1406 - SkillSelect - Booklet 11 - Department of Immigration ...
1406 - SkillSelect - Booklet 11 - Department of Immigration ...
1406 - SkillSelect - Booklet 11 - Department of Immigration ...
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<strong>1406</strong> (Design date 07/12)<br />
<strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
<strong>11</strong>
About this booklet<br />
This booklet is designed so that you can understand the steps for submitting an Expression <strong>of</strong><br />
Interest (EOI) via <strong>SkillSelect</strong>. EOIs are required in order to receive an invitation to lodge a visa application<br />
for the independent skilled, family sponsored skilled, state or territory sponsored and business innovation<br />
and investment migration programs.<br />
You can also submit an EOI for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), Regional Sponsored Migration<br />
Scheme (RSMS) and the Temporary Business (Long Stay) 457 visa programs. By submitting an EOI<br />
for the employer sponsored programs, you can be found and contacted by an employer to discuss<br />
employment and sponsorship opportunities.<br />
This booklet is intended as a guide only. You should visit the <strong>SkillSelect</strong> website at www.skillselect.gov.au<br />
to obtain up-to-date information.<br />
This booklet is one <strong>of</strong> a series <strong>of</strong> booklets about migration to Australia. The booklets are:<br />
1 Partner Migration<br />
2 Child Migration<br />
3 Parent Migration<br />
4 Other Family Migration<br />
5 Employer Sponsored Migration<br />
6 Points Based Skilled Migration<br />
7 Business Skills Migration<br />
8 Special Migration<br />
9 Temporary Business (Long Stay) (Subclass 457) Visa<br />
<strong>11</strong> <strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
For general information about migration to Australia, read information form <strong>11</strong>26i Migrating to Australia,<br />
or visit the website www.immi.gov.au
Using a migration agent<br />
You do not need to use a migration agent to submit an EOI. However, if you choose to use an agent, the<br />
department recommends that you use a registered migration agent.<br />
It is important to note that you will only have one login to access your EOI account. You can only specify<br />
one email address to be contacted by <strong>SkillSelect</strong> about any invitations or messages in relation to your<br />
EOI account. All email notifications will be sent to the email address you nominate and it will be your<br />
responsibility to ensure you can access your emails and update your account with any change <strong>of</strong> email<br />
address.<br />
Under Australian law, anyone who uses knowledge <strong>of</strong> migration procedures to <strong>of</strong>fer immigration<br />
assistance to a person wishing to obtain a visa to enter or remain in Australia must be registered or<br />
exempt from registration.<br />
All registered migration agents are bound by the Migration Agents Code <strong>of</strong> Conduct, which requires<br />
agents to act pr<strong>of</strong>essionally in their clients’ lawful best interests. A list <strong>of</strong> registered migration agents is<br />
available from the Office <strong>of</strong> the Migration Agents Registration Authority (Office <strong>of</strong> the MARA) website<br />
www.mara.gov.au<br />
You can contact the Office <strong>of</strong> the MARA at:<br />
Website: www.mara.gov.au<br />
E-mail: info@mara.gov.au<br />
Mail: PO Box Q1551<br />
QVB NSW 1230<br />
AUSTRALIA<br />
In person: Level 8<br />
22 Market Street<br />
SYDNEY NSW<br />
AUSTRALIA<br />
Office hours are 9am – 5pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)<br />
Telephone: 1300 226 272 or +61 2 9078 3552<br />
Fax: +61 2 9078 3591<br />
The Office <strong>of</strong> the MARA investigates complaints against registered migration agents and may take<br />
disciplinary action against them. If you have a concern about a registered migration agent, you should<br />
contact the Office <strong>of</strong> the MARA. The Code <strong>of</strong> Conduct and complaint form are available from the Office <strong>of</strong><br />
the MARA website.
