Employer Sponsored Visa Archives

Changes to skills assessment for automotive trades

Australia, Skilled Visa, Skills Assessment, Vehicle Painters & Panel Beaters, Visa Update

Read the changes to skills assessment for automotive trades

TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) is removing the mandatory OSAP assessment requirement for some passport countries for automotive jobs.

Instead, qualified applicants from countries with similar qualification systems can use the simpler and cheaper MSA (migration skills assessment) program.

This decision came after discussions with industry reps and considering countries with standards like Australia’s.

This change now allows qualified applicants from 1 April 2023 to choose the cheaper MSA program (managed by TRA). OSAP (offshore skills assessment program) assessments are still an option for those needing an Australian qualification.

The below occupations and countries are now eligible for the MSA program:

Occupations:

Automotive Electrician [321111]

Motor Mechanic (General) [321211]

Panelbeater [324111]*

Vehicle Painter [324311]

Diesel Mechanic [321212]

Countries of passport:

China*

Ireland

Sri Lanka

United Kingdom

* Chinese applicants under the Panelbeater occupation will still be required to be assessed under OSAP, consistent with the nominated country/occupation combinations under Migration (IMMI 18/039: Mandatory Skills Assessment—Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2018.

An example: If you’re a UK qualified Motor Mechanic, you can now apply through TRA and bypass the technical interview stage. This will save you $2,000 in fees and bypass the lengthy wait for a technical interview.

See full details on the TRA website.

Do you need a skills assessment for automotive trades? Book a visa consultation to see if you’re eligible to apply.

June 14, 2024

Update on South Australia DAMA’s

Australia, Dairy Labour Agreement, DAMA, Visa, Visa Update

Exciting news as South Australia expands their DAMA’s to include more occupations. Read the latest update on South Australia DAMA’s.

Update on South Australia DAMA’s

Yankalilla SA, Australia

The Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) in South Australia – SA Regional DAMA and Adelaide City DAMA – have undergone updates and expansions. The SA Regional DAMA now includes 128 additional occupations in various sectors such as construction and trades, agribusiness, ICT, health, education, and renewable energy.

Both DAMAs have been extended until 30 June 2025, with the SA Regional DAMA now offering a higher annual nomination ceiling, increasing from 750 to 2000 nomination places per year.

Furthermore, the pathway to permanent residency remains available for all visa holders under both DAMAs.

South Australia has also maintained certain concessions, including the age concession up to 55 years, a 10% reduction to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), as well as concessions for English language proficiency and work experience.

It is important to note that the occupations of Grape Grower (121215), Actors, Dancers, and other Entertainers (211999), and Dancer or Choreographer (211112) have been removed from the DAMAs.

Check the full list of eligible occupation on the South Australia website.

What is a Designated Area Migration Agreement?

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) enables some Australian regions to establish their own conditions for skilled migration. These agreements are customised to cater to the distinctive economic and demographic requirements of specific areas, which may not necessarily align with the broader national immigration policies.

Regions that are part of the DAMA can sponsor skilled workers for positions that are locally in demand, which may not be covered by the general skilled migration program. This can encompass occupations that are crucial for regional growth but do not meet the

South Australian DAMA’s include agribusiness occupations.

criteria of other visa schemes.

Typically, DAMAs are created by negotiations between the Australian Government, state or territory authorities, and local stakeholders such as councils, industry associations, and employers. The terms of each DAMA may differ depending on the specific needs and circumstances of each participating region.

Essentially, DAMAs are designed to bolster regional economic development, address skilled labour shortages, and promote population growth in designated areas of Australia. They offer a pathway for skilled migrants to contribute to the advancement of regional communities while also pursuing their own professional goals.

April 24, 2024

Get paid to build a life in WA!

Australia, Employer Sponsored Visa, News, Skilled Visa, Visa, Visa Update

Introducing WA’s Construction Visa Subsidy Program – a monetary incentive for migrants to build a life in WA. Claim up to $10,000!

Build a life in WA!

WA Construction Visa Subsidy Program

The WA State Government created this program to entice skilled construction workers to relocate to WA. It aims to fill construction jobs, as the demand for housing in WA continues to grow.

There are a variety of construction and building occupations included. From electricians, to architects, surveyors, bricklayers and more!

