Migration Advice and Assistance

• Initial Assessment – Auslink conducts an initial review of client circumstances and confirms the most appropriate visa to suit the individual’s need.
• Detailed Assessment and Documentation Check – Auslink reviews all supporting documentation required to ensure it is complete and sufficient to submit a strong, valid visa application. The client is advised of the essential steps and procedures to complete before the application is lodged.
• Visa Application Preparation and Submission – Auslink checks all forms and supporting documentation are completed correctly and submits the application to relevant governing authority.
• Visa Application Processing and the Decision – Auslink corresponds with governing authorities and acts on behalf of the client on matters arising during processing. Auslink keeps the client informed about the status the application and ensures it is being processed as quickly as possible.This process results in a thorough, efficient and strong application ensuring applicants have the strongest chance of success in achieving their objectives.

There are around 149 different types of visas or subclasses, each having unique eligibility criteria that must be satisfied before a visa can be granted. Common to all visa subclasses is the requirement to meet health, character and prescribed public interest criteria. Identifying the right visa is undeniably complex and is but part of the extensive legal framework forming Australian migration law and policy.

(RSMS visas are afforded the highest DIAC processing priority (currently around 10 days) if submitted as “decision ready” through a Registered Migration Agent.)Step 1 Employer nomination

• Employer business nomination must be approved by applicable Regional Certifying Body (RCB).
• Pay RCB charge of $550.
• Unless the employment is exceptional, position requires diploma or higher equivalent to Australian qualification. Certificate III for trades is equivalent to diploma.
• Position will provide employee with full-time employment for at least two years and will be located in regional Australia. Regional Australia is any place except Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, or Melbourne.
• Position must have a relevant ANZSCO code.

Step 2 Applicant’s visa application

Visa applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Pay VAC SC 119, $1995; SC 857 $ 2960.
• Have diploma level or higher qualification equivalent to Australian standard unless exceptional circumstances. Cert. III for trades is equivalent to diploma.
• Be less than 45 years of age, unless exceptional circumstances.
• Have functional English (equivalent to average IELTS 4.5 across the four components).
• Have a nominating employer employment contract two years.
• Must stay and work in regional Australia. If not, visa subject to cancellation.

Two Steps:Business Nomination

Nomination business must be actively and lawfully operating in cities of either: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, or Melbourne. (Perth is currently in the process of being excluded).

• Have genuine need for paid permanent employee and offer three-year employment contract.
• Satisfactory record of immigration law compliance.
• Have a current training strategy for existing Australian employees.
• Provide working conditions no less favourable than provided under relevant Australian legislation and award and meet minimum salary requirement ($47,480).
• Be highly skilled occupation that is on the Employer Nominated Scheme Occupational List (ENSOL) and closely related.

Applicant must satisfy mandatory criteria.

• Pay VAC $1995 (SC121) or $2960 (SC886).
• Nominated position must be on ENSOL.
• Must have your skills assessed as suitable the nominated position by relevant assessing skills authority.
• Must have at least three full-time work experience in the nominated application before this application is lodged, or salary nominated position is greater than $250,000 per annum.
• Must have an employer who is willing to sponsor you for permanent residency.
• Have 3 year employment signed by employer and applicant.
• Demonstrate you have the appropriate skills qualification and experience.
• Meet mandatory licensing, registration or professional membership.
• Be under 45 years of age.
• Must have competent English language ability (unless exceptional, vocational).
• Must have Diploma or higher equivalent to Australia.

This scheme requires visa applicants to past the points test. A new points test was implemented by DIAC effective 1 July 2011.The new points test will continue to award points for study in Australia, including regional study, community languages, partner skills and completing an approved Professional Year. Points will no longer be awarded on the basis of an applicants occupation, but all applicants must still nominate an occupation on the applicable Skilled Occupation List.

It is important to note that the new points test will only apply to one component of the skilled migration program. This change wont’ affect every type of skilled migration visa and only applies to the following visas:

• Subclass 885 Skilled Independant
• Subclass 175 Skilled Independant
• Subclass 176 Skilled Sponsored
• Subclass 886 Skilled Sponsored
• Subclass 487 Skilled Regional Sponsored
• Subclass 475 Skilled Regional Sponsored

New Skilled Points Test factors and applicant eligible points

Skilled applicants intending to apply for any of the 6 mentioned subclasses need to assign eligible points for which they are entitled. Visa applicants must attain points of 65 or above to qualify for foregoing visa types. Intended applicants who do not qualify by gaining 65 points, do not despair. There are less restrictive pathways available that may be more appropriate to the applicant’s qualifications and circumstances.