Welcome, I’m Nasrin Eskandari, a registered migration agent from Australian Portal Immigration. If you’re considering making Western Australia (WA) your new home, this guide will walk you through the main visa options available. The details shared are based on the most recent information as of 12th September 2024. Always check for the most current regulations with a professional for accuracy.
General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas
These visas are ideal if you want to live in WA permanently. They require you to score a certain number of points, which are awarded based on your age, education, and work experience.
Detailed Breakdown:
Subclass 189 Visa: This permanent visa is for skilled workers who have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Skills List and at least 65 points.
Subclass 190 and 491 Visas: These require state nomination. The subclass 190 gives you an additional 5 points, and subclass 491 gives an additional 15 points.
This year, WA plans to invite 5,000 people under these visa categories, which is nearly double last year’s number.
State Nomination Process
For those who apply through the WA State Nomination Process, there are 382 occupations listed, and applying can significantly increase your chance of getting a visa. Notably, there is no application fee.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
If you have a job offer from a WA employer, you can consider several visa options:
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482): Allows you to work for an approved employer for up to four years.
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186): Available after working for the same employer for at least two years on a subclass 482 visa. This visa grants permanent residency.
Regional Employer-Sponsored Visa (subclass 494): This is for jobs in regional areas of WA, including Perth. It allows you to work for five years and apply for permanent residency after three years.
Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)
DAMA provides a tailored solution to regional skill shortages in Western Australia. It's a special agreement between the Australian Government and designated regions to help fill job gaps in those areas, allowing employers in these regions to sponsor overseas workers for positions they cannot fill locally.
Key Features of DAMA:
Flexible Requirements: Compared to standard visa programs, DAMA offers flexibility in terms of English language requirements, age, and salary levels. This flexibility makes it easier for more people to qualify under DAMA than under other migration streams.
Wide Range of Occupations: The Western Australia DAMA includes a wide array of occupations—271 in metropolitan areas and 310 in regional areas. This comprehensive list ensures that various sectors can benefit from global talent.
Exclusions: WA DAMA does not apply to FIFO (fly-in-fly-out) positions or roles where another DAMA or labor agreement is already in place for the nominated role. This ensures that the agreement specifically targets persistent labor shortages unique to the region.
Concessions: WA DAMA offers several concessions to make it easier for migrants to qualify. These include concessions on English language proficiency for certain skill levels, and the age limit for permanent visas under DAMA is raised to 55 years, compared to 45 years in other programs.
Benefits of DAMA:
Pathway to Permanent Residency: While starting with a temporary visa, workers under DAMA can transition to permanent residency after meeting specific work and residency requirements in the designated area.
Support for Employers and Employees: DAMA facilitates employers in regional areas to sponsor overseas workers by providing a streamlined sponsorship process, which is particularly beneficial for small to medium enterprises.
Regional Development: By filling skill shortages, DAMA contributes to regional development, boosting local economies and supporting community growth.
Application Process:
Endorsement: Employers need to be endorsed by the local DAMA body, confirming that there are no local workers available to fill the designated positions.
Labor Agreement: Once endorsed, employers enter into a labor agreement with the Australian Government, which specifies the terms and conditions under which they can sponsor overseas workers.
Nomination and Visa Applications: After the labor agreement is in place, the sponsored employees can apply for their visas under the specified DAMA framework.
Annual Quota:
Distribution of Places: The Western Australia DAMA has an annual quota of 5,000 places, split equally between metropolitan and regional areas, ensuring balanced growth across the state.
Temporary Visa Options
These visas may offer a pathway to permanent residency:
Student Visa: Allows full-time study and part-time work. Depending on your course, your partner might work full-time, and children might access free education.
Work and Holiday Visas: For young people from eligible countries, allowing work and travel in WA. These can be extended with specific regional work.
Additional Supports
WA also offers:
Construction Subsidy Program: Provides a $10,000 subsidy for construction businesses to sponsor employees.
Job Connect Website: A free service linking job seekers with employers in WA.
Conclusion
Western Australia offers a rich tapestry of opportunities for potential migrants. From student pathways to skilled migration, the options are diverse. For tailored advice, consider speaking with a migration agent to navigate these possibilities effectively.
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