This program is for skilled migrants wanting to build a life in WA. No other states or territories are currently offering this program. but watch this space…

How much money can I claim?

Skilled migrants outside Australia – $10,000 paid in 2 instalments
Skilled migrants inside Australia – $5,000 paid in 2 instalments

Am I eligible for this grant?

To apply, you must meet all the following:

Be granted a subclass 190 or 491 visa (with WA sponsorship);
Work for a WA business headquartered and undertaking building and construction work in WA;
Work in an eligible occupation (refer to this occupation list)

There are currently 34 construction occupations on the WASMOL.

Alternatively, WA employers sponsoring skilled migrants can claim this grant. This includes visa subclasses 482, 494 and 186 and DAMA’s.

See the full terms and condition of this program on the Migration WA website.

How do I apply?

Follow these steps:

Obtain WA state sponsored visa (subclass 190 or 491).
Register your arrival in Australia and visa approval with WA Migration Services here: Register your arrival · WA Migration Services (powerappsportals.com)
Start employment with an eligible employer and submit first claim here: https://migrationservices.powerappsportals.com/cvsp-snmp/
After six months working in WA’s construction industry, submit your final claim here: https://migrationservices.powerappsportals.com/cvsp-snmp/

Visa Go Australia can process the first stage by helping you obtain a skilled visa. Following this, there’s help available from the Construction Migration Office.

Build a life in WA and enjoy the best beaches in the world!

August 24, 2023

482 visa update: TSMIT to increase on 1 July

Australia, Employer Sponsored Visa, Skilled Visa

From 1 July 2023, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase to $70,000.

The TSMIT is the minimum annual wage a 482 visa holder can be paid. Since 2013, the TSMIT has been $53,900.

By raising the TSMIT to an acceptable market rate, it protects against undermining the Australian workforce. It’s hoped that increasing the TSMIT will encourage Australians to take up local jobs.

Are you interested in employer sponsorship? Learn about the 482 visa on our dedicated webpage.

May 12, 2023

Teaching in Australia after 45 – Is PR possible?

Australia, Employer Sponsored Visa, News, Teacher, Teaching, Visa

Learn about teaching in Australia after 45. Our Migration agent Darren explains the possibility of achieving permanent residency as a teacher in Queensland, even after your 45th birthday!

I am a teacher over 45 years old. Can I still apply for a permanent residency visa?

Darren Chatt MARN:0211214

“If you’re over 45 you can apply for an employer sponsored visa (subclass 482). There are no age restrictions on the 482 visa, however pathways to permanent residency are difficult.

If you’re a teacher over 45 years old, you can apply for permanent residency (PR) via the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). Applying under a DAMA bypasses the age restriction for PR.

Far North Queensland (FNQ) are approved under the DAMA, and teachers are on their occupation list.

If you’re over 45 and aiming for PR, it’s advisable to seek Queensland schools approved under this agreement. The school must have been operating within the Designated Area for at least 12 months prior to seeking endorsement.”

Teaching occupations included in DAMA

Teaching occupations included in the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement:

Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher ANZSCO 241111
Primary School Teachers ANZSCO 241213
Secondary School Teacher ANZSCO 241411
Special Education Teacher ANZSCO 241599
Special Needs Teacher ANZSCO 241511
Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) ANZSCO 249311
Vocational Education Teacher ANZSCO 242211

All 7 occupations have an age concession of 55 years old.

DAMA areas

The FNQ DAMA designated area comprises the Cairns, Douglas, Mareeba, Tablelands and Cassowary Coast local government areas. Also, the Cook Shire Council, Torres Shire Council, and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council local government areas, and the Weipa Town Authority area.

The business must have been operating within the Designated Area for at least 12 months prior to seeking endorsement.

Full details of the FNQ DAMA can be found on their website. The occupation list is regularly updated.

Teaching in Australia after 45 is possible via Queensland lazyload's DAMA

Teaching in Australia after 45 is possible via Queensland’s DAMA

Learn more about the teaching skills assessment on our dedicated page.

February 28, 2023

Are you an Electrician moving to Australia?

