The Extensive Process: Application for Skilled Immigration to Australia

Overview of the Application Process

Australia's Skilled Immigration system is a complex and multi-stage process that plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining skilled workers to meet the nation's economic needs. For a points-tested visa, the timeline can vary significantly, with some applications taking between 15 months to 2-3 years or even longer.

Initial Steps: Positive Skills Assessment

Before you can even begin the Expression of Interest (EOI) process, you must first secure a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority. This assessment is vital as it verifies that your occupation matches the standards required by the Australian government. The assessment time can vary significantly, with some authorities offering fast-track options, which might take as little as a few weeks, while others can take as long as six months.

Expression of Interest (EOI) and Points Test

After obtaining the positive skills assessment and reaching a minimum of 65 points on the Points Test, you can then submit an EOI. This process is highly competitive, as candidates are ranked based on their total points and date of submission. The Points Test takes into account factors such as your age, level of education, language proficiency, work experience, and more.

For most occupations, achieving 95 or more points significantly increases your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for an Independent Subclass 189 visa in the next one or two monthly invitation rounds. However, for high-demand occupations, you might need more than 95 points to secure an invitation. Candidates with lower points (below 85) might need a State or Territory nomination before being considered for Subclass 190 or 491 visas. Sadly, there are cases where candidates with low scores might never receive a nomination due to lack of opportunities.

Application Process and Processing Times

Once you receive an invitation, the final step is to lodge and pay for the visa application. Processing times can vary based on the visa subclass, but generally, the timelines are as follows:

For Independent Subclass 189 visa: Processing time is approximately 12 months. For State-Nominated Subclass 190 visa: Processing time is usually between 7 to 9 months.

It is important to note that for Employer Sponsored visas, the process is generally much faster. Eligible employers can provide sponsorship, allowing you to apply for a visa without going through the EOI or Points Test process. However, securing this sponsorship is highly competitive and requires a professional, experienced connection within an eligible Australian business.

Conclusion

The application process for skilled immigration to Australia is extensive, with various stages that can significantly impact the overall timeline. Understanding the requirements and procedures is crucial to ensure a smooth application process and an increased chance of successful migration. If you are planning to immigrate to Australia, thorough preparation and community support can make all the difference in navigating this complex system.

Keywords: Skilled Immigration, Australia, Application Process