SkillSelect is an Australian immigration program that matches skilled overseas workers with Australian employers. The system works much like an online job board that matches workers to employers based on skills and needs. Potential migrant workers are requested to provide basic information about their background including; skills, english language ability & education. With this information the applicant may be considered for a visa in the GSM program. The process also addresses regional skill shortages. In most rural regions of Australia skilled workers are needed to fill local shortages, SkillSelect directs such workers to employers (if the applicant indicates they wish to be considered for rural vacancies) if they meet the employers’ criteria. The process helps to make sure the skilled migration program is successful in fulfilling the economic needs for Australia’s economic progress.
Visa Crew are Registered Migration Agents and authorised by the Australian Government to lodge SkillSelect applications and advise the applicant through the whole process to include a successful visa application.
How Does SkillSelect Work?
1) Applicants details are entered into SkillSelect database using Visa Crew's online portal.
2) Details provided will accrue points depending upon criteria, age, education ability, work experience etc.
3) EOI - Expression of Interest (EOI) in the visa category for which they would like to be chosen.
4) Once the applicant is in the system, Australian employers or state and territory governments may invite them to lodge a visa application. This is the nomination or sponsorship process which is required for most skilled worker visas.
5) When invitation to apply for a visa is received, an application must be lodged within certain time frame.
6) When the visa application is successful, the applicant will receive a visa and may live and work in Australia.
When Can I Expect An Invitation To Apply For A Visa?
Your 'Expression of Interest' request (EOI) remains in the SkillSelect system for two years. Providing you meet the criteria and you skill is in demand, you can expect an invitation anytime during the two years. But do not worry, Visa Crew will keep you informed along the way and recommend ways to improve your score.
How Many Points Do I Need To Be Accepted?
For Skilled work visas the minimum points required is 60
For Business Innovation visas the minimum points required is 65
What If I only Have 60 Points, What Are My Chances?
To be accepted into the SkillSelect Program you must achieve the minimum requirement of points. However up until the two year limit your application remains valid you may amend the application to improve your points. For instance if you resit IELTS and achieve a higher score then this can be added to your SkillSelect profile and increase your points accordingly.
To give you an idea in February 2017 the following invitations were sent out:
340 Invitations With 60 Points
380 Invitations With 65 Points
240 Invitations With 70 Points
155 Invitations With 75 Points
20 Invitations With 80 Points
What are the Skilled Worker Visa Categories?
There are eight visa categories for skilled workers in the SkillSelect program. They each require a certain selection of skills. Review the information below to learn about the different visas and the requirements to apply.
Skilled Independent Visa | Subclass 189
This is a permanent resident visa for points-tested skilled workers. It does not require employer or family sponsorship, or nomination from a state or territory government. However, you may require an invitation to apply, as well as the following requirements:
• Be nominated in an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Have obtained a suitable skills assessment for that occupation
• Have achieved the score specified in your letter of invitation based on the factors in the points test
• Meet english language requirements
Skilled Nominated Visa | Subclass 190
This is a permanent resident visa for points-tested skilled workers. It does require nomination from a state or territory government as well as the following requirements:
• Be nominated in an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Positive skills assessment for occupation
• Have achieved the score specified in your letter of invitation based on the factors in the points test
• Meet English language requirements
• Have been nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency
Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa | Subclass 489
This is a 4-year visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in specific regions of Australia. There are various requirements depending on whether you are applying under the invited pathway or the extended stay pathway. State or Territory nominated or sponsored by your relative?
Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa | Subclass 457
This skilled worker visa is valid for up to four years. It requires the sponsor and for the work to be in a nominated occupation.
SkillSelect is optional for this visa > Click Here for more information
Employer Nomination Scheme | Subclass 186
Popular, permanent work visa for skilled workers; you must be sponsored by an approved SBS employer. Three streams available:
• Temporary Residence Transition Stream - Must be holder of 457 visa.
• Direct Entry Stream - Apply from in/outside Australia, no previous Australian visa required..
• Agreement Stream - For those on a formal labour agreement in Australia.
Some requirements for this visa:
• Have been nominated by an approved Australian employer
• Minimum age limit applies or exempt
• Meet the skills, qualifications and English language requirements, unless you are exempt
• Apply under the stream for which you were nominated (the Temporary Residence Transition Stream, the Direct Entry stream, or the Agreement stream)
SkillSelect is optional for this visa > Click Here for more information
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa | Subclass 187
This is a permanent resident (migrant) visa for skilled workers. Permanent visa for skilled workers who want to work in regional Australia. You must be sponsored by an approved SBS employer.
Three streams available:
Temporary Residence Transition Stream: Must be holder of 457 visa.
Direct Entry Stream: Apply from in/outside Australia, no previous Australian visa required..
Agreement Stream: For those on a formal labour agreement in Australia.
• Have been nominated by an approved Australian employer for a job in regional Australia (regional Australia does not include the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong or Melbourne)
• Minimum age limit applies or exempt.
• Meet the skills, qualifications and English language requirements, unless you are exempt
• Apply under the stream for which you were nominated (the Temporary Residence Transition stream, the Direct Entry stream, or the Agreement stream)
SkillSelect is optional for this visa > Click Here for more information
Business Talent (Permanent) Visa | Subclass 132
This is an entrepreneur visa that allows you to establish a new or develop an existing business in Australia. Permanent visa is designed for high calibre business people who are owners or part owners of an overseas business and wish to participate in the management of a new or existing business in Australia. To get this visa, you have must have a nomination from a state or territory government agency and be invited to apply by the minister. You also must have either:
• Net business and personal assets of at least AUD1.5 million and an annual business turnover of at least AUD3 million if you intend to apply for the visa in the Significant Business History stream; OR
• Have obtained at least AUD1 million in venture capital funding to start the commercialisation and development of a high-value business idea in Australia if you intend to apply for the visa in the Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream.
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa | Subclass 188
This is an entrepreneur visa for people who wish to own and manage a new or existing business in Australia or to invest in Australia. Requirements include a nomination by a state or territory government or Australian agency, as well as an invitation to apply by the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection.
Nomination by a State or Territory government is required for this subclass 188 visa. SkillSelect invitation required.
Pathway to sc888 - When granted the applicant may be eligible for Permanent Residence.
Registered Migration Agents | Confidentiality Assured
Client confidentiality is important, we guarantee all communications with you are kept private; without exception. At all times we do not disclose or allow to be disclosed information about our clients or our clients business, to any third parties. Our clients can be happy in the knowledge their confidentiality is of upmost importance to Visa Crew.
Migration Legislation | Stay Current
As legislation and regulations around visas changes often, call us for an up to date appraisal; we will happily advise the best option for your SkillSelect Expression of Interest. Don't hesitate to call our Registered Migration Agents, w'ed love to hear from you...
