Are you considering moving to Australia for work? You’re not alone! Thousands of skilled workers make a move each year with the hope of finding job opportunities, a better lifestyle, and new experiences. As one of the most popular places to live in Australia, New South Wales gives a world-class lifestyle, diversified art and culture, and a diverse range of exciting jobs.
So, If you’re wondering how to migrate to Australia as a skilled worker, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog. We’ll explain what’s involved and the required documents at each stage so that you can make sure everything is in order before embarking on your new journey. So, let’s get started!
- Requirements to Be Eligible as a Skilled Worker
- Determine Your Eligibility for the Visa
- Submit and Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Get an Invitation to Apply for a Visa
- Skilled Independent Visa
- SkillSelect System
- File and Submit a Visa Application
- Prepare Documents and Meet Requirements for Migration
- Prepare for Arrival in Australia
- Get Organized
- Pack for Your Trip
- Celebrate Your Move
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Requirements to Be Eligible as a Skilled Worker
Are you researching how to migrate to Australia as a skilled worker? If so, the first thing you need to know is that there are certain requirements you will need to meet in order to be eligible. These include:
Age
First, you must be under the age of 45 at the time of application. This does not necessarily mean you must stay this age for the entire process—you simply have to meet this requirement when submitting your application.
Qualifications & Skilled Employment
You must also have at least two years of full-time work experience in an occupation from the Skilled Occupations List within the last five years. Additionally, your job should be classified as a skilled occupation and have performed at least 35 hours per week.
English Language Proficiency
English language proficiency is a must for skilled migration personnel, though depending on your occupation, there may be exceptions. Generally, you will need a score of 6 or higher in each band of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test as evidence of your English ability. However, these scores may vary depending on what occupation you are applying for and which visa subclass you are seeking.
These are just some of the basic requirements to remember if you’re planning to move to Australia as a skilled worker. However, it’s important to remember that depending on where exactly you’re moving from and what kind of visa subclass you’re seeking, there may be other requirements that differ from these general expectations. Make sure to check out all details and do extensive research before correctly submitting your application!
Determine Your Eligibility for the Visa
Making the decision to migrate to Australia as a skilled worker is quite possibly one of the most challenging decisions you can make. But if you are serious about making a shift, the first step is to determine your eligibility for the visa.
There are several different visas that could qualify you for permanent residency status in Australia, depending on your needs and circumstances. For this process, we will focus on the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa and the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa.
To determine your eligibility, you need to consider your age, qualifications, English language proficiency, and work experience in an occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation list. Depending on your qualifications, you may also need to complete a skill assessment as part of the application process.
Once you have completed these steps, make sure to ensure that your occupation is currently being accepted by the Australian government and review any other relevant information before submitting your application.
Submit and Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once you’ve gathered all your documents, it’s time to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI). Your EOI is an online form that provides the Australian Government with a summary of your skills, work experience and qualifications.
You’ll need to submit a few pieces of information in order to complete your EOI successfully:
- Photocopy of your passport: You must include this so that the Australian Government can verify your citizenship status.
- Resume or CV: This should include details about relevant professional or trade qualifications.
- Language proficiency certification: If you’re applying for a visa under the Skilled Worker category, you must provide evidence of your English language ability.
- Work history, including references: This should cover any past and recent employment experience and any business experience you may have.
Get an Invitation to Apply for a Visa
Migrating to Australia as a skilled worker requires an invitation from the Australian government. You are not eligible to apply unless you receive an invitation. The good news is that there are a few different ways you can get an invitation.
Skilled Independent Visa
The Skilled Independent Visa, or subclass 189 visa, is one way you can get an invitation. You’ll need to be invited to apply for this visa if you want to live and work permanently in Australia as a skilled worker. To be eligible, you must have:
- A positive skill assessment from an assessing authority
- Evidence that you meet the points test
- A valid skills assessment for the nominated occupation
- Proficient English language skills, and
- Nominated by an Australian State or Territory, if needed
SkillSelect System
You can also apply for some other visas through Australia’s SkillSelect system. This includes the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 888). The system helps match employers with suitable employees who have applied for various visas — like the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa and other skilled independent visas if points are tested.
It also allows you to register your interest in living and working in Australia permanently using an Expression of Interest (EOI). You will be scored based on factors like age, work experience, qualifications, language proficiency, family member sponsorship and nomination by a state or territory government or employer.
File and Submit a Visa Application
The fourth step in the process of migrating to Australia as a skilled worker is to file and submit a visa application. Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you will need to collect various documents, such as an English language test result, evidence of relevant work experience and other supporting documents.
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can lodge an application with the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA). It’s important to note that every visa type has its own set of criteria and processes which must be followed when submitting your application.
When submitting your visa application, you’ll need to provide:
- proof of your identity
- evidence that you meet all eligibility requirements
- payment for any applicable fees
- relevant forms completed correctly
Once your application is submitted, the DHA will review it and decide whether or not your visa should be granted. Your wait time will vary depending on how busy the DHA is, but generally, most applications are processed within 6-12 months. If your application is approved for a skilled migration visa, you’ll be invited to apply for permanent residency status in Australia.
Prepare Documents and Meet Requirements for Migration
Now you have a clearer idea of which visa you should apply for, it’s time to start preparing the documents and meeting any requirements that may be needed to support your visa application.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs requires applicants to meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for a visa. These criteria could include having a valid passport or other travel documents, providing proof of your qualifications, criminal record checks and other additional documents. Make sure you have all the necessary information and paperwork prepared before submitting your application.
You will also need to provide evidence that you can support yourself financially during your stay in Australia. This could include proof of savings, income from employment overseas or an offer of support from a family member residing in Australia.
A medical examination is also required for some visas, which involves getting a full medical assessment from an approved doctor who will then provide you with the results, which can be sent off with your visa application.
Finally, if you want to bring any family members with you to Australia, then each family member will need to submit their own application and meet all the relevant criteria for that particular visa category as well.
Prepare for Arrival in Australia
Getting ready to make the big move to Australia? Here are the basics you’ll need to know before you get there.
Get Organized
Migrating to a new country can be a long and complicated process, so it’s important to stay organized. Make sure you have all of the necessary paperwork in order, such as your visa application, employment documents and health records. You should also research which items you are allowed to bring into the country, like food and personal belongings.
Pack for Your Trip
Once everything is sorted out, it’s time to start packing for your move! There are some guidelines on how much baggage you can bring on most aeroplanes depending on your destination, but make sure you check with your airline ahead of time. Also, consider what types of clothing and other items would make your transition easier when you arrive in Australia – for instance, if you live in a warm climate, it doesn’t hurt to pack some summer attire.
Celebrate Your Move
Finally, take a moment to celebrate! It is a big accomplishment that deserves a pat on the back. After all of the hard work and planning comes the fun part – getting settled into your new country and enjoying your fresh start!
Conclusion
So, there you have it – how to become a skilled migrant in Australia. It may seem daunting, but with a bit of research, guidance, and an understanding of the process, you have the opportunity to make a successful migration to Australia.
Skilled migration has been designed to make the process smoother for you and to ensure that you are able to contribute to the country, regardless of whether you wish to move for work, study, business, or personal reasons.
It’s important to remember that each individual’s application process may be slightly different, depending on their circumstances, and each step should be taken carefully. With the right attitude and understanding of the process, you can make a successful move to Australia. If you have any further queries, please contact one of our skilled migration agents.