Australia, Electrician, Employer Sponsored Visa, Future Skills International, News, Skilled Visa, Skills Assessment, Visa

Are you an electrician moving to Australia? At Visa Go Australia we understand it can be a daunting process. Below, we outline key considerations when moving to Australia.

Electrician visa options

Electricians are in demand in Australia. This means there are lots of jobs and visa options available to you. Before you start spending money on the visa process, ensure you’re eligible to apply for a visa first.

Seeking advice from an experienced Migration Agent will help you understand which visas you can apply for. We offer visa consultations with our Migration Agent for just $100 AU. We think it’s a worthwhile investment before spending thousands on a skills assessment and visa.

Book a visa consultation with our Migration Agent Darren Chatt

Attend our free Electrician moving to Australia webinar

Complete your electrician skills assessment

Future Skills International conduct skills assessments for electricians

If you’re an electrician moving to Australia, you need to ensure you can work. The skills assessment is a part of this process.

You must be licensed to work as an electrician in Australia. Obtaining a positive skills assessment will issue with an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR). Once you have an OTSR, you can apply for a provisional electrical license.

Learn more about the skills assessment process for electricians

Having a positive skills assessment will also give you the option of applying for a permanent residency visa. This is the best pathway for those looking to move to Australia on a long-term basis.

If you’re applying for a short-term visa like the working holiday, you can use our skills assessment only service. This includes a dedicated case processor to help you obtain a positive skills assessment. It’s cheaper than our full visa service.

To summarise

Are you ready to move to Australia as an electrician? There may be several visa options available to you, so it’s best to speak with a Migration Agent to find out what’s best suited.

Electrician is on Australia’s skills list. This means skilled visas and employer sponsored visas are available. Australia’s working holiday visa is another popular option to live in work in Australia as an electrician.

To work in Australia, you’ll need to become licensed. To get your Australian electrical licensing you must complete a skills assessment with Future Skills International. The skills assessment is also the first part of applying for an Australian skilled visa, so it’s a necessary investment.

If you need help in moving to Australia, you can contact us for reliable and helpful advice.

February 10, 2023

Opportunities for Electricians in Australia – Perth Event

Australia, Electrician, Employer Sponsored Visa, Events, Future Skills International, News, Skills Assessment, Visa

Attending a Vetassess Technical Interview in Perth

Australia, Employer Sponsored Visa, Skilled Visa, Skills Assessment

If you’re a tradesperson moving to Australia, you may need to complete a Vetassess technical interview. These interviews take place across many cities worldwide, including Perth Australia.

At Visa Go Australia we host Vetassess technical interviews in our Perth and Edinburgh offices.

Directions to your Vetassess technical interview in Perth

Our office is in Perth’s CDB at Level 13, 37 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000.

We have many public transport options including trains, buses, and the underground. Alternatively, there are city centre car parks. We recommend pre-booking a space and arriving early.

Our Perth Office – 37 Citibank House

Our building is called Citibank House which you will see written on the outside of the building. When you arrive make your way to level 13 in the lifts. Here you can take a seat in reception and wait for our assessing co-ordinator Kimberley. There are toilets on this level.

The Perth office

The interview takes place in a private office. The space is fully air-conditioned with lots of natural light. Kimberley will provide you with water and set up your call with Vetassess. The technical interview is conducted over video call and headset. We sanitise all equipment and furniture after each use.

Our beautiful office view

If you require anything during your interview you can ask Kimberley. She will be in the room quietly working at a separate desk. There will be no phone calls or interruptions during your interview. You will also be asked to turn off your mobile and hand it to Kimberley.

Vetassess will advise you what to bring to your interview, and what time and date to attend. If you arrive early, you are welcomed to sit in our reception. Alternatively, you can try a local coffee shop or visit the supreme court gardens next door.

Final words

We understand it can be nerve-wracking attending your Vetassess technical interview in Perth. We aim to make the process as comfortable as possible. If you need advice about your interview, we encourage you to speak directly with Vetassess. You can also refer to the candidate guide on their website.

We are unable to tell you if you’ve been successful on the day of your interview. Vetassess will contact you directly with your results at a later date.

We look forward to welcoming you at our office for your technical interview.

