Benefits of completing a skills assessment for Australia

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Thinking of moving to Australia? Learn about the benefits of completing a skills assessment.

Completing a skills assessment for Australia

A skills assessment is a review of your qualifications and/or work experience. Depending on your occupation, it involves a document review and sometimes a practical assessment and interview.

A positive skills assessment is proof you meet Australian occupational standards.

Why should I complete a skills assessment?

Completing a skills assessment for Australia can bring many benefits.

  1. Expand your visa options

Benefits of completing a skills assessment

A skills assessment is the first step of applying for an Australian skilled visa. This includes popular visa

subclasses 189, 190 and 491.

It’s also beneficial when applying for an employer sponsored visa. A positive skills assessment may offer you the chance of permanent residency, in applying for the 494 visa.

Want to learn about your visa options in-depth? Book a visa consultation with our migration agent

  1. Increase your Australian employability

An Australian skills assessment shows employers you have the skills to do the job. In such a competitive job market, a skills assessment can be the difference of an employer reviewing your CV and not.

See our current Australian jobs and employer sponsorship opportunities

  1. Commitment to Australia

It takes time, money and motivation to complete a skills assessment. This demonstrates your commitment to working in Australia.

Moreover, most Australian employers favour those with a skills assessment because it shows long-term intentions. With a positive skills assessment you can apply for the 494 visa (permanent residency). To be eligible for the 494 visa, you must work for 3 years in a Regional Area and meet the taxable income threshold. Full details are on the Department website.

Employer sponsorship is costly and time consuming for businesses. A positive skills assessment can help you build that trust with them, whilst expanding your visa options. It’s a win-win.

Benefits of completing a skills assessment

Learn more about Australian skills assessments

If you’d like to start your skills assessment for Australia, contact us for free advice.

All our skilled visa assessments are reviewed by our migration agent. You’ll receive an email with an overview of how to apply for a skilled visa. This includes information the skills assessment, costs and processing times.

You can complete our free assessment in 2 minutes here: Points Calculator – Visa Go Australia (visa-go.com)

 

Skilled Visa Update October 2022

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Want to live and work in Australia? Read our skilled visa update October 2022.

Australian businesses need skilled people to fill jobs. Australia’s skilled visa programme and employer sponsorship opportunities reflect this! If you want to live and work in Australia, now is the perfect time!

Arrange a visa consultation with our migration agent

Skilled visa update October 2022

This month we received 3 invitations for 189 visa clients. These included:

  • A&E Nurse on 70 points – lodged EOI 26/9/22 – applicant onshore
  • Architect on 65 points – EOI lodged nearly 2 years ago – applicant offshore
  • Engineering Technologist on 90 points – EOI lodged nearly 2 years ago – applicant offshore
Nurse

Skilled visa update October 2022 – One of our clients received a 189 invitation as a Nurse

You can see the full Skillselect invitation round results on the Government website. These include figures for 189 skilled independent and 491 regional family sponsored visas only.

Invitation rounds for states (190 and 491 state) are conducted randomly when State Governments choose.

We’ve received numerous state sponsorship invitations for 190 and 491 visa clients.

Learn more about your skilled visa options for free here: Skilled Visas Aus – Visa Go Australia (visa-go.com)

Employer sponsored visa update

This month we had 3 nominations approved from the 482 visa section. To sponsor an overseas worker, an Australian business must become an approved business sponsor which is valid for 5 years. Each time they wish to sponsor an employee, they must lodge a nomination to prove they need to recruit from overseas.

Learn about employer sponsored visas

We are signing up new Australian businesses every month to become approved business sponsors. This means Australian job opportunities and employer sponsorship for people like you! Keep updated by signing up to our monthly newsletter on our website. You can also see our latest jobs here: Current jobs in Australia – Visa Go Australia (visa-go.com)

Visa consultations

Did you know we offer visa consultations for just $100 AU? Learn about your visa options in full detail, and have your questions answered by our migration agent.

We pride ourselves on honest, reliable migration advice. We also offer payment plans for our visa services. For free advice and a quote, please fill out the relevant visa assessment on our website.

Free skills assessment opportunity

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Free, fast-tracked skills assessment opportunity for migrants are available.

Free skills assessment with TRA

Trades Recognition Australia are now offering migrants with experience in eligible occupations with a free, fast-tracked skills assessment to have their skills recognised in Australia.

Australian businesses are looking for workers to fill workforce shortages. Having your skills recognised will improve your chance of getting a job in your field, and provide employers with confidence that you have the skills needed to do the job.