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Contents<br />
Introduction 2<br />
Terms you need to know 3<br />
Part 1 – Information for intending migrants 5<br />
Expression <strong>of</strong> Interest (EOI) 5<br />
Visa programs supported by <strong>SkillSelect</strong> 5<br />
Submitting an EOI 6<br />
EOIs submitted in <strong>SkillSelect</strong> 6<br />
Invitation and selection process 7<br />
If you are invited or selected 8<br />
If you are not invited or selected 9<br />
Bridging visas 9<br />
Part 2 – Information for employers 10<br />
Search for skilled workers in <strong>SkillSelect</strong> 10<br />
Contacting skilled workers in <strong>SkillSelect</strong> 10<br />
Advantages <strong>of</strong> using <strong>SkillSelect</strong> 10<br />
<strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
1
Introduction<br />
2 <strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
<strong>SkillSelect</strong> is an online service that enables skilled workers and business people interested in migrating<br />
to Australia to record their details to be identified for a skilled visa through an expression <strong>of</strong> interest (EOI).<br />
People could be found and nominated for skilled visas by Australian employers or state and territory<br />
governments, or they could be invited by the Australian Government to lodge a visa application.<br />
Intending migrants<br />
This booklet will help you understand the steps required to submit an expression <strong>of</strong> interest (EOI) using<br />
<strong>SkillSelect</strong>. Please ensure you read this entire booklet as it will help you to understand what requirements<br />
you need to meet to enable a complete submission <strong>of</strong> your EOI.<br />
It is important to remember that the submission <strong>of</strong> an EOI is not an application for a visa.<br />
If you are interested in the following visa programs, you will need to submit a complete EOI and receive an<br />
invitation before you can apply for a visa.<br />
• Subclass 189 Skilled – Independent (Permanent) (Class SI)<br />
• Subclass 190 Skilled – Sponsored (Permanent) (Class SK)<br />
• Subclass 489 Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) (Class SP)<br />
• Subclass 132 Business Talent (Permanent) (Class EA)<br />
• Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (Class EB).<br />
You can also express interest in the following visa programs on your EOI to be selected by an employer.<br />
• Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (Class EN)<br />
• Subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Class RN)<br />
• Subclass 457 Temporary Business (Long Stay) (Temporary) (Class UC).<br />
The booklet will also provide more information on the <strong>SkillSelect</strong> process and what you need to know<br />
before you submit an EOI.<br />
Australian employers<br />
This booklet has also been designed to assist Australian employers seeking to sponsor a skilled migrant.<br />
It contains information on accessing <strong>SkillSelect</strong> to source skilled workers seeking employer sponsorship.<br />
Where to access <strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
To submit an EOI, or to log on as an Employer, you must access the <strong>SkillSelect</strong> website<br />
www.skillselect.gov.au<br />
A link will be available on the above website that will provide you access to the online EOI form, which you<br />
will need to complete, and submit electronically.<br />
All EOIs must be submitted online using <strong>SkillSelect</strong>. No other submission methods are available.<br />
Further information<br />
For further information, please visit the <strong>SkillSelect</strong> website www.skillselect.gov.au
Terms you need to know<br />
The following terms may assist you with submitting an EOI.<br />
<strong>Department</strong> <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Immigration</strong> and Citizenship<br />
English test An English test which is required to assess your English ability for migration<br />
purposes. The test score must be stated in your EOI and you must provide<br />
documentation <strong>of</strong> the test in your visa application if you are invited to apply.<br />
Expression <strong>of</strong> Interest (EOI) An online form which allows an intending migrant to express interest in<br />
applying for a skilled visa. An intending migrant can only lodge a points tested<br />
