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Tag Archives: Australian News

EMK Global Australia   →  News   →  Australian News
September 5, 2023
September 5, 2023

Permanent migration from Pakistan

Author By EMK Global Australia Categories News

Country Overview – Pakistan

Population
As of June 2021, Australia was home to 95,980 individuals of Pakistani origin, a substantial increase from the 34,150 recorded in June 2011. This Pakistani-born community now ranks as the nineteenth largest migrant group in Australia, representing 1.3 percent of the overseas-born population and 0.4 percent of the total Australian population.

Notable Characteristics of Pakistani-born Migrants in Australia:

  • Median age: 32.9 years, which is 5.4 years younger than the general population.
  • Gender distribution: Males make up 59.4 percent, while females account for 40.6 percent of this group. [Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia’s Population by Country of Birth]

Permanent Migration
Australia’s Permanent Migration Program encompasses various pathways to achieve permanent residency, including economic and family migration. It also accommodates individuals on humanitarian grounds.

Skill Stream Visas
The Skill stream caters to individuals possessing skills, qualifications, and entrepreneurial abilities that are in high demand within the Australian economy. This stream comprises seven distinct components:

  1. Business Innovation and Investment
  2. Distinguished Talent
  3. Employer Sponsored
  4. Global Talent (Independent)
  5. Regional
  6. Skilled Independent
  7. State/Territory Nominated

Family and Child Stream Visas
The Family stream enables the permanent migration of close family members, including partners and parents, of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens. Additionally, it offers opportunities for other family members such as aged dependent relatives, carers, remaining relatives, and orphan relatives to join their family in Australia.

Child visas facilitate the permanent migration of children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens, encompassing two categories: Child and Adoption visas.

Special Eligibility Visas
Special Eligibility visas grant permanent residency to former residents and specific individuals who have served in the Australian Defence Force.

The following table presents the size of permanent migration from Pakistan categorized by the respective migration streams.

Migration category2018–192020–202010–212021–22
Business Innovation and Investment434679103
Employer Sponsored489403326360
Skilled Regional 193n/an/an/a
Skilled Independent1,353451231117
State/Territory Nominated1,387674573688
Regional 2n/a1,2237621,358
Global Talent (Independent) 3n/a169276221
Partner1,2281,0441,809704
All other categories14612665183
Total places granted4,7394,1364,1213,734

Source: Department of Home Affairs

1 The Skilled Regional category closed to new applications from 1 July 2019.

2 The Regional migration category commenced 1 July 2019.

3 Global Talent (Independent) category commenced 4 November 2019.

Temporary Migration in Australia
Temporary migration to Australia serves various purposes, accommodating individuals who wish to stay in the country temporarily. These purposes range from tourism and business visits to specialized activities such as medical treatment, education, skilled work, and working holidays. Temporary stays can extend beyond three months, and there are six primary categories of temporary residents, with the applicability of these categories varying for migrants from different countries.

Visitor Visas
Visitor visas are predominantly utilized by individuals visiting Australia for leisure, tourism, recreational purposes, or to reunite with family and friends. They can also be employed for specific short-term business activities that do not involve working within Australia.

Working Holiday Maker Program
The Working Holiday Maker Program offers young adults the opportunity for an extended holiday experience in Australia, coupled with short-term work and study engagements.

Student Visa
The Student visa program enables international students to pursue full-time studies in registered courses within Australia.
Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) Visa
This visa type permits businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers if they are unable to find a suitably skilled Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill a particular skilled position.

Other Temporary Visas
Other temporary visas encompass a wide array of categories, catering to individuals who wish to undertake short-term, specialized work, contribute to social and cultural development, strengthen international relations, or participate in training programs beneficial to Australia.

New Zealand Citizens
Under the 1973 Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, New Zealand citizens enjoy the privilege of freely entering and leaving Australia. They can also reside in Australia indefinitely upon the grant of a Special Category visa (subclass 444).
The subsequent table illustrates the number of visa grants issued to migrants from Pakistan for Visitor, Student, and Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visas.

