Australia: An immigration outreach officer will visit Port Augusta on September 5 to discuss recent significant reforms to the skilled migration program.
The changes that were introduced on 1 July 2012 include a new online service connecting Australian employers with potential skilled migrants and streamlining of the pathway to permanent residence for people already working in Australia on temporary skilled 457 visas.
The employer nomination scheme (ENS) and the regional sponsored migration scheme (RSMS) have been integrated with the new skilled migrant selection register, SkillSelect.
The online SkillSelect system is a new expression of interest (EOI) approach to skilled migration, allowing skilled workers interested in migrating to Australia to record their details to be considered for a skilled visa through an EOI.
“These new arrangements are designed to better respond to labour market demands and form part of ongoing reform of the skilled migration program,” a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) spokesman said.
“Intending migrants will be found and nominated for skilled visas by Australian employers or state and territory governments, or they could be invited by the Australian Government to lodge a visa application.
“This will give the government greater control and flexibility to adjust to changes in the economy. Sponsors must also demonstrate they have a genuine need for the workers and that the skills required cannot be found in their region.”
Since July 1, there is also a fast-tracked pathway from the 457 visa to permanent residence under the employer-sponsored visa program, enabling skilled migrants to settle and work in regional and metropolitan Australia.
The departmental officer visiting Port Augusta will conduct seminars and also be available for brief individual appointments with employers and employees to answer their questions about skilled migration.
“Our officer will be available to provide a range of information on temporary or permanent employer-sponsored visa options and the concessions available for regional applicants,” the spokesman said.
The department’s regional visits program enables employers in communities outside capital cities to attend information sessions and to sit and talk directly with an immigration officer about specific issues they may face.
Port Augusta
The department will conduct seminars on skilled migration visa options in the following location, date and time:
Regional Development Australia Far North, 2a Stirling Road, Port Augusta,
September 5, 9.30am (about 90 minutes’ duration) and 5.30pm (about 90 minutes’ duration).
The DIAC officer will also be available for individual appointments at the following times:
Regional Development Australia Far North, 2a Stirling Road, Port Augusta, September 5, 11am-5pm.
Those who would like to attend the seminar and/or an individual appointment should email outreach officer Jan Schmortte on outreach.sa@immi.gov.au to confirm attendance at the session.
Bookings for both the seminars and the individual appointments are essential.
Media Enquiries: National Communications 08 7421 7673
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