skilled or business innovation and investment visa application once they have<br />
submitted a complete EOI and have subsequently received an invitation from<br />
the Minister to apply for a visa. Intending migrants can also express interest<br />
in the employer sponsored visa programs and be found and contacted by an<br />
employer to discuss employment and sponsorship opportunities.<br />
Intending migrant A person who submits an EOI in <strong>SkillSelect</strong> with the intention <strong>of</strong> migrating to<br />
Australia.<br />
Occupation ceiling The occupation ceiling is a limit on how many people could be invited to<br />
apply for a skilled visa from a particular occupation group. Its purpose is to<br />
prevent the skilled migration program being dominated by a small number <strong>of</strong><br />
occupations. Once the limit is reached for each program year, there would<br />
be no further invitations to apply for migration from that particular occupation<br />
group.<br />
Pass mark This is the minimum number <strong>of</strong> points you must score to pass the points test<br />
for certain visa types. You must indicate that you reach the pass mark before<br />
you can be selected by <strong>SkillSelect</strong> for an invitation to apply for a visa with a<br />
pass mark.<br />
Permanent visa Permanent visa holders are able to enter, live and work in Australia indefinitely.<br />
After a specified period they can apply for Australian Citizenship.<br />
Points test For some visa categories, you must pass a points test. The pass mark<br />
changes from time to time.<br />
For current information on the skilled migration points test, refer to the<br />
department’s website at<br />
www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/points-test<br />
For current information on the business innovation and investment points test,<br />
refer to the department’s website at www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/<br />
Provisional visa A provisional skilled migration visa allows the holder to enter, live and work<br />
in Australia for a specific period. Provisional skilled migration visas provide a<br />
pathway to permanent residence in Australia.<br />
<strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
3
Skills Assessment A Skills Assessment is an assessment <strong>of</strong> an intending migrant’s skills and<br />
qualifications which is undertaken by a recognised assessing authority. A<br />
skills assessment needs to be completed in order to submit a complete EOI<br />
accurately reflecting the intending migrant’s nominated occupation. A full list <strong>of</strong><br />
recognised assessing authorities can be located on the department’s website<br />
www.immi.gov.au/asri/<br />
Skilled Occupation List The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is a list <strong>of</strong> approved occupations that are<br />
available for permanent and temporary skilled migration to Australia.<br />
4 <strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
An occupation must be nominated by the intending migrant to facilitate a<br />
complete EOI submission.<br />
The department’s website contains current information on the SOL at<br />
www.immi.gov.au/skilled/sol/<br />
<strong>SkillSelect</strong> <strong>SkillSelect</strong> is an online service that enables skilled workers and business<br />
people interested in migrating to Australia to record their EOI. Intending<br />
migrants could be nominated or receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.<br />
Sponsor For some visa categories you must be sponsored.<br />
For family sponsorship, a relative aged 18 years or over who is an Australian<br />
citizen or permanent resident or an Eligible New Zealand Citizen and is<br />
prepared to sponsor your application and who undertakes to assist the<br />
applicant, to the extent necessary, financially and in relation to accommodation<br />
for a period <strong>of</strong> 2 years. An eligible relative must live in a designated area <strong>of</strong><br />
Australia.<br />
For employer sponsorship, a sponsor is an Australian business or overseas<br />
business that has been approved as a standard business sponsor.<br />
Substantive visa A substantive visa means a visa other than:<br />
• A bridging visa; or<br />
• A criminal justice visa; or<br />
• An enforcement visa.