Temporary visa category2018–192019–202020–212021–22
Visitor13,43310,679​9656,239
Student7,3227,6536,3865,164
Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment)689433317666​
Other temporary visa grants 13,6254,0352,0592,640
Total temporary visa grants25,06922,8009,72714,709

Source: Department of Home Affairs​

1​ Excludes Transit visa (subclass 771), Border visa (subclass 773) and Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988).

Main occupations
The following table shows the main occupations for nationals of Pakistan, based on Skill stream migration outcomes and Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visa grants.

2021–22
 Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers54Accountants382
 Accountants​45Electrical engineers107
 Software and applications programmers​37Software and applications programmers​​​92
 General practitioners and resident medical officers ​27Industrial, mechanical and production engineers87
 ICT business and systems analysts​16Other engineering professionals72
 Electrical engineers​10Civil engineering professionals70
 Chefs10Computer network professionals46
 Other engineering professionals​9Chefs​41
 Civil engineering professionals​8ICT business and systems analysts​40
 Motor mechanics​​8Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers36
2020–21
 Software and applications programmers21Accountants201
 General practitioners and resident medical officers14Software and applications programmers94
 Accountants8Electrical engineers61
 Industrial, mechanical and production engineers6Industrial, mechanical and production engineers54
 Other medical practitioners6Other engineering professionals47
 ICT business and systems analysts6Civil engineering professionals46
 Chefs6Computer network professionals33
 Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers5ICT business and systems analysts32
 Computer network professionals5Database and systems administrators, and ICT security specialists27
 Cooks5Chemical and materials engineers21
2019–20
 General practitioners and resident medical officers28Accountants336
 Accountants10Software and applications programmers82
 Software and applications programmers10Other engineering professionals51
 ICT business and systems analysts7Electrical engineers48
 Cooks7Civil engineering professionals40
 Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers6ICT business and systems analysts40
 University lecturers and tutors5Industrial, mechanical and production engineers38
 Computer network professionals5Computer network professionals38
 Electrical engineers< 5Motor mechanics34
 Industrial, mechanical and production engineers< 5Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers27
2018–19
 General practitioners and resident medical officers31Accountants226
 Accountants24Software and applications programmers122
 Auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers22Electrical engineers105
 Cooks15Telecommunications engineering professionals99
 ICT business and systems analysts13Industrial, mechanical and production engineers86
 Software and applications programmers12Computer network professionals70
 Motor mechanics10Other engineering professionals50
 Chefs9Civil engineering professionals49
 Computer network professionals8Database and systems administrators, and ICT security specialists48
 University lecturers and tutors7ICT business and systems analysts44​​​

Source: Department of Home Affairs

Note: To protect the privacy of individuals, various data confidentiality techniques have been applied. These techniques include:

  • ​data masking — using primary and secondary suppression methods for values that are deemed to be a disclosure risk​
  • perturbation — a data security technique that allows for random data adjustment to prevent the release of identifiable data.

Note: Occupation level information is available for primary applicants only, and is based on Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations unit level data.

Geographic distribution
The following table shows the geographic distribution of migrants, based on permanent additions for the Skill and Family streams, international student visa grants, and Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visa grants.

PopulationNSWVic.QldSAWATas.NTACT
Census 2021 (%)
Of all persons322620710212
Of Pakistani-born3835768213
Permanent additions – 2021–22 (%)
Skill stream3120​59101646
Family and Child stream3640767012
Temporary visa grants – 2021–22 (%)
International student visa grants372713710114
Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visa (primary) grants4336639111

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and Department of Home Affairs

​Note: Permanent additions consist of two components; those persons who, while already in Australia on a temporary basis, are granted permanent residence status or those persons who have subsequently arrived from overseas during the reporting period and are entitled to stay permanently in Australia.

Country ranking
This table uses rankings to show the significance of Pakistani migration for the past four financial years.

