Category: Visa Info

  • Who Needs a Skills Assessment for the...

    If you plan on applying for the employer-sponsored TSS/482 visa, then you will want to check if you will be required to complete a mandatory skills assessment for the 482 visa.

    Unlike other Australian visas such as the 491, 189, 190, and 494 visas, where skills assessments are mandatory for everyone, for the 482 visa there are only a small number of occupations and nationalities that must complete the assessment.

    Let’s take a closer look at who needs to complete a skills assessment for the 482 visa.

    Do you need to complete a skills assessment for the 482 visa?

    The below table lists the only occupations for the 482 visa that requires a skills assessment as part of the visa requirements. Even if your occupation is listed below, it doesn’t mean you have to complete the assessment. For each of the occupations listed, it is only specific nationalities or passport holders that must complete the assessment, they are listed below as well.

    Who is exempt from taking a skills assessment for the 482 visa

    To be exempt from taking the skills assessment for the 482 visa, any one of the below points would need to apply:

      • Your occupation is not listed
      • Your occupation is listed but you hold a different passport that is listed
      • Your occupation is listed, you hold a passport listed but also hold another passport not listed (in this case, you would need to apply for the visa using the passport not listed)
      • You have gained the required level of qualification for your occupation by studying in Australia*

    *There are a number of education bodies outside of Australia that will issue Australian qualifications once completed, only related Australian qualifications gained by physically studying in Australia can be used for the exemption.

    How to complete a skills assessment for the 482 visa

    If you as part of the 482 visa requirements you’ll need to complete a skills assessment and do not meet any of the exemptions, then you have two options when completing it.

    The first is to complete it on your own. There are a number of documents that must be submitted to the assessing body in stage 1 of the process. These documents and what information must be included,  will vary depending on the occupation and assessing body. Once gathered you will then need to complete all of the application documents, submit your gathered documents, and then wait for the outcome. If successful, you would then need to complete a Technical and potentially a Practical Interview before getting your final assessment outcome.

    The second option is to get professional help completing the Skills Assessment. There are a number of agents who offer this service, guiding you through every stage of the process. The advantage of using an agent is that they know exactly what to do, which generally saves you time, effort, and stress! As you would imagine, using an agent means extra costs to you.

    To find out more about the skills assessment process, costs, and documents required, search all of the authorised Skills Assessment companies for your occupation and visit their website for more information. 

    Need our help completing the skills assessment for the 482 visa?

    If after reading this article you have determined that you need to complete a skills assessment in order to meet the 482 visa requirements, then we would suggest starting this as soon as possible.

    Depending on which country you are in, completing the skills assessment for the 482 visa can take up to six months! If you would like professional help completing the skills assessment for the 482 visa, please get in contact with us today and we can start the process.

    Learn more about Australian visas

    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.

    Need help completing a Skills Assessment?

    If you are required to complete a skills assessment for the 482 visa and would like professional help, get in contact with us today. Our team will explain the process and then help guide you through it reducing time, effort and stress.

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  • Understanding The Australian Training Visa – 407...

    If you are interested in applying for the Australian Training Visa subclass 407, it’s worth understanding which occupations can be sponsored, and the visa requirements.

    In this article, we will take a closer look at who this visa is for, which occupations can be sponsored, the costs, and how to find companies to offer sponsorship and training.

    What is the 407 Training visa?

    The Australian Training Visa subclass 407, also known as the 407 Training visa, was designed for people wanting to migrate to Australia temporarily, whilst engaging in occupational training or professional development. 

    It is a great option for anyone who may not have enough work experience to apply for the TSS visa, or who has recently finished studying and would like some on the job training. It is a great way to develop industry knowledge and skills, to help advance your academic or professional career.

    Similarly to the TSS visa, you will need to have an Australian organisation nominate to sponsor you, in a specific occupation. Unlike the TSS visa, you are required to participate in a fully structured occupation training program. You are expected to complete the training whilst working for your sponsor. 

    General 407 visa requirements

    The main visa requirements you will need to be able to prove that you meet, are:

    *Required if you intend to participate in an occupation training program aimed at improving your skills for your chosen occupation.

    The English score required if taking a test

    You will need to complete an English test to prove you meet the minimum standards for English language proficiency unless English exemptions apply.

    If you are not exempt and are required to complete an English test, you will need the following scores:

    Occupations that can be sponsored through the 407 visa

    The following table outlines all of the occupations that can currently be nominated through the Training Visa subclass 407.