Part 1 – Information for intending migrants<br />
<strong>SkillSelect</strong> is an online service that enables skilled workers and business people interested in migrating<br />
to Australia to record their details to be identified for a skilled visa through an expression <strong>of</strong> interest (EOI).<br />
People could be found and nominated for skilled visas by Australian employers or state and territory<br />
governments, or they could be invited by the Australian Government to lodge a visa application.<br />
If you want to migrate to Australia as a skilled migrant and you have the skills Australia needs, you may<br />
need to submit an EOI in <strong>SkillSelect</strong>.<br />
Expression <strong>of</strong> Interest (EOI)<br />
An EOI is not a visa application, it is an indication that you would like to be considered for a skilled visa.<br />
To submit a complete EOI you will need to provide a range <strong>of</strong> information online depending on the visa(s)<br />
you wish to be considered for. This could include:<br />
• basic personal information<br />
• nominated occupation<br />
• work experience<br />
• study and education<br />
• level <strong>of</strong> English skills<br />
• details <strong>of</strong> a Skills Assessment, related to nominated occupation<br />
• business and investment experience.<br />
For more details on what questions and information you will need to supply in your EOI, you should read<br />
the relevant booklet for the visa(s) you are submitting an EOI for.<br />
Visa programs supported by <strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
You are required to complete an EOI and receive an invitation before you can apply for the following visa<br />
programs:<br />
• Subclass 189 Skilled – Independent (Permanent) (Class SI)<br />
• Subclass 190 Skilled – Sponsored (Permanent) (Class SK)<br />
• Subclass 489 Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) (Class SP)<br />
• Subclass 132 Business Talent (Permanent) (Class EA)<br />
• Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (Class EB).<br />
You can also express interest in the following visa programs if you would like potential employers to view<br />
your EOI:<br />
• Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Class EN)<br />
• Subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (Class RN)<br />
• Subclass 457 Temporary Business (Long Stay) (Class UC).<br />
You can express interest in a one or more <strong>of</strong> the above visas in your EOI.<br />
<strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
5
Part X – Chapter heading<br />
Submitting an EOI<br />
6 <strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
If you have researched your visa options and prepared the information required, you are ready to make an<br />
EOI. All EOIs must be completed online using <strong>SkillSelect</strong>.<br />
There will be no fee to make an EOI when <strong>SkillSelect</strong> is introduced.<br />
For the points based skilled migration programs, such as the independent skilled program, you will be<br />
ranked according to your score on the appropriate points test. You will be able to complete an EOI even if<br />
you do not meet the pass mark, however, you will not be eligible to be invited to apply for a visa.<br />
When you submit your EOI, you will be shown your points score but will not be able to view your ranking<br />
position. This is because your ranking will change as people enter and leave <strong>SkillSelect</strong>.<br />
For information about how to calculate the points test for skilled migration, visit the points test webpage<br />
at www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/points-test<br />
For information about how to calculate the points test for business skills, visit the points test webpage at<br />
www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/<br />
If you are submitting an EOI for a visa(s) that requires you to list a nominated occupation, you should visit<br />
the skilled occupation lists webpage at www.immi.gov.au/skilled/sol to establish if your occupation is a<br />
skill in need in Australia.<br />
Be aware: If you are invited to apply for a visa, the information you submit in the EOI will be used as<br />
part <strong>of</strong> your application. If you provide false or misleading information on your EOI, your application may<br />
be refused. If your visa is refused on this basis you will be subject to a 3 year ban which may prevent the<br />
grant <strong>of</strong> a further visa.<br />
Once you have completed your EOI, it is stored in <strong>SkillSelect</strong> and is valid for 2 years.<br />
Incomplete EOIs will also be stored for 2 years, but will not be eligible to receive an invitation. EOIs that do<br />
not comply with the terms and conditions <strong>of</strong> <strong>SkillSelect</strong> can be removed at any time. You will be asked to<br />
read and agree to the terms and conditions when you register for a <strong>SkillSelect</strong> account.<br />
EOIs submitted in <strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
Once you submit your completed EOI, you will receive a confirmation notification from <strong>SkillSelect</strong>. Your<br />
EOI will then remain in <strong>SkillSelect</strong> for a maximum <strong>of</strong> 2 years.<br />
You can also access your EOI and update your information at any time. You may wish to do this if you<br />
have gained new work experience, gained a higher qualification, improved your English language ability<br />
and/or changed your family composition. If you provide updated information which changes your points<br />
score or your ability to make a complete EOI, <strong>SkillSelect</strong> will update your ranking and ability to be<br />
considered for an invitation automatically.<br />
Be aware: It is your responsibility to access your EOI and update your details if your circumstances<br />
change.<br />
It is your responsibility to update your EOI. It will be too late to update your EOI if you receive an invitation<br />
to lodge a visa application. Your invitation to lodge a visa is based only on the information presented in<br />
your EOI.