Ranked position of migrants2018–192019–202020–212021–22
Population in Australia 121191819
Regionaln/a554
Employer Sponsored16161515
Total Skill stream88119
Total Family and Child stream99914
International students1511813
Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) visa21222419
Visitors383723​28

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and Department of Home Affairs

1 Population level data is by country of birth and lags one year behind the financial year specified. Data based on the estimated residential population at 30 June; 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Source: https://shorturl.at/CDRV1

September 4, 2023
September 4, 2023

POLICE CHECK – AFP

Author By EMK Global Australia Categories News

To obtain an Australian police check for immigration purposes, it’s crucial to follow the correct process to ensure that you receive an official police clearance accepted by immigration authorities. Here are the steps to apply for an Australian Federal National Police Check:

  1. Determine the Need: Before applying, ensure you know which visa category requires a police check. Common visas that may require a police check include Graduate Visas (485), Employer Sponsored Visas, Partner Visas, and Skilled Visas.
  2. Avoid Generic Searches: Avoid searching “Australian police check” online and choosing the first option you see. It’s important to apply for the specific police check required by immigration.
  3. Don’t Visit Local Police Stations: Local police stations only provide state-level police checks, which may not meet immigration requirements. You need a national police check.
  4. Cost: The cost for an Australian Federal National Police Check is currently $42.
  5. Online Application: Apply for the police clearance online using the official website provided by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Here is the link: Australian Federal Police National Police Check Application
  6. Identity Verification: During the application process, you will need to provide 100 points of identification (ID). Ensure you have clear scans or copies of these documents ready. Common forms of ID include:
    • Passport
    • Bank card
    • Bank statement
    • Lease agreement
    • Birth certificate
  7. Complete the Application: Follow the instructions on the AFP’s website to complete the application form. Provide accurate information and attach the necessary ID documents as specified.
  8. Payment: Pay the required fee of $42 as part of the online application process. Ensure you use a secure payment method.
  9. Processing Time: Wait for the processing of your police check. Processing times can vary, so check the AFP website for estimated processing times.
  10. Receive the Police Clearance: Once your police check is processed, you will receive the clearance certificate. Keep this document as it may be required for your visa application.

Remember to check the specific immigration requirements for your visa category and ensure you apply for the correct type of police check. Following the official process outlined by the Australian Federal Police will help ensure that you receive an accepted and valid police clearance for immigration purposes.

August 31, 2023
August 31, 2023

Closure of the Pandemic Event Visa

Author By EMK Global Australia Categories News

The Albanese Labor Government will close the Pandemic Event visa from February 2024, providing certainty as its necessity wanes. The visa is limited to existing holders from 2 September 2023, promoting integrity. This action, alongside other measures, supports Australia’s post-pandemic recovery and migration system improvement, addressing backlog and delays.

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August 28, 2023
August 28, 2023

Action to end rorts in international education

Author By EMK Global Australia Categories News

Joint media release with the Hon Jason Clare MP and the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP

The Albanese Government is today announcing a package of measures to support integrity in the international education system and to support genuine international students.

International education is our fourth largest export industry and maintaining the quality and integrity of this sector is critical for the Australian economy and our relationships in our region.

The Government has closed a loophole which allows education providers to shift international students who have been in Australia for less than six months from genuine study to an arrangement designed to facilitate access to work in Australia.

There has been a sharp uptake in the use of the concurrent function in 2023 – in the first half of 2023, 17,000 concurrent enrolments were created, compared to approximately 10,500 for the same period in 2019 and 2022 combined.

Recent investigations have identified this misuse of ‘concurrent enrolment’ as an integrity issue for the international sector.

“This change takes effect immediately.“

The Government will also increase the amount of savings international students will need in order to get a student visa. This requirement has not been indexed since 2019 and needs to increase to reflect higher living expenses. From October 1 2023, international students will need to show evidence of $24,505 in savings, which is a 17% increase on current levels. This increase accounts for indexation since 2019.

