These days, Australian job market needs more competent foreign employees. Recent notification from the Department of Home Affairs stated that the migration program for 2020-2021 will continue into 2021-2022 and will give better work opportunities to the candidates applying under the skill stream.

It has come as a welcome development for many individuals at this time when the economy is reviving from the stroke of the pandemic. If you are an aspirant, you can avail the benefits to work and stay in Australia with 160,000 visa spaces available.

However, the question that most individuals are looking to get an answer to is which are the main skilled visas. A majority of aspirants prefer the Employer-Sponsored and General Skilled Migration visa programs. Some of the important ones are Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186, Skilled Independent subclass 189, and 190 Nominated Visa.

At the same time, the different General Skilled Migration visas help an individual secure a Permanent Residency pathway.

Before going any further, it is vital to understand the differences between these visas, validity, processing time, and eligibility criteria.

The Following Differences in Skilled Visas in Australia are:

• Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
  Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 enables applicants to get selected by an Australian employer. You can work only if the employer sponsors you. As far as the criteria of Employer Sponsored Visa 186 is concerned, you should be less than 45 years and meet the necessary qualifications and skills to become a valid employee. Besides, you need to clear the English language proficiency test, or else you will not be allowed to apply for a GSM visa Skilled Independent Visa. Three of the important streams in the 186 visa are Labour Agreement Stream, Temporary Residence Transition Stream, and Direct Entry Stream.
  
  
• Skilled Independent Visa
  The subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is one of the visas included in the GSM category. It applies to those talents who can secure the subclass 189 visa on their merit without the help of an employer or a state or territory. The applicant for the visa must meet the requirements of knowledge and abilities. Additionally, he must manage a job. The applicant must also pass the English language test and be under 45 years old. If you wish to be eligible for the visa, you must score at least 65 points.
  
  
• Skilled Nominated Visa
  Another type of GSM visa is the Skilled Nominated 190 visa. There are many similarities between subclass 190 and subclass 189 as far as requirements are concerned. In contrast to subclass 189, the Nominated Visa allows the employer to select the candidate from any Australian territory or state. For an invitation, the candidate must perform well on the English proficiency test and score at least 65 points.

Validity of Visas

From the date of its validation, Subclass 186 allows an individual to live and work continuously in Australia. The same is applicable for subclass 189 and 190 visas, which permit holders to enter and remain in Australia indefinitely as of the date of confirmation.

PMSOL and MLTSSL

Only those subclass 189 Skilled Independent applicants whose professions are on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupations List receive nearly 65 points (PMSOL). PMSOL and labour market testing are the bases for the sponsorship of skilled workers. They can go back to Australia to fill positions in the essential sectors. This will support both the recovery of the Australian economy and the development of new jobs there.

However, if your profession is on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), you must receive 90 to 100 points to be invited to subclass 189.

Processing Times

Under the Direct Entry Stream and Temporary Residence Transition Stream, the processing times for subclass 186 visas are 12 months and 8 months, respectively, for 75% of applications.

While the wait times for the Direct Stream and Temporary Residence Stream are 19 months and 16 months, respectively, for 90 per cent of applications.

However, the processing period for 190 visas is essentially identical to that for subclass 189.

The processing of 75% of both visa applications takes six months.

Conclusion

In a summary, talented professionals can get employment rights and benefits of permanent residency through employer sponsored and general skilled migration visas.

For any visa assistance, get in touch with Aussizz Group and speak to the expert migration agents.

As a mobile app, OccuSearch is revolutionary for prospective migrants in helping them make informed decisions regarding their migration journey. Its features have helped bring clarity into their lives and to keep them well informed.

To better understand the usefulness of the app, have a look at the informative Q/A session below!

Sherry Philips Melay:

Welcome everyone, to today’s podcast on OccuSearch we have with us today Dhruval, Patel Research Analyst. Thank you for your time today through. Well, how are you?

Dhruval Patel:

I’m very good Sherry Philips Melay. Thanks, for having me here.

I’m really excited to discuss Aussizz Group’s newest app, OccuSearch and how we are helping individuals move a step closer to their migration dreams with that app.

Sherry Philips Melay:

That is indeed very exciting to hear, and I’m glad we could get you on this podcast. To start off, how would you explain what exactly is OccuSearch? And who is it made for?

Dhruval Patel:

OK, so OccuSearch is a mobile application that helps individuals search their skilled occupation using it’s specific ANZSCO code or the occupation name.

And find out crucial information such as immigration eligibility, State nomination criteria, EOI statistics, assessing authority details and much more.

It also helps users to calculate their points and estimate visa fees for various subclasses, and there are many other small features as well.

Meanwhile, the app is designed considering the end users who are ideally the prospective migrants looking to understand the permanent residency pathways to Australia. These could be those who are temporary residents in Australia, international students or in general people from offshore, who are looking to migrate to Australia on a permanent residence basis.

So for those falling in this category, OccuSearch can be helpful in many ways.

Sherry Philips Melay:

It is quite incredible to see an app like that which doesn’t exist in the market as of yet and could be of great help to many potential migrants. What would you say are the main features of OccuSearch?