If you receive an invitation to apply, and your score under the points test is less than claimed in your EOI,<br />
your visa may be refused even if you are able to pass the points test or meet other threshold criteria. If<br />
you receive an invitation and your points have decreased or your personal information is not accurate, you<br />
do not have to proceed to make an application. You should correct the information in your EOI and wait<br />
to receive another invitation.<br />
If you receive 2 invitations and you do not lodge a visa application in response to either <strong>of</strong> these<br />
invitations, your EOI will be removed from <strong>SkillSelect</strong>. If you are unable to access your EOI for a length <strong>of</strong><br />
time, then you can choose to suspend your EOI. While this will not extend the validity <strong>of</strong> your EOI it will<br />
stop you receiving invitations or contacts that you cannot act on, and will avoid your EOI being removed<br />
while you are, for example, on holiday and have received 2 invitations during that time.<br />
If you receive an invitation to lodge a visa application for a permanent or provisional visa and are<br />
subsequently granted that visa, your EOI will be removed from <strong>SkillSelect</strong>.<br />
If you are granted a temporary visa, such as the Subclass 457 Temporary Business (Long-Stay) visa, your<br />
EOI will still remain in <strong>SkillSelect</strong> for future selection unless you withdraw your EOI.<br />
Be aware: You must be able to support the claims you make in your EOI with documentation and<br />
have this documentation ready to provide when making your application. An invitation to make a visa<br />
application may be issued within a short timeframe after you submit your EOI. You will have 60 days<br />
from the date <strong>of</strong> invitation to make a valid visa application.<br />
Invitation and selection process<br />
Depending on what type <strong>of</strong> visa(s) you are interested in, you may receive an invitation to lodge a visa<br />
application, or an Australian employer may contact you to discuss employment and sponsorship<br />
opportunities.<br />
Independent and family sponsored visas<br />
Invitations will be issued automatically by the <strong>SkillSelect</strong> system to the highest ranking EOIs, subject to<br />
occupation ceilings. Invitations will be issued regularly, such as every month.<br />
State and territory sponsored visas<br />
State or territory governments will identify and select skilled workers that they wish to nominate. State<br />
and territory governments may assess people before they nominate them. If you are nominated by a state<br />
or territory government and you have indicated that your points score is above the current pass mark for<br />
that visa, you will receive an invitation to apply from the <strong>SkillSelect</strong> system, subject to occupation ceilings.<br />
When you complete an EOI that includes one <strong>of</strong> these visa types, you will be asked which state or<br />
territory you wish to seek nomination from. You will be able to select one state or territory, or any state or<br />
territory. If you select one state or territory only, then staff from that government body will be able to view<br />
your EOI for this visa type. If you select any state or territory, staff from all state or territory governments<br />
will be able to see your EOI for this visa type.<br />
<strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
7
Part X – Chapter heading<br />
Business Innovation and Investment visas<br />
8 <strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
State or territory governments will identify and select skilled business people or investors they may wish<br />
to nominate. State or territory governments may assess people to meet their needs before they nominate<br />
them. If you are nominated by a state or territory government and you have indicated that your points<br />
score is above the current pass mark, you will receive an invitation to apply from the <strong>SkillSelect</strong> system.<br />
On a limited basis, sponsoring state or territory governments may award additional points towards the<br />
points test where they have determined that your proposed business is <strong>of</strong> exceptional economic benefit<br />
to that state or territory.<br />
When you complete an EOI that includes one <strong>of</strong> these visa types, you will be asked which state or<br />
territory you wish to seek nomination from. You will be able to select one state or territory, or any state or<br />
territory. If you select one state or territory only, then staff from that government body will be able to view<br />