Who can access a free assessment?

To be able to apply for a free assessment you must:

  • have not had a skills assessment in an eligible occupation.
  • be living in Australia when you submit your application
  • be on a relevant family, partner, humanitarian or refugee visa (see table below) that was granted on or after 1 January 2016.
Eligible Visas for Pilot 2 – Skills Assessment Opportunities for Migrants
Visas Visa Sub-Classes
Family and partner visas Adoption visa (subclass 102)
Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 114) 
Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 838) 
Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)
Carer visa (subclass 836)
Carer visa (subclass 116)
Child visa (subclass 101)
Child visa (subclass 802)
Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864)
Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (temporary) visa (subclass 461)
Orphan Relative (subclass 117)
Orphan Relative (subclass 837)
Parent visa (subclass 103) 
Partner (Provisional and Migrant) visa (subclass 309)
Partner visa (subclass 100)
Partner visa (subclass 820)
Partner visa (subclass 801)
Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)
Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115)
Remaining Relative visa (subclass 835)
Interdependency (subclass 110)
Interdependency (subclass 814)
Designated Parent (subclass 118)
Designated Parent (subclass 859)
Refugee and humanitarian visas Global Special Humanitarian (subclass 202)
Protection visa (subclass 866)
Refugee visas (subclass 200)
Refugee visas (subclass 201)
Refugee visas (subclass 203)
Refugee visas (subclass 204)
Temporary Protection visa (subclass 785)
Safe Haven Enterprise visa (subclass 790)
Temporary visa for Ukraine and surrounding areas (subclass 786)
Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visas (subclass 449)

To find out more you can visit Trades Recognition Australia website.

Free skills assessment opportunity

Live and work in Australia

At Visa Go Australia we can help with your skilled visa application. Complete our free visa assessment today to receive free advice from our Migration Agent.

Can family sponsor me to live in Australia?

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Does simply having family in Australia make you eligible for a visa? At Visa Go Australia we’re often asked about family sponsored visas. After all, Australia is a migrant nation and every knows someone who lives there.

So, can family sponsor me to live in Australia? I talked to Migration Agent Darren Chatt to find the answer.

Family Living In Australia

Australia is a multicultural nation, with 30% of its population born overseas. In 2020, more than 7.6 million people living in Australia were born overseas. (ABS 2021). Therefore, it’s no surprise that many wannabe migrants have family living in Australia.

Depending on your intentions, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) may be suitable. This skilled visa allows family to sponsor your application.

The 491 visa allows applicants up to 5 years of living and working in regional Australia. Moreover, this visa type provides a pathway to permanent residency.

Learn more about the 491 family sponsored visa

Can Family Sponsor Me To Live In Australia?

If you wish to live and work in Australia, then you can use an eligible family member to sponsor you.

A family member can provide sponsorship under the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491). This means you must first be eligible for a skilled visa; simply having a family member in Australia does not make you eligible for a visa.

Australia’s skilled visas are based around an occupation list and points system. These visas are designed to attract young skilled workers into the country. The basic criteria for a skilled visa can be seen on our dedicated webpage. You can calculate your skilled visa points and determine if you require sponsorship here.

Family Sponsor Criteria

As a sponsor you must be:

As an applicant you must meet the skilled visa criteria. Additionally, you must nominate an occupation on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List).

491 Family Sponsored Visa Process

To apply for a skilled visa, you must first secure a positive skills assessment and English Test. Following this, applicants should lodge an EOI (Expression of Interest) to register their interest in emigrating to Australia. It is at this stage you will nominate a family member to sponsor you.

If your EOI is successful, you will be invited to apply for a skilled visa and given 60 days to lodge. Lodging an EOI does not guarantee a skilled visa, and if uninvited will expire after two years. Medical and character checks are completed and uploaded following visa lodgement.

Benefits of family sponsorship

If you are eligible for a skilled visa, you can use family sponsorship to gain an extra 15 points towards your application. Generally, the more points the better for skilled visas as competition is high. Using a family member to sponsor you may be the difference in securing a skilled visa and not.

Secondly, family sponsored visas are subject to regular invitation rounds via SkillSelect. This is beneficial because it’s easier to predict when you may receive an invitation. In comparison, state sponsorship visas (subclass 190 and 491) are invited sporadically depending on state demand.

Finally, SkillSelect publish invitation round results so you can see how many points are realistically required. For example, at the time of writing the last invitation issued was to an application lodged in January 2022 with 80 points.

If you want to live in Australia, then a family sponsored skilled visa could be for you. You can complete our free visa assessment to discover your points and visa options. Moreover, you can book a visa consultation with our Migration Agent for just £60.