    407 visa costs

    Below outlines the main government fees involved when lodging a 407 visa application.

    *Migration agent fees are not mandatory and this is only a guide to what some agents may charge.

    Finding an employer to sponsor you

    It can be even harder finding a company to offer sponsorship through the 407 visa compared to the TSS visa, mainly as they need to have the resources to deliver the required level of training.

    If you are unable to find a company to sponsor you directly, then there are companies that can help by offering a complete 407 visa programs. Programs usually include guidance through the document gathering stage, creating your training plan tailored to your skill level, finding an employer to sponsor you, delivering the training program, and Migration Agent fees for your visa lodgement.

    Using companies like this make the process much simpler but you should expect to pay between A$8,000 to A$11,000 for their assistance.

    Summary

    The Australian 407 visa is a great option for anyone looking to further develop their work experience and skills. It allows you to temporarily migrate to Australia to work whilst learning on the job. It can be used to gain extra experience so other Australian visas may be an option such as the employer-sponsored TSS visa.

    If you would like to know more about the 407 visa or would like us to connect you with our 407 visa partners, get in contact with us today.

    Learn more about Australian visas

    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.  

    Need our help?

    Regardless what visa you plan on applying for or what you need help with, we are here to guide you through the process.

    We offer a number of services and what we can’t directly help you with, we have formed partnerships with various companies that will be able to help you.

    Get in contact with us today to find out more or ask any questions you may have.

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  • What is the Regional Occupation List (ROL)...

    For the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS Visa) subclass 482, there are three different occupation lists. Available occupations will be listed on the Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).

    It’s very important you understand the difference between these occupation lists and what they allow you to do. In this article we are going to take a look at the ROL, what occupations are on it, the English requirements, as well as how it can lead to Permanent Residency (PR).

    What is the ROL?

    The ROL is a list of skilled occupations that can be sponsored through the Medium-Term Stream for a TSS visa. However one important requirement for any ROL occupation is that the position must be in regional Australia. Therefore if you are to be nominated for a ROL occupation you will not be able to work in any metropolitan areas in Australia such as Melbourne or Sydney.

    Currently, this list includes 77 occupations which are reviewed every year.

    Occupations listed on the ROL

    Using the table below, you can search all occupations listed on the ROL. It’s worth reading the full ANZSCO occupation description for your occupation so you understand the required level of formal qualification, if additional experience can substitute formal qualifications, and what the tasks are associated with the occupation. In the ANZSCO description there is a section called ‘Tasks’ which is very important as these tasks are what you will need to prove you have experience performing when you apply for your TSS visa.


    Data is based on the latest version of the 482 visa legislative instrument and updated June 2022.

    Find your occupation’s ANZSCO description

    If you want to see the full ANZSCO description for your occupation, copy your occupation’s ANZSCO number from the table above → click the button below → you will be redirected to the ANZSCO website → then, paste your occupations number into the search box and click search. 

    ROL occupations - how long the are visas granted for

    If your occupation is on the ROL then your visa will be granted for either one, two, three or four years. It will be up to the sponsoring employer to decide how many years they will nominate you for. The reason they may not nominate you for a maximum of four years is that they will have to pay an upfront levy to the Australian Government for each nominated year.

    Like occupations on the MLTSSL, you can reapply for a new visa as many times as you like both in and outside of Australia. You will need an employer willing to nominate you each time.

    General requirements

    Each occupation varies according to ANZSCO’s classification of that occupation. All occupations on the ROL have the same English requirements. You will also need to prove in your application that you meet the health requirements and character requirements.

    Depending on your occupation and nationality you may also be required to complete a skills assessment.

    The English score required for ROL occupations

    You will need to complete an English test to prove you meet the minimum standards for English language proficiency unless English exemptions apply.

    The score required for ROL occupations is slightly higher than for occupations on the STSOL.

    Will Permanent Residency (PR) be an option?

    Yes. Like occupations on the STSOL, you will have to work in regional Australia to be eligible for PR. Make sure you understand which areas are classed as Regional Australia and which areas are metropolitan.

    You must work for the same employer for a minimum of three years in order to be eligible to apply for PR through the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (ENS) subclass 186, or the Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme visa (RSMS) subclass 187.

    If for whatever reason you decide to change employers you will need to work for the new employer(again regional) for a further three years, regardless of how long you worked for the previous employer.