Dhruval Patel:

So, in our first release we have tried to cover the basic aspects. Firstly, we have a migration news area that is updated in real time.

Then we have the ANZSCO occupation search feature where you can look at the occupation that are on the skilled list of Australian Department of Immigration.

The third feature would be the visa fees calculator, which helps individuals plan their finances in advance and then the point test calculator, which can be crucial for those who are hoping to understand where they are currently standing in the bigger picture.

Sherry Philips Melay:

That’s fantastic to hear, but I’m sure our listeners would love for you to go in depth. I see you listed down a couple of features, so just for the benefit of our users, could you please explain how the migration update section works show?

Dhruval Patel:

So, what traditionally individuals used to is that they used to go on different websites and look up the information and then try and keep a tab of that.

But, that is very tiresome and it’s very time consuming. So what we did is. We are monitoring those websites and the official sources for the users now. And whenever there is an update, we post that update into the application in real time.

So, it’s easy for the users. They can just scroll through that migration update section in the application and just keep a track of what are the changes happening in the migration industry as in like; if there are any changes with the skill assessment authorities, if there are any changes with the state nomination criteria, if their selected occupation is there or if there are new options available for their state nomination pathways or not so everything comes down in one place in terms of updates, so it’s easy for the user to just go to one place.

And then research or keep a tab of whatever changes are occurring. The other thing is that we are a big believer of transparency.

So what we do is every update that we post, we give them a link to the source of the update that we are getting it from.

So if they have any issues or if they want to read more or if they want to research more on that change they can. Then, just click on the link and they can go to the source of the website of the update and they can find more information on it.

Sherry Philips Melay:

OK, I see how important the migration update section could be for someone trying to get more information in real time. Could you also speak a little bit more about the occupation search feature you were talking about earlier?

Dhruval Patel:

Sure, so the occupation search offers the user the ability to search via the occupation code that they have the skill assessment in, or just the occupation name as well.

So, if you know that you are a software engineer, or if you’re a registered nurse, or if you are a solicitor, then you can just type in that keyword of your occupation and you will be able to search your occupation.

And based on the ANZSCO code, what we do is, we categorise the state nomination information plus the Visa eligibility information and a lot more other subtle factors that you need to consider into your migration pathway, like assessing authority fees, processing time and all the other information, which I wouldn’t say is very important in the bigger picture, but when you boil it down to the pathway or the process, it’s very important to take into consideration how much time your nomination application would take and factor that into your whole process, whenever you are planning your migration to Australia.

So, what we do is – we offer the user to search via their occupation name, ANZSCO code, and then once they type in, we display the information such as visa Eligibility, State nomination Pathways and eligibility’s available for their occupation and we also display if they’re eligible for that state nomination pathway or not based on their occupation and the last thing would be the other factors.

As I mentioned earlier, assessing authority fees and processing time and everything is also linked to that occupation, which is much more helpful for the user when it comes to planning the whole thing.

Sherry Philips Melay:

All right, I can see how our listeners could find those features quite useful, especially for their own migration journeys. Does OccuSearch also have any other helpful tools within it?

Dhruval Patel:

Yes it does, so we also give visa fees calculator and point test calculator. So I would say point test calculator is important when you’re applying for a GSM visa which is a general skilled migration visa. Probably 189, 190 and 491. You have to take a points test and then lodge your EOI.

So points test is important because the higher the points you score, the faster you will get an invite.

But it is sometimes hard for the user to find out or remember how many points they score, and sometimes they don’t really have an access to migration agent or anyone that they can go back to and then find out if they have changed.

Let’s say their education has changed or they have more experience now. So what we do is in the point test calculator.

It’s a very user friendly interface. You just got to select the appropriate response to the questions that are asked and at the end of it you will be able to know what points you score and based on that you can share it with your friends. You can share it with your migration agents or you can just post it on Social media websites.

And the other part would be visa fees. Now in Australia, visa fees are something that one needs to take into account when planning their migration because legal cost of the visa application, would be a big factor in terms of the financial planning that someone needs to do. So what we do is.

You select the visa option in there, what visa you want to apply for and then you answer the relevant questions and at the end you will be able to find out the tentative fees that you would be looking at to pay when you’re lodging the application now we also have some other small features coming in soon, such as funds calculator, which is a big question for a lot of student visa applicants. A lot of student visa applicants think oh, if you are applying for this visa or this course.

How much funds do I need to show?

So we are trying to develop that at the moment and also a currency converter.

We are hoping that a lot of our users are not based in Australia, so we are trying to integrate our currency calculator so they can get an approximate idea of how much money they will have to spend when they are trying to migrate to Australia.

Sherry Philips Melay:

Thank you so much for that insight Dhruval Patel, could our users also reach out to the team at Aussizz Group for more information.

Dhruval Patel:

So on the app we also have a way for the students and migrants to connect directly with Aussizz Group and its other products.

We often get these questions so they can head directly into the app’s contact us section and reach out to our 25+ branches. They can also get information about our other apps such as PTE Tutorials, CCL Tutorials.

IELTS Tutorials, for their preparation purposes in the Other Products section of our app?

