Australia's immigration policies have evolved over the last 65 years, in order to adapt to the shortage of skilled workers and attract migrants to increase the nation's population.

According to a recent study by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were over 7.5 million migrants living in Australia by 30th June 2019. The population of Australia increased during this period by 239,600 people due to net overseas migration, with 29.7% of Australia's population born overseas. Moreover, with 986,600 people, British continue to the largest group of overseas-born living in Australia.

To facilitate the process for meeting the labour market's demand and the needs of the economy for future growth, the federal government allocates places each year. Hence every year, Australia outlines its planned intake and grants visas to those who are eligible. People looking to migrate permanently could apply for family, skill, and eligibility streams.

Why Local Workers are Opting for Australia?

There are several reasons as to why local workers in many countries wish to become a part of Australia, such as:

• The country is a leading tourist destination and known for its popularity, which continues to grow daily.  
• While the cost of living in Australia can be high, however, the pay here is even higher, thus offering the world's best average salaries. Workers can make serious cash and often double their current incomes.
• Some specialty jobs available in Australia pay more in one week than what others can earn in one month within the UK or the USA (e.g. Project Managers in Construction and Portfolio Manager in IT).
• The unemployment rate in Australia is incredibly low and currently under 6.4% as of 2021. While there is a shortage of jobs in other countries, in Australia, there is the opposite where there is a shortage of skilled workers.
• The job environment is incredibly friendly; people can find jobs twice as faster as in other countries, along with many great perks. (Friday Beer is a favorite amongst many).

How to Get Employed and Become a Permanent Resident?

All of this information may have got you interested in applying for working in Australia, and why not? Their government is practically looking for skilled labors to meet current demands for their economy to grow and prosper.

The place itself is simply huge, with over 7.692 million square kilometers, making it the 6th largest country in the world and 5% of the total landmass on the planet. In contrast, Australia's population density is just 3.3 square kilometer which should give you an idea of why their government is interested in calling immigrants to populate their country.

There are several options to live and work in Australia.

Australia Skilled Immigration Program

The Australia Skilled Immigration Program follows the Skillselect, a point-based system, where applicants receive points with respect to their age and work experience, amongst other factors.

A minimum of 65 points should be scored by applicants for a visa to be granted. There are several criteria on which your application is judged, such as:

1. Age – applicants with ages between 25-32 years gain the most points at 30 points, followed by age brackets of 18-24 years and 33-39 years each scoring 25 points.
2. English Language Proficiency – an IELTS (English Language Testing System) test is required. An IELTS score of 8 or more gets 20 points, while an IELTS score of 7 or more gets 10 points.
3. Skilled Employment – applicants are awarded points for their employment experience in a skilled occupation. A maximum of 20 points can be scored for this criterion.
4. Educational Qualifications – applicants are awarded points for their highest qualification, with a Doctorate being the highest awarded with 20 points.

You can also get additional points for working in Australia, studying in Australia, have specific community language skills, spouse/partner skills/qualifications, and nominations.

Most Wanted Skills

There are always some skills that every nation needs during some time or another to grow their economy and progress further.When it comes to the most wanted skills that organizations and establishments in Australia highly demand, include:

• Carpenters and Joiners (Occupation ID: 3312, Ceiling: 6,812)
• Construction Managers (Occupation ID: 1331, Ceiling: 7,145)
• Electricians (Occupation ID: 3411, Ceiling: 8,021)
• Metal Fitters and Machinists (Occupation ID: 3232, Ceiling: 6,335)
• Motor Mechanics (Occupation ID: 3212, Ceiling: 5,205)
• Plumbers (Occupation ID: 3341, Ceiling: 5,861)
• Registered Nurses (Occupation ID: 2544, Ceiling: 17,859)
• Secondary School Teachers (Occupation ID: 2414, Ceiling: 8,716)
• Software and Applications Programmers (Occupation ID: 2613, Ceiling: 8,405)
• University Lecturers & Tutors (Occupation ID: 2421, Ceiling: 5,042)

ENS (Employer Nomination Scheme)

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa enables skilled workers nominated by their employer to live and work in Australia permanently.

Basic eligibility requires that you have the necessary skills for the job and gratifying the health and character standards. Within the ENS (subclass 186), there are some available options, such as:

• Direct Entry Stream – an Australian employer must nominate you with your occupation on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations and English competency. The cost can be from AU$4,045, with a processing time of 75% of applicants being four months and 90% of applicants being eight months.
• Labor Agreement Stream – the employer must have a labor agreement. The cost can be from AU$4,045 with a permanent stay, while processing time is not available due to the low volume of applications.
• Temporary Residence Transition Stream – you must hold a 457, TSS or related bridging visa A, B, or C. Along with that you should have done a three years full-time job for your. This employer nomination further provides with permanent stay. The cost can be from AU$4,045, with a processing time of 75% of applicants being five months and 90% of applicants being 12 months.     

RSMS (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme)

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa allows skilled workers to look for a job and residence in Australia. However, these nominations should be by an approved Australian employer in regional Australia.

Basic eligibility requires you to be under 45 years of age and meet the skills and qualifications as well as the English language requirements. Within the RSMS (subclass 187), there are two available options:

• Direct Entry Stream – (currently closed in lieu of recent changes) Cost can be from AU$4,045 with a processing time of 75% of applicants being 35 months and 90% of applicants being 40 months.
• Temporary Residence Transition Stream – you must hold a transitional subclass 457 or subclass 482 workers. Plus you must be nominated by your employer and have worked with them full-time for at least three years. The cost can be from AU$4,045, with a processing time of 75% of applicants being six months and 90% of applicants being ten months.

TSS (Temporary Skill Shortage)

The Temporary Skill Shortage visa enables an employer to sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a position an Australian cannot fill. A basic eligibility criterion includes a nomination for a skilled position by an approved sponsor, having the right skills for the job, and meeting the relevant English Language requirements.

You can stay for up to 2 years or up to 4 years if an ITO (International Trade Obligation) applies. Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years. The cost can be from AU$1,255, with a processing time of 75% of applicants being six months and 90% of applicants being nine months. 

Australia is currently facing an under deployment and shortage of skills in its labor market. Therefore, the country is highly looking forward to talented and qualified individuals who like to work and stay in Australia to build the nation's economy further.

About the author

Elaine Vanessa is currently working as a Recreational Officer at Assignment Assistance. This is where higher education students can acquire professional academic writing services UK from experts specializing in their field of study. She likes to go for long walks on the beach with her pet terrier during her free time.