    Finally, your employer must be willing to support your application once you are eligible. For an employer to support your application they must pay an additional $3,000 or $5,000 to the Australian Government. Not all employers may be willing to support the application. We recommend you discuss this with any potential employers to avoid lost time.

    For a lot of people migrating to Australia PR is their aim. Therefore we recommend that you fully understand your PR options and the requirements.

    Visa application costs for ROL occupations

    The following costs only cover the Government fees for the visa application. Other costs, such as fees for using a registered Migration Agent, health checks, English language tests, or police certificates are additional.

    All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) and must be paid at the time of lodging the application.

    Government Fees

    All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) and must be paid at the time of lodging the application.

    Which occupations are on the ROL?

    The following occupations are included on the ROL as of the date of this article. Each occupation has a link outlining the occupation’s key characteristics and requirements as outlined by ANZSCO. To fully understand what each section means you can read what sponsored occupations are available on the TSS Visa.

    Summary

    Understanding which category your occupation belongs to is vital. This will help you make the correct decision about any PR aspirations you may have, and help you understand the visa requirements.

    If you would like our help with understanding which documents to gather or if you want to discuss our TSS Visa Program to see how we can help find you an employer, please get in contact with us today.

    Learn more about Australian visas

    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.  

    Need our help?

    Regardless what visa you plan on applying for or what you need help with, we are here to guide you through the process.

    We offer a number of services and what we can’t directly help you with, we have formed partnerships with various companies that will be able to help you.

    Get in contact with us today to find out more or ask any questions you may have.

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  • What is the Medium and Long Term...

    If you are considering the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS Visa) subclass 482, one of the first things to do is to make sure your occupation is on the Combined List of Eligible Skilled Occupations. Once you have found your occupation you will see that it belongs to either the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).

    It’s very important you understand the difference between these occupation lists and what they allow you to do. In this article we are going to take a look at the MLTSSL, what occupations are on it, the English requirements, as well as how it can lead to Permanent Residency (PR).

    What is the MLTSSL?

    The MLTSSL is a list of skilled occupations that can be sponsored through the Medium-Term Stream for a TSS visa. On 18 April 2017 the MLTSSL replaced the Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL). Currently this list includes 216 occupations which are reviewed every six months.

    Occupations listed on the MLTSSL

    You can use the table below to search all of the current occupations on the MLTSSL. If your occupation is listed, we suggest reading the full ANZSCO occupation description as it outlines the required level of formal qualification, if you can substitute formal qualifications with additional work experience, and the common tasks you would be expected to perform when working in the occupation. The tasks section is very important as when you are applying for your TSS visa, you will need to provide evidence you have performed these and similar tasks in your previous roles.


    Data is based on the latest version of the 482 visa legislative instrument and updated in June 2022.

    Finding your occupation’s ANZSCO description

    On the ANZSCO website you will find the full ANZSCO description for your occupation. First, copy your occupation’s ANZSCO number from the table above → click the button directly below → you’ll be redirected to the ANZSCO site → then finally, paste your ANZSCO number into the search bar (top right of page). 

    TSS visa duration for MLTSSL occupations

    If your occupation is on the MLTSSL then your visa will be granted for either one, two, three or four years. It will be up to the sponsoring employer to decide how many years they will nominate you for. The reason they may not nominate you for the maximum of four years is that they will have to pay an upfront levy to the Australian Government for each nominated year.

    Unlike occupations on the STSOL, you can reapply for a new visa as many times as you like both in and outside of Australia. You will need an employer willing to nominate you each time.

    General requirements

    Each occupation varies according to ANZSCO’s classification of that occupation. All occupations on the MLTSSL have the same English requirements. You will also need to prove in your application that you meet the health requirements and character requirements.

    Depending on your occupation and nationality you may also be required to complete a skills assessment.

    The English score required for MLTSSL occupations

    For the TSS visa, you will need to complete an English test to prove you meet the minimum standards for English language proficiency unless English exemptions apply.

    The score required for MLTSSL occupations is slightly higher than for occupations on the STSOL.

    Will Permanent Residency (PR) be an option?

    Yes. Unlike occupations on the STSOL, you don’t have to work in regional Australia to be eligible for PR. You are able to work in either regional Australia or Metropolitan areas, such as Sydney or Melbourne.

    You must work for the same employer for a minimum of three years in order to be eligible to apply for PR through the Temporary Residence Transitional (TRT) stream for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (ENS) subclass 186, or the Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme visa (RSMS) subclass 187.