Chef Skills Assessment Australia

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Are you interested in migrating to Australia as a chef? Because now may be the perfect time! Learn about Chef skills assessment Australia. Australia’s hospitality industry has critical skills shortages, with chefs and cooks in high demand. Moreover, there are skilled visa pathways for chefs in many Australian states. Below, we explain the skilled visa process for a chef.

Chef Skills Assessment Australia

To emigrate to Australia as a chef, you must first complete a skills assessment. All skilled visa applicants must have their skills assessed to ensure they match Australian standards.

A chef skills assessment for Australia is completed with VETASSESS.

The assessment consists of two parts.

  1. Document review – submitting evidence of training, paid employment and detailed references
  2. Technical interview – an interview completed online with an Australian assessor

For more information you can visit our dedicated webpage for chef skills assessment Australia. Moreover, you can download the VETASSESS Factsheet and learn more about the job description on ANZSCO.

Chef skills assessment Australia

Top tip: It is important to determine whether you should apply as a chef or a cook. While both occupations have overlapping tasks, there are some key differences. Consequently, VETASSESS will look at employment references for managerial tasks to qualify as a chef.

EOI for Chefs

Following a positive skills assessment, applicants must lodge an EOI (Expression of Interest). An EOI is an online application which registers your interest in migrating to Australia.

It’s at this stage where applicants should select which visa subclass and state to apply to. The visa category applied under will be determined by your points score and available sponsoring states. You can calculate your points score using our free assessment.

Once submitted, your EOI will generate your points score. Generally, the more points the better. Consequently, we recommend completing an English Language test to increase your overall points. A recognised test can award you up to 20 extra points.

Additionally, some states require an ROI (Registration of Interest), which is separate from the EOI. Submitting an EOI and ROI does not guarantee an invitation to apply for a skilled visa. It can be helpful seeking advice from an experienced migration agent. A good migration agent will advise you on your chances of securing a skilled visa, and outline any risks involved. Our migration agent offers visa consultations for just £60.

State Sponsorship for Chefs

Chef is on the MLTSSL. This means applicants can apply independently (subclass 189) or through state sponsorship (subclasses 190 and 491). Some applicants may also be eligible for family sponsorship under subclass 491. This depends on where your family member lives, and how closely related they are. Find out more on our website.

In our experience, most applicants will require state or family sponsorship to secure a skilled visa. This is because the extra points gained from sponsorship helps secure an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.

Visa subclasses 189 and 190 are permanent residency visas, whereas the 491 is a temporary visa with a pathway to permanent residency. You can learn more on our skilled visa page, or by completing our free online visa assessment. All our visa assessments are reviewed by our migration agent for free.

Most states are offering sponsorship to chefs, however each state set their own criteria. For example, South Australia and Western Australia only sponsor chefs currently living and working in their state (at the time of writing). Others require job offers, minimum work experience and other specifications. You can check State Government websites for full eligibility details, or book a consultation with our migration agent

Emigrate to Australia as a Motor Mechanic

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If you want to emigrate to Australia as a motor mechanic, now may be the perfect time! There are skilled visa pathways for motor mechanics in several Australian states. Below, we explain the skilled visa process for motor mechanics.

Skills Assessment for Motor Mechanics

To emigrate to Australia as a motor mechanic, you must first have your skills assessed. All skilled visa applicants must have their skills assessed to ensure they match Australian standards. Motor mechanics migrating to Australia complete their skills assessment through VETASSESS.

The assessment consists of two parts: a document review and a technical interview. For in-depth detail visit our dedicated webpage. Moreover, you can download the VETASSESS Factsheet and learn more about the job description on ANZSCO.

EOI for Motor Mechanics

Following a positive skills assessment, applicants need to lodge an EOI (Expression of Interest). This is an online form which registers your interest in migrating to Australia.

In an EOI, applicants select which visa subclass and state they wish to apply to. The visa category you apply under will be determined by you points score and available sponsoring states.

The more points the better, which is why we recommend completing an English Language test to increase your overall points. You can calculate your points score using our free assessment.

Some states require an ROI (Registration of Interest), which is separate from the EOI. Submitting an EOI and ROI does not guarantee an invitation to apply for a skilled visa. Seeking advice from an experienced Migration Agent can increase your chances of a successful application. We offer visa consultations for just £60.

State Sponsorship for Motor Mechanics

Motor mechanic is on the MLTSSL. This means applicants can apply independently (subclass 189) or via state sponsorship (subclasses 190 and 491). Some applicants may also be eligible for family sponsorship under subclass 491.