Sherry Philips Melay:

I see, do you also have a message to those who are using the app or planning on downloading it?

Dhruval Patel:

I would recommend everyone to go ahead and download the app and to use it.

This has been an exciting project for us and can have a huge effect on the migration journey of individuals.

We are also planning on further enhancing the app to include more useful tools that will improve its functionality for our community.

We also have an option to refer a friend. I urge everyone to give the app a go and you would then be more than happy to refer it.

It will be really helpful for us as well as justify our efforts to improve the experience of everyone.

Sherry Philips Melay:

Thank you so much for that Dhruval Patel and for joining us today and enlightening us on the benefits of OccuSearch, I’ll be going ahead and giving it a go right now and I ask all our listeners to do the same. See you all until the next time.

Conclusion

We hope the Q/A session has been informative for our readers. Our mobile app for OccuSearch is available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. For more information or to download the app, please click this link: OccuSearch.

The past is behind you. Fully vaccinated parents, partners, visitors and international students can fly to Australia from February 21 onwards. It comes after the Australian administration decided to reopen its international borders.

But, the question remaining unanswered is if visa holders can travel to the nation with their visas expiring or expired already. They are concerned if the administration permits them to enter.

With doubts lingering in your mind, you can avail answers from Registered Migration Agent Harshit Tailor in the form of Frequently Asked Questions.

Australian Migration – Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can You Throw Light on Who can Enter Australia?

Ans: You get an exemption to travel to the country as long as you hold a bridging visa, tourist visa and business traveller visa. Two years passed by as many individuals were unable to come due to the pandemic. Even visa holders can meet families, partners, and friends.

Q: What are the Main Pointers?

Ans: 1. If you are not an Australian Permanent Resident or citizen, you can lodge a tourist visa for those who want to come into the country.

2. If you had applied for a 485 visa onshore, you can go back to your home country

3. Even if you are on a Bridging Visa B and were married overseas, you can come to Australia and meet partners. The same applies to individuals who want to meet their families

Q. Describe the Requirements of Different States?

Ans: Be fully vaccinated if you want to travel to different Regional Areas in Australia. You do not need any quarantine to visit New South Wales and Victoria. With Western Australia not open yet, you can stay in Victoria and travel interstate. You can work in these Regional Areas as you already studied online.

Q. Who are the Fully Vaccinated Individuals?

Ans: Visit Australia if you completed two doses of the vaccine. The rules apply to those individuals who completed vaccine doses such as Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca. You can travel even if you have taken a booster shot or undergone mixed doses of the vaccine. Before traveling, wait for 7 days for immunization.

Q. Are Children Allowed to Travel?

Ans: Children are fully vaccinated if they are below 12 years. A child who has taken one dose can travel with fully vaccinated individuals.

Q. What Documents are Necessary?

Ans: Visa holders need to carry a passport, proof of vaccination, and even an international vaccination certificate. It won’t hinder your travel plans to Australia if you provide them with identity proofs. Even if your parents are traveling, make sure to provide vaccination certificates that should match their identity and passport documents.

Q. About Application Charge Waiver Fees of Visitor Visa

Ans: Most clients, parents, and family members granted visitor visas before the pandemic are eligible for visitor visa vaccines. If the visitor visa has expired, you are eligible for a fee waiver if you apply or make a new application at a later date. Make sure to complete the new application online by December 31, 2022.

Q. What Does It mean for International Students?

Ans: Nearly 150,000 students who are offshore and want to come to Australia can be eligible for a refund for the student visa application charges. They are exempted from refunds as their visas are more than visitor visas. They can book tickets earlier and process the application quickly.

Q. Benefits for International Students

Ans: On a student visa, you can work full time for an unlimited number of hours. If you work in critical sectors, you get additional hours to work more than 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight. It is due to the government announcing it due to the current workforce shortage.

Do not breach any visa conditions but abide by visa conditions. The government is temporarily extending the arrangement work hours provided you do not breach any conditions and balance study and work hours. Maintain the visa conditions such as attendance, course enrolment, and work hours. The cancellation could be the result of the end of working hours.

But if you abide by all these conditions, you can get a refund, and it will not hamper your student visa.

Q. What If You Applied for a 485 visa?

Ans: Before the pandemic, you had applied for Temporary Graduate Visa. If your 485 expired as you were in your home country, apply for the visa. You can travel till September 2022 to travel to Australia.

Australian migration consultants are here to help you with your visa problems. Connect with Aussizz Group for quick responses!

The pandemic did not deter the hopes of skilled professionals who want to work and migrate to Australia. It was the country’s administration conducting invitation rounds in 2021.

Currently, there are 200 occupations updated by the DHA (Department of Home Affairs). Before understanding the entire process, you should be aware of different occupations in demand in 2022. The fact of the matter is all occupations have an upper ceiling with scores cut-off.

Applicants obtaining high points secure an invitation for state nomination in Australia. It is for professionals to score the highest points for an invitation with healthcare, engineering, Information Technology, accounting, social work, and trade occupations.