    If for whatever reason you decide to change employers you will need to work for the new employer for a further three years, regardless of how long you worked for the previous employer.

    Finally, your employer must be willing to support your application once you are eligible. For an employer to support your application they must pay an additional $3,000 or $5,000 to the Australian Government. Not all employers may be willing to support the application. We recommend you discuss this with any potential employers to avoid lost time.

    For a lot of people migrating to Australia PR is their aim. Therefore we recommend that you fully understand your PR options and the requirements.

    Visa application costs for MLTSSL occupations

    The following costs only cover the Government fees for the visa application. Other costs, such as fees for using a registered Migration Agent, health checks, English language tests or police certificates, are additional.

    All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) and must be paid at the time of lodging the application.

    Government Fees

    All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) and must be paid at the time of lodging the application.

    Which occupations are on the MLTSSL?

    The following occupations are included on the MLTSSL as of the date of this article. Each occupation has a link outlining the occupation’s key characteristics and requirements as outlined by ANZSCO. To fully understand what each section means you can read what sponsored occupations are available on the TSS Visa.

    Summary

    It’s important to know which occupation list you will be nominated through as it will affect the visa fees, length, English requirement, and PR options. If you did not find your occupation listed for the MLTSSL, then try checking the STSOL or ROL occupation lists.

    If you would like our help with understanding which documents to gather or if you want to discuss our TSS Visa Program to see how we can help find you an employer, please get in contact with us today.

    Learn more about Australian visas

    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.  

    Need our help?

    Regardless what visa you plan on applying for or what you need help with, we are here to guide you through the process.

    We offer a number of services and what we can’t directly help you with, we have formed partnerships with various companies that will be able to help you.

    Get in contact with us today to find out more or ask any questions you may have.

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    Continue Reading
  • The Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)...

    When looking at Australian visas, especially work-related visas, it’s important to make sure your occupation is firstly listed for your chosen visa, and if it is, which occupation list it belongs to. 

    This article is going to take a closer look at occupations that are listed in the Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and what you should be aware of if applying for the TSS/482 visa.

    What is the STSOL occupation List?

    The STSOL is a list of skilled occupations that can be sponsored through the Short-Term Stream for a TSS visa. On 18 April 2017 the STSOL replaced the Consolidated 

    If your occupation is on the STSOL then you will be granted a visa for either one or two years, unless an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies. It will be up to the sponsoring employer to decide if they will nominate you for one or two years.

    You will have the option to reapply for the visa only once whilst in Australia and only once from overseas. You will need an employer willing to nominate you each time.

    Occupations on the STSOL

    The table below lists all of the occupations that are currently listed on the STSOL. Once you find your occupation, it’s worth reading the full ANZSCO occupation description to make sure you have the required level of formal qualification, if additional experience can substitute formal qualifications, and what the tasks are associated with the occupation. The tasks are probably the most important as you will need to provide evidence you have the required amount of experience performing these tasks.


    Table based on the latest version of the 482 visa legislative instrument and updated June 2022.

    Find your occupation’s ANZSCO description

    To check the full ANZSCO description for your occupation, copy your occupation’s ANZSCO number from the table above → click on the button below → you will be redirected to the ANZSCO website → finally, paste your occupations number into the search box (top right of page). You can then learn more about your occupation and make sure it is suitable for you.

    General requirements

    When looking at the requirements for the TSS visa each occupation will vary according to ANZSCO’s classification of the occupation. All occupations on the STSOL have the same English requirements. You will also need to prove in your application that you meet the health requirements and character requirements.

    Depending on your occupation and nationality you may also be required to complete a skills assessment.

    What English score do I need to get?

    You will need to complete an English test to prove you meet the minimum standards for English language proficiency unless English exemptions apply.

    The score required for STSOL occupations is lower than for occupations on the MLTSSL when applying for the TSS visa.

    Will Permanent Residency (PR) be an option?

    Yes, however your options do vary compared to occupations on the MLTSSL.

    Firstly if you want to eventually apply for PR and your occupation is on the STSOL then you must work for an employer that is based in regional Australia. Therefore if your occupation is on this list and you decide to work for an employer in one of the main cities, i.e Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, then PR will not be an option for you.

    In addition, you must also work for the same employer for a minimum of three years in order to be eligible to apply for PR through the Temporary Residence Transitional (TRT) stream for the Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme visa (RSMS) subclass 187.

    If for whatever reason you decide to change employers you will need to work for the new employer for a further three years, regardless of how long you worked for the previous employer.