This change will ensure students coming to Australia to study can afford to support themselves and will not face increased risk of exploitation due to an urgent need for employment.

The Government will apply additional scrutiny to high-risk cohorts and ask for additional documents to prevent fraud in applications.

The Government will also consider using its powers under Section 97 of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS Act) to issue suspension certificates to high-risk education providers. A suspension certificate means providers would not be able to recruit international students.

This would be the first time an Australian Government has used this power and reflects how seriously the Albanese Government takes the issue of dodgy providers. The Government will immediately begin consulting on possible regulations to set clear grounds for the use of suspension certificates, such as application rates with fraudulent documents and provider refusal rates. The Government is particularly concerned about more than 200 providers that currently have visa refusal rates higher than 50%.

The Government is considering further measures to strengthen integrity in the international education system as part of the Migration Strategy, which is due to be released later this year.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“International student numbers are almost back to where they were before the pandemic. That’s a good thing. International education is an extraordinarily valuable national asset.

“But there are also challenges in international education.  As students have come back, so have some dodgy and unscrupulous players who are trying to take advantage of them.  

“This change will work to stop predatory ‘second’ providers from enrolling students before they have studied for the required six months at their first provider.

“This will help ensure the integrity of one of our biggest exports while cracking down on dodgy operators.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor:

“These changes reflect our determination to strengthen the integrity of the VET sector.

“Nine out of 10 future jobs will require a post-secondary qualification and VET is a vital pathway to secure jobs. We are committed to lifting perceptions of VET and this is an important step to do that.

“Ensuring we have a fit for purpose VET sector is critical in responding to skills shortages, and teaching and training our existing and future workforce.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Home Affairs Clare O’Neil

“International education is our fourth largest export – it’s essential that we maintain our global reputation for quality education. Our government has no tolerance for people who exploit students.”

“Our message is clear – the party is over, the rorts and loopholes that have plagued this system will be shut down.”

Source: Minister of Home Affairs, Saturday 26 August 2023
See more: https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/ClareONeil/Pages/action-end-rorts-international-education.aspx

Contact us for a detailed consultation.

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August 25, 2023
August 25, 2023

Skilled and Business Migration Update 2023-24 Nomination Allocation

Author By EMK Global Australia Categories News

The Commonwealth Government has provided an unexpected and substantial reduction in visa nomination allocations for South Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program in 2023–2024.

Recently, the Commonwealth Government provided advice of its decision to significantly reduce visa nomination allocations for South Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program in 2023–24.

An allocation of 2,300 nomination places has been provided, which contrasts with the 8,800 places allocated to the State in 2022–23.

We will continue to support South Australia’s priority industries with the limited places available, including our focus on attracting overseas skilled migrants in critical sectors such as Health and Defence.

Further information about the 2023–24 GSM program will be announced shortly, and GSM applications from the 2022–23 financial year will be finalised in the coming weeks.

As is the case with all states and territories, the Commonwealth Government has not provided South Australia with any nomination places for the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) in 2023–24.

Business or investor migrants who already hold a provisional visa (subclass 188) can apply for nomination for the extension stream or permanent (subclass 888) visa in 2023–24 as these are not subject to a cap.

August 25, 2023
August 25, 2023

Tasmania 2023-24 Program Allocations

Author By EMK Global Australia Categories News

The Australian Government has allocated 600 places each for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas for Tasmania in the 2023-24 program. No new allocations are provided for the Business Innovation and Investment Program due to a high number of pending applications from the previous year. Pending applications will be processed, and current caseload details are provided.

Read More
August 24, 2023
August 24, 2023

Partner Visa Update

Author By EMK Global Australia Categories News

The Department of Home Affairs remains committed to processing on-hand partner visa applications as a priority.

The Department has recently welcomed additional staff across our global network who have provided a significant uplift to our visa processing capacity.

In the past 12 months the Department processed more than 33,500 first stage and 21,600 second stage partner visas.