your EOI for this visa type. If you select any state or territory, staff from all state or territory governments<br />
will be able to see your EOI for this visa type.<br />
Employer sponsored visa programs<br />
Employers can search for skilled workers that they may wish to discuss job opportunities with. If you<br />
are contacted by an employer in <strong>SkillSelect</strong>, you can choose to contact them to discuss employment<br />
and visa opportunities. You do not need to receive an invitation from <strong>SkillSelect</strong> in order to apply for an<br />
employer sponsored visa.<br />
When you complete an EOI that includes one <strong>of</strong> these visa types, you will be asked which state or<br />
territory you are interested in working and residing in. You will be able to select one or more state or<br />
territories, or any state or territory. Employers will be able to view your EOI and will be able to narrow their<br />
searches to specifically focus on skilled workers interested in their area. <strong>SkillSelect</strong> protects your personal<br />
information such as your name, date <strong>of</strong> birth and other characteristics that could personally identify you.<br />
This information will not be made available to employers.<br />
Occupation ceilings<br />
An ‘occupation ceiling’ may be applied to invitations issued under the independent, family sponsored and<br />
state or territory sponsored visas. This means there will be a limit on how many EOIs can be selected<br />
for skilled migration from an occupation group. This ensures that the skilled migration program is not<br />
dominated by a small number <strong>of</strong> occupations.<br />
Once this limit is reached, no further invitations for that particular occupation group will be issued for that<br />
program year. Invitations will then be allocated to intending migrants in other occupation groups even if<br />
they are lower ranking. For the state or territory migration programs, a state or territory will not be able<br />
to nominate you if your nominated occupation has reached its occupation ceiling. You can view the<br />
occupation ceilings that apply to <strong>SkillSelect</strong> at www.skillselect.gov.au.<br />
If you are invited or selected<br />
If you are invited to apply for a visa you will receive an invitation from <strong>SkillSelect</strong>. You will then have<br />
60 days from the date <strong>of</strong> invitation to make a valid visa application online before the invitation expires.
Applications received outside <strong>of</strong> this timeframe will not be valid and you will need to wait for a further<br />
invitation before being eligible to make an application.<br />
The online visa application system will use information from your EOI, therefore you do not need to<br />
re-enter information already provided.<br />
Be aware: If you do not make a valid visa application after receiving 2 invitations, your EOI will be<br />
removed from <strong>SkillSelect</strong>.<br />
You must provide evidence to support your claims with your visa application. Health and character<br />
requirements will be assessed and requested during the visa application stage.<br />
For assistance in lodging a visa application for:<br />
• Independent, Family sponsored or State and Territory Sponsored Migration, refer to booklet 6<br />
• Business Innovation and Investment Entry, refer to booklet 10<br />
• Employer Sponsored Migration, refer to booklet 5<br />
• Temporary Business (Long Stay) (Subclass 457) Visa, refer to booklet 9.<br />
If you are not invited or selected<br />
Many more people want to migrate to Australia than there are places available. This means not everyone<br />
who completes an EOI will receive an invitation to apply for a visa.<br />
Your EOI will stay in <strong>SkillSelect</strong> for a maximum <strong>of</strong> 2 years. At any time during the validity <strong>of</strong> your EOI, you<br />
may update your details to reflect any additional qualifications or experience you may have obtained. This<br />
may increase your likelihood <strong>of</strong> being invited or an employer contacting you.<br />
You may receive notifications from <strong>SkillSelect</strong> during this time to notify you <strong>of</strong> visa program changes,<br />
the expiration <strong>of</strong> your EOI, or other information that you may find useful. You will not be notified <strong>of</strong> the<br />
progress <strong>of</strong> your EOI or be able to obtain any updates on the likelihood <strong>of</strong> receiving an invitation.<br />
After each invitation round for the independent and family sponsored visas, the department will publish<br />
on the <strong>SkillSelect</strong> website the lowest scoring points test mark that allowed an EOI to be invited for each<br />