    Finally, your employer must be willing to support your application once you are eligible for PR. For an employer to support your application they must pay an additional $3,000 or $5,000 to the Australian Government. Not all employers may be willing to support the application. We recommend you discuss this with any potential employers at the beginning, to avoid lost time.

    For a lot of people migrating to Australia, PR is their aim. Therefore we recommend that you consult with a MARA Registered Migration Agent to make sure you are aware of your options.

    Visa application costs for STSOL occupations

    The following costs only cover the Government fees for the visa application. Other costs, such as fees for using a registered Migration Agent, health checks, English language tests or police certificates, are additional.

    All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) and must be paid at the time of lodging the application.

    Government Fees

    All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) and must be paid at the time of lodging the application. 

    Which occupations are on the STSOL?

    The following occupations are included on the STSOL, as of the date of this article. Each occupation has a link outlining the occupation’s key characteristics and requirements, outlined by ANZSCO. To fully understand what each section means, read our article about which occupations are available on the TSS Visa.

    Summary

    Knowing which category your occupation falls into is the first step. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the ANZSCO requirements of your particular occupation, as well as any permanent residency (PR) limitations that might occur.

    If you would like our help with understanding which documents to gather or if you want to discuss our TSS Visa Program to see how we can help find you an employer, please get in contact with us today.

    Learn more about Australian visas

    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.  

    Need our help?

    Regardless what visa you plan on applying for or what you need help with, we are here to guide you through the process.

    We offer a number of services and what we can’t directly help you with, we have formed partnerships with various companies that will be able to help you.

    Get in contact with us today to find out more or ask any questions you may have.

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    Continue Reading
  • Skills Assessment For Australian Visas – Approved...

    A Skills Assessment for Australian visas may be required depending on which visa subclass you plan on applying for. They are required to demonstrate you have the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience to effectively work in your chosen occupation. The assessment can only be completed through an approved skills assessing authority.

    For the majority of visas, the Skills Assessment will need to be completed before lodging your visa application. If you are required to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for your chosen visa, then it is recommended to complete your Skills Assessment prior to submitting your EOI.

    Australian visas that require a Skills Assessment

    There are a number of Australian visas that will require you to complete a Skills Assessment in order for you to meet the visas requirements. These visas include:

    *Not everyone applying for a TSS visa will be required to complete a Skills Assessment. Only applicants holding specific passports and being nominated for certain occupations will be required to complete the Skills Assessment. If you are applying for a TSS Visa make sure you have checked If you need to complete a skills assessment based on your occupation and nationality.

    Skills Assessment Authorities

    For Australian immigration purposes, a Skills Assessment must be completed through a government-approved skills assessment authority. Below lists all approved skills assessing organisations that can complete the Skills Assessment.

    Need help completing your Skills Assessment for Australian visas?

    If you need to complete a Skills Assessment in order to be eligible for a TSS Visa subclass 482, then contact us today. We can assist you in gathering all of the required documents, finding the correct RTO for your occupation, submitting your documents and application, and coordinating the whole process with the RTO.

    Send us a message using the contact form below, and we will get in contact with you to explain what to do.

    Learn more about Australian visas

    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.  

    Get professional help completing your SA

    Completing a skills assessment can be very complex, stressful, and time-consuming. Get in contact with Visa Jobs today and our team can help you through the entire process. 

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  • Where Is Classed As Regional Areas In...

    If you’re planning to migrate to Australia through the regional 491 or 494 visas or if your occupation is on the ROL or STSOL occupation lists for the TSS/482 visa, you will want to understand where is classed as regional areas in Australia.

    In this article we will explain exactly where is classed as regional areas in Australia for immigration purposes and how not being regional for occupations on the STSOL (TSS visa only) can affect your chances of Permanent Residency (PR).

    Why knowing where regional areas in Australia are matters

    Both the state sponsored 491 and employer sponsored 494 visas are regional visas, so you’ll want to know where you can live and work. 

    For the TSS visa, occupations that can be sponsored will fall under one of three occupation lists. Occupations under the 482 visa can live and work anywhere in Australia and will have a pathway to PR through the 186 or 186 TRT visas, as long as they meet the visa requirements. 