In our experience, most applicants will require state or family sponsorship to obtain enough points. Subclasses 189 and 190 are permanent residency visas, whereas the 491 is a temporary visa with a pathway to permanent residency. You can learn more on our dedicated skilled visa page, or by completing our free online visa assessment.

Each state will have their own set of requirements, so it’s important to check these before applying. At the time of writing this article, offshore motor mechanics may be eligible to apply to New South Wales and South Australia. You can check State Government websites for full details or book a consultation with our Migration Agent.

Hairdresser

Emigrate to Australia as a Hairdresser

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If you are interested in migrating to Australia as a Hairdresser, now may be the perfect time! There are skilled visa pathways for Hairdressers in several Australian states. Below, we explain the skilled visa process for hairdressers.

Skills Assessment for Hairdressers

Hairdressers migrating to Australia are required to complete a skills assessment through VETASSESS. VETASSESS are the only Trades Recognition Australia-approved registered training organisation to conduct skills assessments for hairdressing. The assessment is completed in two parts: a document review, followed by a technical interview. You can learn more about the skills assessment on our dedicated webpage. Moreover, you can download the VETASSESS Factsheet for hairdressing.

Hairdresser

EOI for Hairdressers

Following a positive skills assessment, applicants need to lodge an EOI (Expression of Interest). This is an online application which registers your interest in migrating to Australia. This is when you select which visa subclass and state you wish to apply to. Some states require a registration of interest in addition to the EOI.

The visa category you apply under will be determined by your points score and the available sponsoring states. The more points the better, which is why we recommend completing an English Language test to increase your overall points score.

State Sponsorship for Hairdressers

As Hairdresser is on the STSOL, applicants will require state sponsorship under the 190 or 491 visa subclasses. The 190 visa is a permanent residency visa, whereas the 491 is a temporary visa with a pathway to permanent residency. You can learn more on our dedicate skilled visa webpage, or by completing our free online visa assessment.

Each state will have their own set of requirements, so it is important to check you meet these before applying. You can check state Government website for full details.

Emigrate to NSW as a Hairdresser

New South Wales is currently open to offshore applicants (anyone residing outside Australia). You can read the full requirements on the NSW Occupation List.

At Visa Go Australia we’ve had multiple hairdressers successfully receive invitations for New South Wales. The invitations were under the 190 visa, which means these clients will receive Australian permanent residency when their visas are granted and they enter Australia. State sponsorship options are limited for Hairdressers, so the competition is fierce. If you are interested in emigrating to NSW, then now is a great time to apply.

Arrange a visa consultation today

NSW offering offshore State Sponsorship

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NSW Offshore State Sponsorship

In December 2021, New South Wales opened to offshore applicants (people living outside Australia). This caused much excitement, as offshore applicants have had limited options for skilled visas over recent years. Moreover, NSW is a popular destination for migrants due to its booming economy.

Learn more about the New South Wales lifestyle

Meeting NSW Offshore State Sponsorship requirements

The basic criterion for NSW Offshore State Sponsorship is that the main applicant must hold a valid skills assessment. This skills assessment must be in an occupation that is within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Occupation List. In addition, the applicant must have lived outside Australia (offshore) for the last 3 months.

Some occupations require a minimum of 3 years work experience for both the 190 and 491 visa subclasses. This includes most trade occupations, and a variety of ICT and hospitality occupations. You can find the full details on the NSW GOV website.  Alternatively, you can book a consultation with our migration agent to discuss this in detail.

Is NSW Offshore State Sponsorship achievable?

Yes – at Visa Go Australia our clients have had great success! We have received NSW invitations for a good number of our clients, all under the subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa. This is a permanent residency visa with full work and study rights.

Our invitations include occupations such as Social Worker, Secondary School Teacher, Hairdresser, Plumber, Electrician and Fitter.

Once invited to apply to NSW, applicants have 14 days to lodge and make payment of $300 AUD. If approved, you have 60 days to lodge a skilled visa with the Department of Home Affairs. We have had clients go through this whole process and lodge their skilled visa in as little as 1 week.

Our migration agent Darren Chatt MARN:0211214 comments, “It’s exciting to see movement for our skilled visa clients again. During the last 2 years of the Covid pandemic, offshore applicants have had extremely limited options. I encourage my clients to apply for state sponsorship opportunities which arise, as quotas are filled quickly and are not guaranteed to be offered again”.