With Skilled Occupation List (SOL) updated for 2022, you have to understand the different procedures before applying for General Skilled Migration visas. Before going a step further, you should be aware of the top occupations.

In-demand Australian occupations 2022

The list of 10 occupations for Australia in 2022 will help job seekers to figure out what they have to do. If you want to qualify for a particular job, you need to assess your skills. Increase your chances of getting hired with the help of the 10 occupations listed below:

• Finance and Accounting:
  A Lot of opportunities await if you are a skilled professional who wants to opt for finance and accounting related jobs. You may qualify for an accountant position provided you underwent training earlier and have experience in payroll and bookkeeping. Even employment opportunities are created for those individuals who want to work as financial consultants and analysts in different companies.
  
  
• Teaching Occupation:
  Teaching is in demand across Australia. If you are a secondary education teacher, it works to your advantage. However, you should undergo training and also have the right experience to work as a teacher. It is beneficial if you are well-versed in mathematics or any language. Make sure you build a strong resume mentioning your skills. It will help you to qualify for the position at a later date.
  
  
• Good Customer Service Skills:
  These skills are in demand and extremely valuable for every skilled professional. Whether it is Information Technology firms or retail establishments, different companies are searching for those individuals possessing excellent communication skills.
  
  
• Electrical Engineering Skills:
  If you can operate and build computer systems, you can work as an electrical engineer. Circuit design is another area you want to specialise. If you received the electrical engineering training with all certifications and licensing up to date, you will have several job vacancies wherein you can choose from.
  
  
• Civil Engineering Skills:
  Another engineering job popular in Australia is civil engineering. You have to ensure that your skills are enhanced. As a civil engineer, you should have a sound knowledge of physics and mathematics that will help you to utilise organisation and project management skills. With the help of these skills, you can find a suitable job in this occupation.
  
  
• Project Management Skills:
  The onus is on a project manager who has the right skills to efficiently run any business and make sure that the project is completed within a particular budget and on time. Every project manager has to possess industry-specific knowledge and possess soft skills. They should be well-organised and be sound communicators when motivating others Improving these skills might help you to land a project manager job.
  
  
• Nursing Skills:
  Nursing is another occupation that helps individuals live, work and migrate to Australia. Possess the necessary nursing skills as the demand for experienced and qualified nurses grows with each passing day. Nursing occupations grew in prominence during the pandemic. The right training and skills will help you find a job of your choice.
  
  
• Mental Healthcare:
  Like physical healthcare, mental healthcare is a promising career option in the island nation. If you are a psychologist, your skills are in demand. Many individuals are recovering from the impact of the pandemic that has taken a toll. The right skills in crisis management, counseling, and other health support are essential for a specific mental healthcare occupation.
  
  
• Sales Occupation:
  There are many businesses across the country looking for experienced sales associates who are talented and dedicated. If you are a sound communicator who can describe a particular problem with relative ease, you can fit in the sales job. As far as your skills are concerned, you should be aware of a service or product.
  
  
• Software Development Skills: There is always a growing need for software developers in Australia. Extensive programming language and software skills help you work in a team and meet deadlines. Marketing agencies and tech companies hire those individuals possessing skills in software development.

Related Read: Importance of Skillselect in Australian Skilled Migration Visa

Confused about your state eligibility? Download OccuSearch and find out now!

Things can go off track if you switch to the wrong course, university, and degree program. They become difficult for you when you apply for a student visa extension at. That is why it’s important that you need to understand the course particulars and criteria.

Given the education system in Australia, you have to be careful from the time you obtain a student visa to landing onshore. It is about courses, universities, degree programs, and Regional Areas of Australia.

But with ample insights from education experts, you can bridge the gap in the right direction. The insights help you to build a bright future. Plan everything by which you can choose the right career after completion of studies in Australia.

Where to Find the Education Experts for Your Study in Australia Plans?

Rather than searching elsewhere, you should turn up to the biggest virtual event organised by Aussizz Group, Education Summit 2022. It will be held virtually from January 31 to February 4, 2022. It is the first of its kind Australian summit attended by different experts speaking on diverse topics–from courses, study pathways, career options, to how Regional Areas in Australia are beneficial to study and settle in Australia. They are experts in own fields and have many years of experience in the education industry.

Utilise the opportunity to interact with the representatives of prominent Australian universities. They share the success stories of students and also describe the curriculum.

What are the Courses to Choose from When Planning to Study in Australia?

It is time for the international students to capitalise on the event by having complete know-how of the different courses. These include Information Technology, Engineering, Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Research, Community Service Programs, Teaching, Social Work, Civil Construction, Trade Courses, Nursing, and Vocational Courses.

Everything you want to know about the courses, securing admission to an Australian university, meeting eligibility criteria, getting a skill assessment from the relevant occupation bodies to career and future stay pathways are all covered.

Courses in Detail

Different courses such as IT and engineering have a list of different specialisations.

• IT – If you want to work as an IT professional, you should be aware of its different streams. These include Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Data Sciences, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), and Business Analytics.
• Engineering – Civil, industrial, mining, and construction management are the different streams covering the engineering occupation.

