occupation Lists:
- Each state or territory publishes its own skilled occupation list tailored to its local labor market needs.
- These lists are key for state-nominated visas such as Subclass 190 (permanent residency) and Subclass 491 (regional skilled work).

How the Skilled Migration Process Works

Step 1: Check if Your Occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List

The Skilled Occupation List names all eligible professions for skilled visas, including those offering a pathway to permanent residency. The list is updated regularly, reflecting industries reporting skill shortages to the Australian Government.

Search the List: You can search for your occupation on the SOL or browse eligible options.
Understand the ANZSCO Code: Each occupation has an ANZSCO code, which details the qualifications and skills required. Use this to check if you meet the criteria or need further qualifications.
Location Variations: Some occupations are eligible only in certain states or regions, so ensure you verify location-specific eligibility.

What If your occupation isn’t on the list?

Step 2: Understand Assessing Authorities

Each occupation has an Assessing Authority that evaluates whether your qualifications and experience meet the standards for that profession in Australia.

Immigration and Assessing Body Requirements: You must meet both the immigration department’s requirements and the assessing authority’s criteria. These may differ, so it’s essential to check both before starting your application.
Skills Assessment: A successful skills assessment is a prerequisite for most skilled migration visas.

Step 3: Plan Your Pathway

Once you’ve identified your target occupation and requirements:

Check Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet both immigration and assessing authority requirements.
Enroll in Relevant Courses: If you lack qualifications, choose a course aligned with your target occupation.
Gain Experience (if required): Work towards fulfilling experience requirements for your chosen occupation.
Stay Updated: Monitor changes to the Skilled Occupation List to ensure your pathway remains viable.

* Explore Sponsorship Options

Step 6: Explore Sponsorship Options

If you don’t meet the requirements for a skilled visa, employer sponsorship could be a viable alternative.

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): Allows employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill specific roles.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186): A permanent residency option for skilled workers with an employer sponsor.
Regional Sponsored Visas: Employers in regional areas can sponsor workers for both temporary and permanent roles.

To secure sponsorship:

Identify Australian employers actively hiring in your field.
Ensure your qualifications align with the role and visa requirements.
Consider using recruitment agencies or professional networks to connect with potential sponsors.

Employer sponsorship is a great pathway for those whose occupations may not be on the SOL but are in demand with specific employers.

Usually, a qualification plus 2 years of work experience makes applicant eligible for the visa.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a free online application where you report your skills, qualifications, and experience to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. It is not a visa application but a way to showcase your eligibility for skilled visas.

Through the EOI, you indicate your interest in specific visas, such as the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190), or Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visas. You’ll also select your preferred states or regions for state nomination, if applicable.

How It Works:

The EOI system, known as SkillSelect, ranks applicants based on points calculated from age, education, work experience, and other factors.
Invitation rounds typically occur every three months, where the highest-ranking candidates in each visa category are invited to apply for a visa.

Key Notes:

Your EOI remains valid for two years, giving you multiple opportunities to be selected.
You can update your EOI with new information, such as additional qualifications or experience, to improve your points score.
Being invited depends on your points score, occupation, and demand for your skills in Australia.

Submitting an EOI is a crucial step in the skilled migration process, and we can help you prepare a strong application to maximize your chances of receiving an invitation. Contact us to get started!