Australia has limited quotas for migrants, and the demand far exceeds the available spaces. The skilled visa program continues to be competitive, and many states have increased their requirements over the years. Darren explains, “Securing an invitation to apply for state sponsorship and a skilled visa is a privilege. I encourage my clients to be flexible regarding their chosen Australia state, as often their preferred state does not offer sponsorship for their occupation. The risk of waiting for your state to sponsor your occupation, is that it may never happen and/or your skills assessment and EOI expire. There are large financial risks in being selective over your chosen Australian destination.”

Do I need to live in my sponsoring state?

Yes. New South Wales has nominated you because your skills are needed in their economy. In applying for sponsorship, applicants are committed to live and work in NSW for at least the first two years of their visa. NSW will contact migrants periodically with surveys to understand their experience in emigrating.

If you wish to discuss skilled migration and your state options, you can complete our free online visa assessment. Alternatively, speak directly with our migration agent by booking a consultation.

Is 75 points enough for 189 visa?

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Australia’s skilled visas are based on a points system, hence the common question, “Is 75 points enough for a 189 visa?” Applicants are awarded points for age, qualification, work experience and more. The minimum points required to apply is 65. However, the more points the better chance of securing an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.

Learn about the skilled visa

EOI and points

An EOI (Expression of Interest) is an online application via Skillselect which registers your interest in migrating to Australia. Each EOI will generate a point score. Skillselect and State Governments issue invitations based on points scores. Other considerations include occupation ceilings and specific criteria set by each State. Generally, an EOI with high points has more opportunity of being invited to apply for a skilled visa.

Moreover, applicants can lodge an EOI with 65 points or more. You can calculate your points by using our free calculator.

Once an EOI is lodged it is subject to invitation rounds for 2 years. If no invitation is issued within this period, the EOI expires. Lodging an EOI is no guarantee of securing a skilled visa. You can learn more about the skilled visa process on our website.

Learn more about the Expression of Interest

Is 75 points enough for 189 visa?

Australia’s Skilled independent visa (subclass 189) is highly sought after. No State Sponsorship is required, and it grants the visa holder permanent residency.

The number of people who lodge an EOI for a 189 visa far exceeds the number of places available, making it fiercely competitive. Therefore the more points the better your chances of securing an invitation to apply for a 189 visa. You cannot apply for a skilled visa without an invitation.

Seek professional advice from our migration agent

More recently, meeting the minimum points is not enough for most applicants to secure an invitation. The small exception to this rule is PMSOL applicants. The PMSOL was introduced during the covid pandemic, when we saw some medical professionals invited to apply on just 65 points. You can learn more about this on our blog post.

Take your career to Australia

Migration Agent Darren Chatt explains, “I receive regular enquiries from applicants who have lodged an EOI and have waited 12 months and more for an invitation. They are often surprised when I explain to them that 65 points has not been enough for years. I then offer advice and insight into how applicants can increase their points, and the benefits of considering State Sponsorship under subclasses 190 and 491. Using a professional migration agent such can save people time and money. At Visa Go Australia we are lodging applications on a weekly basis. Consequently, we see patterns and requirements for securing an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.”

Book a visa consultation with a migration agent

Further advice

With 65 points being the minimum criteria, is 75 an exceptional score? Darren states that 75 points is unlikely to be considered a high enough score to obtain a 189 visa invitation. However, this may be enough to secure a State Sponsored visa (subclass 190 and 491). Therefore a good place to start is to seek professional advice from a MARA Registered Migration Agent. We offer visa consultations with agent Darren Chatt MARN:0211214 for just £60.

You can learn more about our professional team here: https://visa-go.com/about-us/

Skilled Visa Update – VETASSESS Price Increase

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VETASSESS Professional Occupation Skills Assessment Price Increase 

From 1 March 2022, some of VETASSESS’ services will increase in price. This is in line with rises in the Consumer Price Index.

VETASSESS is Australia’s largest skills assessing authority for migration purposes. They assess more than 350 professional occupations and 28 trade occupations.

See if you qualify for a skilled visa

You can find the new prices in VETASSESS’ latest newsletter. The new prices will be published on their website later in the month.

Book a visa consultation with our Migration Agent

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Visa Go Australia
1 week ago
Visa Go Australia

It's a busy time in our offices as states reopen their sponsorship programs (visa subclasses 190 and 491). If you're a client, please regularly check your emails for updates. New blogs and social content coming soon! ... See MoreSee Less

Its a busy time in our offices as states reopen their sponsorship programs (visa subclasses 190 and 491). If youre a client, please regularly check your emails for updates. New blogs and social content coming soon!
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