English Language Proficiency Test

One of the important criteria in the student visa is to crack the English language proficiency test i.e. IELTS or PTE. Australian universities do not admit overseas students who have not cleared these tests. These tests are mandatory for them to study in Australia. A higher score in each of the tests helps them to secure Permanent Residency.

Like courses, you can get detailed information on IELTS/PTE shared by the eminent speakers at the event.

Genuine Temporary Entrant

Your student visa is incomplete without GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant). It is a written statement described as the most important instrument of an Australian student visa. Without it, your dreams to study in Australia prove futile. How to complete the statement? On what grounds the case officer clears your application for a student visa?

If you are unaware of these concepts and want to know how it is written in a simplified manner, you should attend the important GTE session covered by the expert.

Chiefly, the main questions forming the essence of the written statement include:

• Purpose of the visit
• Reason for the visit
• How the course helps you
• Will it help you to chart your future
• Do you intend to leave for your home country after completion of studies?

Regional Areas of Australia

The list cannot be complete if you are unaware of the Regional Areas of Australia. Different experts from Regional Areas will shed light on the importance of their respective Areas and how it can help students build a bright future and the advantages of studying in these places. Even the speakers make you aware of how vocational courses in these areas are beneficial to international students.

In all its entirety, you should not miss the Q&A sessions of the experts covering Regional Areas, universities, courses, and specialisations and how different courses can help students secure Permanent Residency. In particular, there are 7 Regional Areas – Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, and Tasmania.

Equally so, there are sessions for those overseas students who are curious to know how to bring family members/dependents on a student visa and how to avail health insurance cover.

Family and Dependents

In hindsight, it is the Australian administration allowing student visa applicants to bring them to the country. The members can apply on a dependent visa that includes parents, partners, children, and siblings.

Health insurance

Before leaving for Australia, you need to secure yourself with the insurance cover. The cover protects you in case of hospitalisation or to avail treatment.

That’s not it. There is a lot in the Education Summit for which you need to be a part of it. From getting all your doubts clear to exploring career opportunities, from skill assessment to getting guidance for making the right choice in choosing the suitable course and university; you get everything sorted out by the QEAC experts.

It’s time to bring things into action for your Study in Australia dream.

You made it, finally! It is time you want to be a part of the country workforce. But, how can you get started? You are among the many graduates who completed a bachelor or master’s program and looking for a Permanent Residency. Are you wondering how to go about it?

If you want to proceed with a PR, you have to consider Australia PY Program. Besides, you have to secure crucial points which you get if you have relevant work experience. If you do not have experience, things necessary for a Professional Year Program in Australia will be wary and will not go as planned.

With the help of an internship in an Australian company, you can capitalise on if you do not possess any work experience in the relevant field. In addition, you can inherit the skills to shine in your career due to the able guidance of experts.

In other words, the PY program offers you the benefits of availing of a Permanent Residency. Before taking a step further, understand the big picture about the benefits of how accountants, IT, and engineers can benefit.

Benefits for enrolling in PY Program Australia

• Internship Opportunities:
  There is a growing difficulty for international students to find a job in their field after completing graduation. It is PYP opening numerous pathways wherein students can get jobs. At the same time, companies provide internships to students under a specific program.
  
  As per Australia Immigration News and Updates, most get a permanent position with these companies. In other words, the program provides an excellent experience to build your resume. It enhances your chances for employment at different Australian companies.
  
  The PY program is for graduates in Accounting, Information Technology, and engineering fields. It aims to provide skills to qualified graduates and make them more employable and job-ready for applicants to prepare in the Aussie job market. It also helps you to give 5 points towards permanent residency.
  
  So much so, the PYP works to your advantage as different companies sponsor or hire those individuals who exhibit performance in achieving numerous tasks. The program is an ideal network source that trains people working in the industry.
  
  
• Expands Professional Circle:
  The reason to opt for the PY Program is that it expands social and professional environments. It helps you interact with many professionals in the area of your choice. These people also have similar goals and interests as you.
  
  
• Be Familiar with the Australian Workplace Environment:
  When it comes to workplaces and the environment, every company and country has its specific standards. The Professional Year Program in Australia makes you understand how different professionals work in the island nation and how they keep up with work demands.
  
  
• Extra 5 Points towards PR application:
  On completion of PYP, you obtain 5 points for Australia Permanent Residency. If you want to explore ample opportunities in the country Down Under, it is PYP termed as a great option for you at every stage.

Related Read: A Guide to Australia Permanent Residency

Professional Year Eligibility Criteria

If you want to qualify for PYP, you need to meet the criteria listed below:

• You need to complete a postgraduate or undergraduate program at an Australian university
• You should hold or apply for 485 if you are a visa holder
• Show proof that you have secured a minimum of 6 bands in IELTS
• You need to complete vital skill assessments from a professional body

These programs are beneficial for international students after completing their studies. It helps you grow professionally and enhance your chances to become a PR in Australia.

Aussizz Group is a unique resource for any questions you may be having concerning Australian visas. You can connect with our Registered Migration Agents, education experts, and immigration consultants to learn more about what they do!

