VISA CATEGORIES

Having a thorough understanding of the complex regulations that may change frequently, Kotze Law provides knowledge and expertise for all visa categories.

The Australian Immigration Policy is non-discriminatory. Anyone can apply regardless of race, gender, origin, religion, ethnic origin or sexual preference.

There are however various criteria that must be met by an Applicant. The program places emphasis on attracting migrants who have the necessary education, business or work skills, which can contribute to Australia’s economic growth, qualities and attributes such as a high level of education, business track record and outstanding talents assist in the application process. There are four main categories namely:

- General skilled migration;
- Business skills migration;
- Family reunion migrant;
- Training migrant.

1. EMPLOYER SPONSORED VISAS

An applicant can be sponsored by an Australian or overseas employer who offer employment to a skilled worker. With recognised qualifications and abilities and /or experience in particular occupations required in Australia, an applicant may be eligible for an Employer Sponsored Visa.

An Australian or foreign company or a subsidiary of a foreign company lawfully operating in Australia can sponsor and employ skilled overseas employees who have recognised qualifications and skills/or professional experience in designated occupations currently required in Australia.

Eligible skilled people can be sponsored by Australian employers to live and work in Australia on either a temporary or permanent basis.

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) – (Subclass 482)

This visa, referred to as the TSS visa, enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in genuinely skilled workers where they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian. It facilitates targeted use of overseas workers to address temporary skill shortages, while ensuring that Australian workers get priority. TSS visa holders can work in Australia in their nominated occupation for their approved sponsor under one of three streams:

- the Short-Term stream
- the Medium-Term stream
- the Labour Agreement stream.

Employer Nomination Scheme [ENS] (Subclass 186)

The purpose of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) is to allow Australian employers to fill highly skilled positions with suitably qualified migrants. The scheme is designed to assist employers who are unable to meet their skilled Australian workforce needs from the local labour market.

2. SKILLED MIGRATION VISAS

You may be interested in the General Skilled Migration program if you are not sponsored by an employer and less than 45 years of age, with skills, experience and qualifications of a particular occupation that is required in Australia.

Skilled Independent, Skilled –Nominated and Skilled-Nominated or Sponsored [Provisional Visas] Australian Skill Select EOI Visa Model previously known as General Skilled Migration Visas

Are you a skilled professional, trades person, or recent Australian graduate looking to develop, advance or establish your career in Australia? Are you looking to work in a vibrant environment where you can make a difference? You could qualify for one of the skilled migration visas which will allow to work and live in Australia and a great lifestyle. Skilled Workers interested in migrating to Australia can lodge an Expression of Interest [EOI] to be considered for a skilled visa. You must meet the basic requirements and meet the pass mark on the points test. Points are awarded for Age, English language ability, Educational Qualifications, Australian Study, Study in Regional Australia, completion of Professional Year in Australia, Work Experience, Community Language, Partner Skills and Nomination from Australian government state/territory. Australian employers or state territory governments can nominate intending migrants or Department of Immigration and Citizenship could invite intending migrant who have lodged an EOI to lodge a visa application.

Visa options for Skilled Migration:

1. Skilled-Independent Subclass 189 [previously known as Subclass 175]. This points based visa is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member. The visa holder can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia and family members can be included in the application.

2. Skilled-Nominated Subclass 190 [previously known as Subclass 176]. This points based visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by state or territory. The visa holder an live and work permanently anywhere in Australia and family members can be included in the application.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa. This points based visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by state or territory to live and work in regional Australia. The visa is valid for five years and a visa holder must live and work in a regional area. Family members can be included in the application.

6. STUDENT VISAS

If you are interested in studying, training or skills development in Australia, you may be eligible for the student visa program.

Australia provides outstanding educational opportunities and has some of the world's leading education institutions. There are many types of student visas which are determined by the study options below:

- English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
- Primary or Secondary School
- Vocational Education and Training
- Higher Education
- Postgraduate Research

VISA CATEGORIES

1. EMPLOYER SPONSORED VISAS

2. SKILLED MIGRATION VISAS

3. PARTNER VISAS

4. PARENT VISAS

5. BUSINESS VISAS

6. STUDENT VISAS

7. OTHER VISAS