    Occupations on the STSOL occupation can also live and work anywhere in Australia, however, if they plan on applying for PR, their options are more limited compared to occupations on the MLTSSL. The 186 visa is not an option but the 187 TRT is as long as they have lived and worked for the same employer in a regional areas for three years, and they meet the other visa requirements. Finally, for occupations on the ROL occupation list, the visa will only be granted if you are to be nominated by an employer in a regional area. Therefore, if you are going to be applying for a TSS visa, regional areas may play an important factor when finding an employer.

    Where are regional areas in Australia and where is not

    The simplest way to look at this is that the majority of locations outside of Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, are classed as regional areas in Australia for immigration purposes. 

    If you plan on living and working near any of these three major cities, then you may want to know exactly which postcodes are classed as regional so you don’t breach your visa conditions or do not qualify for PR visas in the future.

    For immigration purposes, the regional definition comprises of three categories:

      • Category 1 – Major cities: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (not regional)
      • Category 2 – Cities and major regional centres: Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Wollongong, Illawarra, Geelong, Hobart (regional)
      • Category 3 – Regional centres and other regional areas: All other locations (regional)

    The below table lists which postcodes are classed as regional for each state or territory.

    Alternatively, if you are only interested in living in specific places type their name into the Australian Post Office’s postcode finder to find out the area’s postcode. You can then check if it is regional based on the table below.

    Summary

    Understanding where is classed as regional areas in Australia is especially important for anyone who plans on applying for a 491, 494 or for TSS visa applicants wanting a pathway to PR through STSOL or ROL occupations.

    If your aim is to transition from a TSS visa to PR then make sure when finding your TSS sponsored job you only apply to jobs in regional areas. Otherwise you may find you have wasted three years working in an area that doesn’t lead to PR. Simply being aware of which areas are counted as regional will ensure you are doing everything right when working towards your future PR status.

    No matter which Australian visa you are interested in, if you need help, have questions, or want to know what to do next, contact Visa Jobs and our will explain what to do.

    More visa information

    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.  

    Let Visa Jobs help you get your TSS visa

    If you are interested in learning more about the TSS/482 visa, contact us today. We will explain the process, TSS visa requirements, and which documents to gather. We can get your visa eligibility assessed by MARA Registered Migration Agents and then connect you with employers or recruiters.

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  • How To Calculate Your Points Score For...

    Planning on lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the 189, 190, or 491 visas, the one of the first steps will be to calculate your points score for Australian visas. This is to make you meet the minimum requirement of 65 points. In this article, we will look at how points are calculated.

    How to calculate your points score for Australian visas - 491, 189, & 190

    When applying for any of the points-based visas you start off by submitting an EOI. As part of the EOI process, you will be given an indicative points score based on the information you provide relating to the points criteria. If you do not score a minimum of 65 points you will not qualify and will not receive an invitation to apply for the visa, so it’s important you calculate your points score before submitting your EOI.

    You can calculate your points score for Australian visas by using the general skilled self-assessment test, below explains how each section is scored. Calculating your own points should only be used as a guideline, it is always recommended to use a Registered Migration Agent who will be able to do a thorough assessment of your points and advise accordingly.

    Calculating your point score

    To calculate your current point score for Australian visas, answer the questions for each section below, keep a note of the points you score for each section and then add them up at the end. 

    It’s important to remember that your final points score will be calculated at the time you are invited to apply for the visa. Therefore, the score you calculate today should only be used as an estimate as your answers to each question may change by the time you receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

    Section 1: Visa Subclass

    Which of the following visas are you planning on applying for?

    Maximum score = 15 points

    Section 2: Age

    Which age bracket do you fall into?

    Maximum score = 30 points

    Section 3: English Language Ability

    What is your English language ability?

    Maximum score = 20 points

    Section 4: Employment History

    Part 1: Overseas Skilled Employment Experience

    In the last 10 years, how many years of experience (from outside of Australia), do you have in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation?

    Maximum score = 15 points

    Part 2: Australian Skilled Employment Experience

    In the last 10 years, how many years of Australian work experience do you have in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation?

    Maximum score = 20 points

    Note. You can only score a maximum score of 20 points in this section ‘Employment History.’ That means if your combined score for Part 1 and Part 2 is over 20 points, you will only be awarded 20 points.

    Section 5: Educational Qualifications 

    What is your highest level of recognised qualification completed in Australia or from overseas?

    Maximum score = 20 points

    Section 6: Australian study requirement

    Have you successfully completed studies in Australia for a degree, diploma, advanced diploma or trade qualification(s) that is relevant to your nominated occupation? The course must have taken a minimum of two years to complete, and have been taught on a full-time basis and in English.