Coming December 15, fully vaccinated visa holders will be allowed to travel to Australia without applying for a travel exemption. It includes Australian visa holders who want to return and depart. Eligible visa holders should hold one of the Australian visas meant for students, skilled professionals, migrants, visitors, and parents.

What are the New Arrangements for Australian Visa Holders?

Owing to the Omicron variant threat, the Australian administration has announced travel restrictions for those international travellers arriving from Eswatini, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique for 14 days. Any traveller who has been in these countries will not be allowed to enter the nation.

Australian permanent residents, citizens, or family members entering the island nation who have been in any of these countries and have landed in Australia in last 14 days must enter quarantine for 14 days in line with the state and territory requirements. It is regardless of the vaccination status. It applies even if you hold a travel exemption, eligible visa, or plan to enter under the safe travel zone arrangement.

What It means for Australian Permanent Resident, Citizens & Visa Holders?

The move taken by the administration allows fully vaccinated Australian permanent residents, citizens, and eligible visa holders to travel to and from Australia from December 15 without applying for a travel exemption.

If you are fully vaccinated, you can travel to the island nation without seeking a travel exemption and exempt from Australian travel restrictions or travel to Australia under a safe travel zone arrangement.

Related Read: A Guide to Australia Permanent Residency

What if You are Fully Vaccinated?

The administration considers you to be fully vaccinated if you completed a course of TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) approved or recognised vaccine. It comprises mixed doses.

TGA is evaluating COVID-19 vaccines recognised for inbound travel to Australia. Nearly a week has passed from the final vaccine dose in the course of immunisation where you have to be fully vaccinated. However, mixed doses of vaccines approved or recognised by TGA count as being fully vaccinated.

Vaccination Exemptions and Arrangements

For Children

There is no vaccination for travellers with acceptable proof for medical reasons. Children under 12 can access the same travel arrangement as fully vaccinated travellers. Arrangements also allow unvaccinated/partially vaccinated children aged 12-17 years to travel with a fully vaccinated adult.

If the child is traveling with an unvaccinated adult, the entire family is subjected to managed quarantine and passenger caps. Children aged under 12 years can be counted as fully vaccinated for travel purposes. Besides, their passports can be used as proof of age.

Vaccination Proof When Traveling to Australia or Leaving the Country

• Fully vaccinated individuals in Australia will have to show the International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) to airline staff.
• If individuals are vaccinated abroad and do not have ICVC, they will have to present a foreign vaccination certificate, thus, meeting requirements outlined on the Australian Passport Office website.
• You need to get a vaccination certificate that does not mean you are fully vaccinated. For instance, your vaccination certificate shows you are administered one dose of a two-dose vaccine.

Key Pointers

The traveller has to comply with other requirements for coming to the island nation. You need to contact AIR (Australian Immunisation Register) if you were vaccinated in Australia but cannot get ICVC owing to name details on the vaccination certificate if the details are not matching your passport

If You are Not Vaccinated for Medical Reasons

Travellers who are not vaccinated for medical reasons have to provide medical exemption proof. It is vital to check requirements, especially quarantine requirements in the territory or state to which you can be traveling.

Medical Exemption Proofs

• When Departing from Australia:
  Australian permanent resident or citizen departing from island nation will have to show proof that you have a medical contraindication reported to AIR for COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia. As concrete proof, you have to provide the country’s COVID-19 digital certificate. Besides, you can provide an immunisation history statement.
  
  
• When Coming to Australia:
  Provide an Australian Covid-19 digital certificate in case you are coming to Australia and have a medical contraindication recorded in AIR (Australian Immunisation Register). Besides, you should provide a history statement of immunisation. Travellers without a medical contraindication but recorded in AIR have to provide a medical certificate.

What does a Medical Certificate Comprise?

The certificate comprising English language has to include:

• Name that matches travel identification documents
• Medical consultation date and medical practitioner details

People who have received non-TGA-approved or recognised vaccines should not be certified in this category and cannot be treated as vaccinated for their travel.

It is necessary to check quarantine and post-arrival testing requirements, in the state or territory to which you are traveling. This ultimately will impact travel arrangements.

In case you plan to travel onwards to or through a different territory or state when you arrive in Australia, you have to check travel restrictions domestically. Both states and territories can apply for their travel restrictions.

Quarantine and Local Requirements

It is necessary to comply with requirements in the territory or state of your arrival. It includes quarantine and post-arrival testing requirements. However, restrictions are set to change at short notice.

Besides, you are eligible for reduced quarantine requirements especially when returning to Australia. A lot depends on the territory or state to which an individual is traveling.

Catch for all updates with Aussizz Group and feel free to interact with our Australian migration consultants for any queries.

Do not get disheartened if you are searching for solutions to enhance skills in the chosen field, and your student visa is bound to expire soon. If you want to work in Australia, there are certain things you need to do to gain relevant work experience. One of the visas you need as an onshore applicant is Training visa subclass 407.

The validity of the visa allows you to receive training under the supervision of an expert in a particular sector.

