What is SkillSelect and how does it work?

In countries where many people come in for jobs or study, immigration schemes are common. So, what exactly is SkillSelect?

Skillselect is a government-run immigration program in Australia that matches skilled international workers with employers. The system is free and simple to use, and it works similarly to an online job portal, matching workers and employers based on their skills and needs.

If you wish to work in Australia, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect platform.

The EOI responds to questions about the applicant’s qualifications and experience. Based on this EOI, an employer or the Australian government may propose you for a visa application. The role of SkillSelect EOI for an Australian Skilled Migration visa is vital.

Potential employers can look through the SkillSelect profiles and recommend an applicant for a visa. Some of the programs added to the EOI also undergo a skill evaluation test, and you must pass this test to be considered for a visa nomination.

SkillSelect and Expression Of Interest (EOI):

An EOI remains in the SkillSelect database for two years. You can also store an incomplete EOI on the platform and amend it later if necessary. Incomplete EOIs are likewise kept in the database for two years, but they are not eligible for nomination or invitation.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to keep an EOI up to date, and it must be done as the situation dictates. You cannot make changes to your existing EOI after getting a nomination for a visa application.

EOIs are typically updated in the following circumstances:

• If you have gained new work experience, it may benefit your CV.
• If you have completed your higher education.
• You have improved your command of the English language.
• If you have acquired a completely new skill set, that will allow you to diversify within the same industry or into different fields within the same industry.
• If any of your family members have changed, such as having a baby, or if you need to include your parents.
• If you are looking to change careers.

These modifications are crucial and can affect your chances of being nominated. Applicants must avoid providing false information and data in the EOI. The EOI will be rejected if the data is faked, and you may be prohibited from entering the country.

After two years, or if the following conditions are met, your EOI is automatically withdrawn from SkillSelect:

• If you were nominated for a visa application and then applied for and received the visa.
• If you have received two nominations or invitations to apply for a visa but have yet to do so.

How does SkillSelect work?

Here is how SkillSelect works:

• Applicants enter their information into SkillSelect using an online form provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
• Applicants take a skill test to assess their abilities, English language knowledge, and educational level.
• Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the visa category they wish to be considered for.
• Once in the system, Australian employers or state and territory governments may invite the applicant to apply for a visa. This is the nomination or sponsorship process required for most skilled worker visas.
• The applicant fills out a visa application.

When the applicant’s application is approved, they can live and work in Australia.

Read more: Learn about the role of SkillSelect in the Australian Skilled Migration Visa. 💡💡

Steps of the SkillSelect Program

1. First, ensure that you have a minimum point score of 65, that your occupation is on the list of skilled occupations, and that you are eligible to apply.
2. Before being invited to apply for the visa, an Expression of Interest (EOI) must be submitted. Some basic requirements must be met before submitting your EOI and an assessment with a minimum score of 65 points. You will only be invited to apply if your EOI was chosen, regardless of whether you met the minimum score of 65 points or not.
3. Receive an application invitation: Applicants with the highest scores are invited to apply for multiple occupations.
4. Apply for a visa: The applicant has 60 days from the invitation date to submit the visa application.

The SkillSelect program provides eight types of skilled worker visas for talented workers requiring other skills. Examine the information below to learn more about the various visas and how to apply for them.

What are the different types of skilled worker visas?

The SkillSelect program provides eight different visa categories for talented workers requiring other skills. Examine the information below to learn more about the various visas and how to apply for them.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

This is a visa for skilled workers who have passed a points exam and want to stay in the country permanently. It does not require the sponsorship of a firm or a family, nor does it require an official nomination from a state or territory. To apply, you may need an invitation as well as the following credentials:

• Be nominated for a skilled occupation on the relevant professional occupation list.
• Have a suitable skills evaluation for that occupation.
• Not yet reached the age of 50.
• Having obtained the point test score stated in your letter of invitation.
• English proficiency is required.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

This is a visa for skilled employees who have passed a points test and want to stay in the country permanently. It does require a nomination from the government of a state or territory, as well as the following requirements:

• Be nominated for a skilled occupation on the relevant professional occupation list.
• Positive occupational skills assessment.
• Attained the score specified in your letter of invitation based on the points test factors.
• Comply with English language requirements.
• Have been nominated by the state or territory government of Australia.

Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489)

Another temporary visa with a four-year validity length is this one. You are only allowed to live and work in specified areas of Australia. The visa requirement differs whether you use the invitation method or the extended stay approach.

Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 457)

This skilled worker visa has a four-year validity period, and it requires the presence of a sponsor and proof of employment in a nominated occupation.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

This is a visa for permanent residence for skilled workers. The requirements are as follows:

• Have been approved by an authorized Australian employer.
• Unless you are exempt, you must be under the age of 50.
• You must meet the English language and skills requirements unless you are exempt.
• Apply in the category for which you were nominated (the Temporary Residence Transition Stream, the Direct Entry stream, or the Agreement stream).

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187)

This type of visa allows skilled migrant workers to stay in the country permanently. The following are the requirements:

• This visa needs a nomination from a recognized Australian employer that guarantees employment in a specific Australian region.
• You must be under 50 years old.
• You must have fluency in English and the appropriate credentials.
• You must apply in the stream in which you were nominated.

Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 132)

This entrepreneur visa allows you to establish a new business or expand an existing one in Australia. To acquire this visa, you must have a nomination from a state or territory government agency and be asked to apply by the minister. One of the following is also required:

• You must have net business and personal assets of at least AUD1.5 million and an annual business turnover of more than AUD3 million if you want to apply for the visa in the Significant Business History stream.
• Assume you want to apply for a visa under the Venture Capital Entrepreneur route. You’ll require at least AUD 1 million in venture capital funding to commercialize and develop a high-value business idea in Australia.

Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

This is an entrepreneur visa for people who desire to create, run, or invest in a business in Australia. After receiving a nomination from a state or territory government or an Australian agency, applicants must be invited to apply by the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection.

Learn More: Prepare your quality CV for Engineers Australia. 🖊️🖊️

Conclusion

SkillSelect is an effective mechanism for tracking worker entry into Australia. The visa is solely based on your qualifications and personality, and you will be able to operate freely in Australia as a businessperson or skilled worker.

Keep your classification and needs in mind. Obtaining a nomination and an invitation is difficult, and if you miss your chance, you may have to wait a long time for another. So, don’t squander your nomination.

You can find all the information about SkillSelect, EOI, and other visa regulations on CDRWritersAustralia. Engineers who wish to migrate to Australia can get CDR Reports from CDRWriteraAustralia. Among the services our team provides are ACS RPL reports, summary statements, and KA02 reports.