    Maximum score = 5 points

    Section 7: Study in Regional Australia or a low population growth area

    Have you completed and been awarded a degree, diploma, advanced diploma or trade qualification(s), where the course took a minimum of two years to complete, was full-time, the campus of your institute was located in a regional area of Australia and you also lived in a regional area during the two years of study?

    Maximum score = 5 points

    Section 8: Specialist education qualifications 

    Have you completed a Masters by research or PhD (Doctorate degree) by an Australian educational institute which included a minimum of two years of study in a specialist field (currently STEM and ICT)?

    Maximum score = 10 points

    Section 9: Professional year in Australia

    Since finishing studying, have you completed a professional year in Australia in your nominated occupation? Currently, this is only available for Engineers, Accountants and ICT professionals, and must have been completed within four years of you being invited to apply for the visa.

    Maximum score = 5 points

    Section 10: Credentialed community language

    Do you hold a recognised qualification in a credentialed community language? 

    Recognised qualifications must be for translating or interpreting by the National Accreditation Authority for translators and Interpreters and include being;

    • accredited at a paraprofessional level or above, or
    • having a community language credential, or 
    • having been certified at a certified provisional level or above.

    Maximum score = 5 points

    Section 11: Partner skills

    Which of the following applies to you:

    Maximum score = 10 points

    Summary

    Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of your point score for Australian visas and your visa options. If you plan on lodging an EOI for either the 491 or 190 state-sponsored visas, we highly recommend in addition to calculating your points score, you check each state or territory’s current list of occupations that can apply and additional requirements, as these may vary from the general visa requirements. Each state or territory will regularly update their website 491 and 190 pages to reflect its current requirements, so they are worth monitoring. You will find links to each state or territory’s 491 and 190 pages through our Visa Jobs 491 and 190 visa pages.

    If you have questions, need help, or have any questions, contact Visa Jobs today.

    More visa information

    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.  

    Let Visa Jobs help you get your Australian visa

    If you are interested in learning more about points-based visas, contact us today. We will explain the process, visa requirements, and connect you with Registered Migration Agents. Get started today with Visa Jobs!

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  • 189 Visa – The Ultimate Australian Permanent...

    If you are a skilled worker looking to migrate permanently to Australia, the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 visa or 189 visa, is the ultimate visa! This visa is very similar to the Skilled Nominated Visa subclass 190, with one main difference – unlike the 190 visa, you do not need to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. This article will give you a brief overview of the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189, including who it is for, the costs, eligibility requirements and much more!

    Why the Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189 is the best Australian PR visa

    The Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 is the most desired Permanent Residency (PR) visa for skilled migrants. Mainly because once granted, you will be an Australian Permanent Resident (PR), which means more flexibility and freedom compared to other Australian visas. There are other PR visas but this doesn’t require you to find an employer or state/territory to support the application.

    Being the ultimate PR visa for Australia, the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 is very competitive and hard to get invited to apply for. If interested in the 189 visa, first check your occupation is listed, and then you have the required point-score to be invited.

    Why the Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189 is the best Australian PR visa

    Available 189 visa occupations

    The table below lists all of the occupations that can apply through the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189. To check the ANZSCO description for your occupation, click on the button below the table and put your occupation’s ANZSCO code into the search box (top right corner) of the ANZSCO page. 

    The Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189 is an invite only visa

    The 190 visa is an invite only visa

    For the 189 visa, like the 190 and 491 visas, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to SkillsSelect and then wait to be invited to apply.

    When you submit your EOI, your point score will be calculated and submitted. There are a set number of 189 visas that can be granted each year, therefore during the invitation round, applicants with the highest point scores in specific occupations are most likely to be invited to apply.

    With the Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189, you can include dependent family members either at the time of lodgement or after the visa has been approved.

    What you can do once granted a 189 visa

    Once you have had your Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189 granted, It’s important to understand what the visa allows you to do. Once approved a 189 visa, you can do the following:

      • Stay in Australia permanently
      • Live, work and study anywhere in your nominated state or territory
      • Enrol for medicare (Australia’s public health care program) 
      • Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence 
      • Apply for Australian Citizenship (if eligible)

    The 189 visa requirements

    The main visa requirements for the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 are:

      • You are under the age of 45 at the time of being invited to apply 
      • Your occupation must be listed on the relevant occupation list
      • You have a valid Skills Assessment in your nominated occupation
      • You lodge an EOI and have been invited to apply for the visa 
      • You qualify for the points test (currently 65 points)
      • You can demonstrate a Competent Level of English or higher
      • You meet the health and character requirements
    The 189 visa requirements

    189 visa costs

    Migrating to Australia isn’t cheap, so it’s important to be aware of the major expenses for the 189 visa, from the start. You can then decide if it’s the best visa option for you.