December 13, 2022

Meet the employer – Dairy Farms in WA

Australia, Dairy Labour Agreement, Employer Sponsored Visa, News

If you’re a dairy farmer looking for work in Australia, we have an amazing opportunity for you!

We are working with a large dairy farming business who need a range of skilled workers. They are currently operating in Scott River, Warnerglen and Dardanup.

Apply for this job

Dairy Farms in WA

This business operates 5 dairy farms, milking approximately 3200 cows producing 20,000,000 litres of milk. They run approximately 5500 head of stock across the farms both owned and leased land.

Scott River

Hornes: 60 stand rotary milking 1000 cows, calving Aug – Oct; 6 pivot irrigators
Sharefarm: 50 Stand rotary dairy milking 500 cows; Calving March – May

Warnerglen

Campbells: 60 stand rotary milking 1000 cows, calving March – May, Dec-Feb, 2 pivot irrigators
Cordi dairy: milking 200 cows, 18-a-side herringbone, with 1 centre pivot

Dardanup

50 stand rotary, milking 400 cows, 4 centre pivot irrigators.

The farms calve seasonally in spring or autumn, which makes for a very intense 3-4 months. The farms also raise their own replacement heifers. They also do artificial insemination over their heifers and dairy herd. Much of the farm pastures are irrigated by centre pivots during the summer.

About the jobs

We are looking for suitably experienced enthusiastic dairy staff on all levels. This includes management, senior dairy staff, farm hands/milking and calf raising. The farms and staff are all very animal focussed. These farms are supported by maintenance staff and contractors, with regular input from farm consultants.

Employer sponsorship is available under the Dairy Labour Agreement. If you’re a dairy farmer and need a visa to live and work in Australia, this is an excellent opportunity.

Apply for this job

Visas for dairy farmers

Under the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement, this farm can sponsor skilled overseas workers in the occupations of ‘Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker‘ and ‘Dairy Cattle Farm Operator’.

You can sponsor the worker for 1-4 years on a temporary basis and/or for permanent residency. The visa will take around 3-6 months to process. By accepting this job, you will have the support of a Visa Go Australia Migration Agent.

Sponsorship is available under the following visas:

Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) after a 3 year transition period
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)

If you’re interested in applying for this job and a visa for Australia, send your resume to Kimberley – kimberley@visagoaustralia.com. Alternatively, you can learn more about the job by clicking the button below.

We look forward to helping you move to Australia!

Apply for Dairy Farming Job in Western Australia

December 9, 2022

Meet the employer – Smash repairs in Bunbury

Australia, Employer Sponsored Visa, Vehicle Painters & Panel Beaters

Introducing our latest employer looking for skilled workers in Western Australia. Vehicle painter and panel beater jobs in Australia.

This smash repair business needs vehicle painters and panel beaters to join them. Employer sponsorship is available.

A beach local to Bunbury, WA

This business is in Bunbury, Southwest Australia. Bunbury is a large and well-connected coastal town south of Perth. It’s a beautiful place to live, and the quality of life is one of its biggest attractions.

Learn more about the lifestyle Bunbury has to offer

About the jobs

This business requires panel beaters and vehicle painters at their workshop in Bunbury.

Vehicle Painters prepare surfaces of vehicles, match and mix colours and apply paint.

Apply for vehicle painter job

Panelbeaters repair damage to metal, fibreglass and plastic body work on vehicles, and form replacement vehicle panels.

Apply for panel beater job

Join an experienced workshop team

You can see the full job descriptions on our website. For the visa, you must provide evidence of employment in your nominated occupation.

This is a well-established business of autobody repair and restoration specialists. Most of the work includes insurance, fleet, and private vehicles. You will be joining a friendly team and offered a competitive salary of $80,000 – $100,000 AU per annum.

About the visa

Employer sponsorship is available. You will work with Visa Go Australia to process a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482).

This visa is usually processed within 2-6 months from lodgement. You can include a spouse and children on this visa.

Visa guidance from our migration agent is included. This is an amazing opportunity to live and work in Australia’s beautiful southwest region.

Apply for the job today!

Alternatively, you can apply for a skilled visa. This process takes longer and costs significantly more. You may be able to apply for both visas to get you to Australia quicker.

To apply, please send your resume to Kimberley – kimberley@visagoaustralia.com

December 8, 2022