occupation group. This will give you an indication <strong>of</strong> your potential for receiving an invitation in future<br />
rounds.<br />
An EOI is not a visa application. You cannot access merits review by the Migration Review Tribunal (MRT).<br />
If you want to express concerns to the department about the invitation process, you can provide<br />
feedback at www.immi.gov.au/contacts/forms/services<br />
Bridging visas<br />
An EOI is not a visa application and you will not be granted a Bridging visa by submitting an EOI. Your<br />
eligibility for a Bridging visa would only be considered once a valid visa application is lodged.<br />
If you are in Australia and the visa you hold is about to expire before you are invited and able to apply<br />
for a skilled visa, you will need to apply for another visa to remain in Australia. If you do not meet the<br />
requirements for the grant <strong>of</strong> another visa, you will need to depart Australia before your visa expires.<br />
<strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
9
Part X 2 – Information Chapter heading for employers<br />
10 <strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
<strong>SkillSelect</strong> helps Australian employers find skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia, and who<br />
claim to have the skills and experiences that make them eligible to be granted a skilled visa. It will allow<br />
employers to quickly and easily identify and contact skilled workers to fill skill shortages.<br />
People wanting to migrate as a skilled worker to Australia first have to submit an expression <strong>of</strong> interest<br />
(EOI) with their skills and experience. On their EOI, intending migrants can indicate an interest in employer<br />
sponsorship and the states and territories <strong>of</strong> Australia where they are willing to live and work. They will<br />
also be able to indicate if they are willing to work outside capital cities, and in regional areas. Intending<br />
migrants will also indicate if they are interested in temporary or permanent migration.<br />
Search for skilled workers in <strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
Employers can search <strong>SkillSelect</strong> using a range <strong>of</strong> criteria such as the skilled worker’s occupation,<br />
qualifications or English language ability. Employers will be able to view details <strong>of</strong> skilled workers and then<br />
make contact with them to discuss sponsorship and employment.<br />
Employers will need an AUSKey to use <strong>SkillSelect</strong>, and <strong>SkillSelect</strong> is a free service.<br />
Australian businesses can register for an AUSKey to securely and conveniently access a range <strong>of</strong><br />
government online services. To obtain an AUSKey or find out more, visit the AUSKey website at<br />
www.auskey.abr.gov.au<br />
If you are one <strong>of</strong> the more than 800,000 existing AUSKey users, you are ready to use <strong>SkillSelect</strong>. You can<br />
access <strong>SkillSelect</strong> at www.skillselect.gov.au<br />
Contacting skilled workers in <strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
If you find a potential skilled worker, you can contact them within <strong>SkillSelect</strong>. You can submit a contact<br />
request in <strong>SkillSelect</strong> to the skilled worker with your contact details and a free text message. The skilled<br />
worker can then contact you to discuss employment opportunities.<br />
Following discussions with the skilled worker, you may decide to sponsor and employ them. Information<br />
about how to sponsor a skilled worker to migrate to Australia is available at<br />
www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers<br />
Employers who identify people through their own selection processes will still be able to sponsor them<br />
without the skilled worker submitting an EOI in <strong>SkillSelect</strong>.<br />
Advantages <strong>of</strong> using <strong>SkillSelect</strong><br />
Employers will benefit from using <strong>SkillSelect</strong> as it will enable them to quickly and easily identify potential<br />
skilled workers with the essential skills and attributes needed. This will reduce overseas advertising and<br />
recruitment costs to businesses, and assist in resolving skills shortages.<br />
Another benefit <strong>of</strong> <strong>SkillSelect</strong> is the ability to address regional skill shortages. <strong>SkillSelect</strong> allows skilled<br />
workers to indicate whether they are willing to live and work in regional Australia. Employers can search<br />
<strong>SkillSelect</strong> and find skilled workers who have indicated a willingness to work in specific regional areas.
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