What documents do you need from the skilled professional body, and how to proceed with an Australian 407 visa? Do not miss the entire presentation of our Registered Migration Agent Gunjan Mullick putting across different 407 visa facets-from overview, eligibility criteria, types, conditions, fees, processing time, to training plan.

Overview of the Training Visa

Training Visa Subclass 407 is a short stay visa and part of an employer-sponsored visa. You do not require an employer to sponsor you. It is not like Temporary Skill Shortage subclass 482 where you have to be highly skilled. However, there are employment requirements you need to comply with for a Training visa.

“The word training itself says, where you require training and have to upskill in your nominated occupation,” says Ms. Mullick.

The duration of the visa is 2 years. It is more subjected to 8102 condition that forbids working in any organisation without undergoing the proper training. Accountants, engineers, IT professionals, and others specialising in the nominated fields should abide by the condition to get trained by experts. Like a student visa, you have to maintain health insurance.

The 407 Training visa is applicable for onshore and offshore applicants. You can include family members in the application.

What after the Training Visa?

Like what is said, the training visa benefits students and clients whose student visas are expiring and want to stay in Australia. If they receive no training, they cannot be eligible for skilled visas. These include Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189, Skilled Nominated Visa subclass 190, Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa 491, Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186, or Temporary Skill Shortage Visa subclass 482.

Eligibility Criteria of the Visa

You must turn 18 and should have functional English if you want to meet the criteria of subclass 407. You should have an English test result valid for 12 months. If you studied Bachelor, you need Functional English to be precise.

Several regional areas in Australia have different criteria. For instance, the English language criteria should be valid for a minimum of 12 weeks if you are in a Victoria regional area. It is vital to hold health insurance cover to address genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily.

If you need to be sponsored by the employer, you should meet health and character requirements and police checks.

Types of Training 407 Visa

Occupational Training Required for Registration

If you have the relevant skills, you can obtain registration to work as a Chartered Accountant, engineer, IT professional, and others from relevant Australian bodies. Obtain a letter to work in Australia.

Occupational Training to Improve Skills in an Eligible Occupation

Your training has to be more structured in the workplace. You must have recent and relevant experience, i.e. 12 months of experience in the relevant field. It includes employment and study experience details.

Occupational Training for Capacity Building Overseas

This type of training is for international students who have to meet

• Overseas Qualification: It is a structured work-based training of 6 months for students who are
  • Enrolled in a foreign institute
  • Complete a period of research and practical training for qualification
• Government Support: The training has the support of an Australian government body or home country government.
• Professional development: The programs are face-to-face teaching in the classroom or similar environment. It is for overseas employers who want to send professional or managerial employees.

Visa Conditions, Work Conditions, and Processing Times

You obtain the visa for a specified period from anywhere between six months to 2 years. However, the assessment is on a case-by-case basis. It is granted on condition 8102 visa. The processing time varies from 71 days to 4 months. With the help of a Bridging Visa A (BVA), you can wait for your processing time to conclude if you are an onshore applicant.

Visa Fees

Sponsorship, nomination, and fee comprise three parts – $420 is the sponsorship fee, $170 is the nomination fee, and the visa application fee is $310.

Why is a Training Plan Essential?

The case officer decides the duration of the plan. It has to be done by a professional body. The Training Plan has to cover all aspects. It has to be genuine and must be structured to meet the nominee and the requirements.

It is similar to the genuineness of subclass 482 where you have to submit the training plan. The details include training duration and meeting program objectives.

“Follow the procedures of the training plan where all aspects are ascertained and submit training plan documents with submitting relevant documents. Otherwise, you will not be entitled to the visa,” the RMA concluded.

Do not miss the golden opportunity. Book your consultation for Australian migration, skilled assessments, employer nomination pathways, partner visas, state nominations, regional state nominations, individual streamline pathways, and roadmap to migration to Australia.

Connect with Aussizz Group to secure your work dreams and migration prospects to Australia.

The past one and half years due to the Covid-19 had been trying times for international students and skilled professionals stuck overseas. Many are waiting for Australian borders to open. With no respite, the anxious lot were expecting immigration changes to happen.

But now, it is the administration that initiated opening the country’s borders from November 1. What are the new immigration measures, and how can these measures revive the immigration sector?

Here are Some Excerpts to What Our Registered Migration Agent Mr. Tejas Patel has to Say Post the Pandemic:

Q 1: The pandemic had an impact on overseas students, skilled professionals, visitors, partners, and parents for more than a year. With the announcement of Australian borders to open by November 1, who can reach the country’s shores in the beginning, or who all are allowed initially

A 1: Current announcements around relaxing border requirements are completely focused on Australian citizens, PR holders, or their immediate family members only. Temporary visa holders or students cannot still come to Australia unless they have been granted exemptions. For them, we are expecting around Feb/March announcements if not early.

Q 2: Travelers are reaching Australia through New South Wales and Sydney borders. Will the other borders open up post-November 1?

A 2: Yes, most state borders would be open before Christmas so hoping to have international travel easier for PR or Citizenship holders.

Q 3: Could you elaborate on the Australian vaccination front and its impact on the immigration front post the pandemic?

