Does your region have skill needs? Consider employing a skilled migrant
The Australian Government is committed to increasing skilled migration to regional Australia. Skilled migration can fill critical skill shortages and contribute socially and economically to regional communities. In 2004–2005 Australia’s intake of migrants increased to over 120,000, the highest level since the 1950s.
Options for employer and State/Territory sponsored skilled migration
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) has several regional migration schemes that can help employers in regions where skill needs exist. The schemes, outlined below, enable employers in regional areas, smaller capital cities and low population growth areas to access a much larger pool of skilled labour than otherwise available. These schemes have flexible criteria that recognise the unique employment conditions in regional Australia.
The Skilled Independent Regional visa
- three year temporary visa
- applicants are sponsored by a State or Territory Government to fill local skill shortages
- valid anywhere in Australia except Sydney, the NSW Central Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and the ACT
- if visa conditions are met, after two years, employees can apply for a permanent visa.
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
- permanent visa
- specifically designed for employers in regional and low population growth areas
- applicants are sponsored by an employer
- employers can be from anywhere in Australia except Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, Melbourne and Perth
- employers can find details of potential applicants on the Skill Matching Database (see below).
The process for employing a skilled migrant using these visas is very straightforward and probably easier than you think. For more information about these and other regional migration options see www.immi.gov.au/migration/regional/index.htm
The Skill Matching Database
The Skill Matching Database may help you find the right person for the job. It is a free web based tool that helps employers locate skilled people who want to work in Australia. It contains the education and current occupation details of skilled migrants and includes many people who are interested in living and working in regional Australia. The database is your first step towards employing someone under employer sponsored migration.
Who is on the database?
Over 7,000 potential skilled migrants are listed, representing over 300 trades and professions. Applicants listed on the database are under 45 years of age at time of application, have good English language skills, have a recognised degree, diploma or trade certificate qualification and have relevant work experience. People listed may be applying to migrate to Australia or be already here and they are keen to make contact with Australian employers.
How can I use it?
Use the Skill Matching Database as a recruitment tool when you cannot find the skills you need locally. Log on to the database to see a skilled migrant’s resume, including their current occupation and educational qualifications. To use the Skill Matching Database check out our website at www.immi.gov.au/skills.
Who can I talk to?
Each State and Territory has a Regional Outreach Officer based in its DIMIA business centre. Regional Outreach Officers can give advice to employers, industry groups, State and Local Governments on how to use skilled migration to fill skill shortages in regional Australia.
See www.immi.gov.au/business/bctitle.htm