    The main costs involved with applying for the 189 visa include:

    There may be additional costs to consider, such as airfare, skills assessments, English testing, and police certificates.

    Summary

    The Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 is a great PR visa for anyone who wants to migrate to Australia long term. It provides all of the benefits that you get from other Australian PR visas, however, you don’t have to find an employer or state/territory to sponsor you.

    It is extremely competitive so depending on your occupation and point score it may not be an option, or it may be quicker to apply for the 190 visa. To find out more or get help applying for this visa or any other Australian visas, get in contact with Visa Jobs today. We work with a number of reputable Registered Migration Agents who will be able to help you through the whole process.

    Learn more about Australian visas

    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.  

    Interested in the 189 visa? Get started today

    Submitting your EOI and applying for the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 can be very complex. If you need professional help, contact Visa Jobs today and we can connect you with one of our Registered Migration Agent partners.

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  • The Australian 491 Visa Occupation List &...

    Anyone interested in the state-sponsored 491 visa, will not only need to make sure their occupation is on the Australian 491 visa occupations list, but that it is also listed by whichever state or territory they plan on being sponsored by. 

    Let’s take a closer look at the full list of occupations for the 491 visa, as well as how to check each state or territory’s current list and any additional requirements they may have.

    What is the 491 visa

    The Skilled Work Regional Visa subclass 491, permits you and your family to work, live, and study in Australia’s regional areas for a period of 5 years. It is a point-based visa that requires one of Australia’s states or territories to sponsor you unless you have an eligible relative in Australia to sponsor you. 

    The 491 visa is a great option for migrants wanting a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR). So if that’s your goal, it’s worth taking the time to learn more about the 491 visa and to make sure you meet the visa requirements. Those who are eligible can apply for permanent residency after 3 years through the 191-subclass visa.

    Every Australian state and territory has its own list of occupations that they have a shortage of within their local labour market. Their occupation lists are regularly updated and often includes additional requirements that must be met, as well as the visa requirements. So, before you start spending a lot of time gathering documents or submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI), check that your occupation is listed for the 491 visa, and then that it is listed by your desired state or territory’s in their 491 occupation list.

    Here is what we suggest you start off by doing:

    Step 1 – Checking the 491 visa occupations list

    As per the 491 legislative instrument, there is a set list of occupations that are listed for the 491 visa. This list of occupations has been summaries in the table below:

    Last updated March 2022

    Finding your occupation’s ANZSCO description

    On the ANZSCO website you will find the full ANZSCO description for your occupation. First, copy your occupation’s ANZSCO number from the table above → click the button directly below → you’ll be redirected to the ANZSCO site → then finally, paste your ANZSCO number into the search bar (top right of page). 

    Step 2 – Checking each state and territory’s 491 occupation list

    From the main 491 visa occupation list, each state and territory will create their own list of occupations to reflect their current labour shortages and which skilled workers they want to attract to their state or territory. 

    Not only will they have their own list of occupations, but often have additional requirements that must be met, in order to be invited to apply. Some examples of additional requirements have been that you must be already in Australia or in the state/territory, you may need a higher score than the standard 65 points, or you may need to have a job offer from an employer within the state.

    To check the most recent occupation list, and any additional requirements for each state and territory, the following links will help:

    Step 3 – Start the process

    Hopefully, you have now checked the main 491 visa occupations list as well as each state and territory, and found your occupation.

    Next, you will need to calculate your point score to make sure you meet the minimum required score. Then as with all Australian visas, you are going to have to gather a number of documents to prove you meet the visa requirements.

    As with most Australian visas, understanding what to do or what is required can be complicated and frustrating. If you want professional help understanding your visa options, or applying for the 491 visa, contact us. Visa Jobs has partnered with a number of experienced and friendly Registered Migration Agents who can guide you from start to finish.

    More visa information

    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.  

    Need our help?

    Regardless what visa you plan on applying for or what you need help with, we are here to guide you through the process.

    We offer a number of services and what we can’t directly help you with, we have formed partnerships with various companies that will be able to help you.

    Get in contact with us today to find out more or ask any questions you may have.

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