A 3: Australia is trying to achieve 80% or higher before mid-November countrywide and already approved the 3rd booster dose to improve on controlling measures so borders can be open earlier. Aggressive migration policies would be required to support employers struggling with human resources.

Q 4: Are invitations on for skilled professionals? Which occupations are in demand and which states are seeing the highest invitation rounds?

A 4: Yes, Health, Manufacturing, IT, and Trade occupations are in high demand. This is the reason each state is supporting these programs and occupations.

Q 5: Any development on Regional Australia front? How is the government promoting these areas? Could you shed some light?

A 5: The Australian government is supporting regional development through a regional economic boost in accordance with infrastructure and migration policies.

Stay updated with Aussizz Group for Australian visas and immigration procedures.

Give it an afterthought if you want to prolong your stay in Australia. With the help of the second post-study workstream of Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), you can work, study and live in the island nation.

It is the post-study stream meant for every international student residing in a regional area. Meet the relevant criteria in case you decide to apply for a second Temporary Graduate visa.

Subclass 485 Statistics:

• Percentage of Applicants:
  4% increase on March 31, 2021, from March 2020
  
  
• Majority of Applicants:
  Onshore students who completed qualifications were granted the visas
  
  
• Student Numbers:
  The first two are India & Nepal, whereas reduction in student numbers from China & Pakistan
  
  
• No of Applicants:
  92,000 as of June 2019
  71,000 in June 2018
  
  
• Percentage:
  29% increase
  
  
• Introduced:
  2008
  
  
• Top 5 Nation Holders:
  India, China, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam
  
  
• Employment Sectors:
  Accommodation & food services and retail trade industries

But, one of the pivotal issues overseas students cannot overlook is the 485 visa extension following the expiry of the first one.

485 Visa Expired, What to Do?

Find out the different requirements for Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) listed by the immigration authority.

These Include:

• Criteria
  • Plan six months in advance if you want to reapply.
  • Ensure that you cleared graduation or post-graduation from an Australian institution and completed a 2-year stay in Regional Australia.
  • You cannot apply for the post-study stream if you completed studies from Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne.
    
    
• Categories:
  Immigration authority has made your task easy that helps you choose whether or not you get a one-year/two-year second visa? It has created 3 categories comprising major cities and Regional Areas.
  
  Much of this depends on the area you want to study and if the first 485 Visa comprises correct details.
  
  These Include:
  • Category 1:
    Major cities include Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne
    
  • Category 2:
    Major regional areas such as Adelaide, Perth, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Lake Macquarie/Newcastle, Illawarra/Wollongong, Geelong, Hobart, and Canberra. You get an extra one year
    
  • Category 3:
    You get extra two areas if you live and study in Regional Areas and Regional centers . These are regional locations other than those comprising Category 2.
    
    Take the guidance of Migration Agents Australia who scrutinize applications for the second workstream from the start.
    
    
• Categories in Detail
  • Analyze threadbare if each of the following categories determines whether or not you qualify for 1/2 years second subclass 485.
  • Applicants are not eligible if they obtain the visa by pursuing studies in Category 1 cities.
  • Those studying in Category 2 or 3 can obtain the visa. Determine if you want to live in Category 2 or 3 while holding it.
  • Before making your application for the second 485 visa, the compulsory residency requirement is that you should live in a regional area, Category 2 or 3, for two years.

Related Read: Latest Changes in Australian Subclass 485 Graduate Visa

Interesting facts you need to know:

• Benefits of Subclass 485:
  For the thought to migrate to Australia and apply for Permanent Residency utilize the opportunity by working effectively on different factors such as:
  
  
  • Work Experience:
    On a subclass 485, work full-time. Before obtaining a residency visa, you need to find an employer and assure him that you can be an asset to the company. It helps you to get the visa without much difficulty.
    
    
  • Regional visas:
    With the help of a Temporary Graduate Visa, you can work in any part of Australia. It is advisable to find an employer in a particular regional area. It enhances your chances to obtain a state nomination. Besides, it leads to a Skilled Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494).
    
    
• Single Applicant & Family Members:
  It is the Temporary Graduate that you get once in a lifetime if you are a single applicant.
  
  What if you have a partner? How do you get an extension of the 485 visas after expiry?
  
  You are fortunate as your spouse is studying in an Australian university and happens to be the secondary applicant. You are a primary applicant.
  
  To answer the second question, you can renew it as your partner is your main applicant.
  
  Besides, your family members who are dependents, have to meet permanent residency too. There is no need for them to meet the 2-year requirement. PR requirement is for applicants who claim to be residing in Category 2 or 3. It comprises further study and work.
  
  Much depends on where you have been living for two years. A lot has to do with gaining a one or two-year second Temporary Graduate visa.
  
  
• New Visa Condition 8610:
  Condition 8610 is the new visa condition attached to the second workstream of subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa. Those who completed studies in category 2 can obtain a one-year second 485. The condition requires the visa applicants to live in category 2 or 3 areas.
  
  Similarly, those who completed studies in category 3 get a two-year second 485 visa. They have to live in areas comprising category 3.

Stay tuned to Aussizz Group for more updates on Australian immigration and Permanent Residency.