August 24, 2023
August 24, 2023

MIGRATION PROGRAM PLANNING LEVELS 2023-2024

Author By EMK Global Australia Categories Immigration

On 9 May 2023, the Australian Government announced that the planning level for the 2023-24 permanent Migration Program will be set at 190,000 places.

The 2023-24 Migration Program has been designed to address persistent and emerging skills shortages and support the transition to a net-zero emissions economy by attracting specialist skillsets that are difficult to find or develop in Australia. The Program has the following composition:

  • Skill stream (137,100 places) – this stream is designed to improve the productive capacity of the economy and fill skill shortages in the labour market, including those in regional Australia.
  • Family stream (52,500 places) – this stream is predominantly made up of Partner visas, enabling Australians to reunite with family members from overseas and provide them with pathways to citizenship. Of this stream:
    • 40,500 Partner visas are estimated for 2023-24 for planning purposes, noting this category is demand driven and not subject to a ceiling.
    • 3,000 Child visas are estimated for 2023-24 for planning purposes, noting this category is demand driven and not subject to a ceiling.
  • Special Eligibility stream (400 places) – this stream covers visas for those in special circumstances, including permanent residents returning to Australia after a period overseas.

Migration Program planning levels as announced as part of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Federal Budgets

VISA STREAMVISA CATEGORY2022-23 PLANNING LEVELS2023-24 PLANNING LEVELS
SkillEmployer Sponsored35,00036,825
 Skilled Independent32,10030,375
 Regional34,00032,300
 State/Territory Nominated31,00030,400
 Business Innovation & Investment5,0001,900
 Global Talent (Independent)5,0005,000
 Distinguished Talent300300
 Skill Total142,400137,100
FamilyPartner1​40,50040,500
 Parent8,5008,500
 Child1​3,0003,000
 Other Family500500
 Family Total52,50052,500
 Special Eligibility100400
 Total Migration Program195,000190,000

1 For 2023-24, delivery of the Partner and Child visa categories are demand driven, with indicative planning levels only.

Program size and composition

The size and composition of the Migration Program is set each year alongside the Australian Government’s Budget process.

To inform the planning levels and policy settings of the 2023-24 Migration Program, consultation occurred widely with state and territory governments, representatives of academia, industry, unions and community organisations.

When planning the Migration Program, the Australian Government considers​ the following:

  • Public submissions
  • Economic and labour force forecasts
  • International research
  • Net overseas migration, and
  • Economic and fiscal modelling.

202​3–​24 state and territory nomination allocations

Nomination allocations are the number of new primary applicants each state or territory can nominate in a program year. New applications are added to the existing on-hand caseload in these visa categories.

Nomination allocations do not reflect the total number of visa applicants in these categories and do not limit the number of visas able to be granted in these visa categories.

The Department processes existing on-hand applications and new applications nominated by a state or territory in line with the permanent Migration Program planning levels and skilled visa processing priorities.

StateSkilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visaSkilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visaBusiness Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP)*
ACT6006000
NSW2,6501,5000
NT2504000
QLD9006500
SA1,1001,2000
TAS6006000
VIC2,7006000
WA1,5008500
Total10,3006,4000
2023–24 state and territory nomination allocations

Below is a comparison of the 2023–24 state and territory nomination allocations against the 2022–23 state and territory nomination allocations. In summary, there has been a drastic decline of more than 70% in this financial year’s allocation number as compared to the previous year.

Source: Department of Home Affairs

See more: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels

Contact us for a detailed consultation.
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August 23, 2023
August 23, 2023

Subclass 500 Student Visa Grant – M. F. T.

Author By EMK Global Australia Categories Clients

Kudos to Mr. Muhammad F. T. on securing a triumphant transition from a visitor visa (subclass 600) to a student visa (subclass 500). Armed with two master’s degrees, he aspires to further diversify his expertise by pursuing an IT master’s in Australia, facilitated by a Pre-Master’s program. Our adept assistance has also garnered him a remarkable 35% scholarship for his two-year full-time academic journey.

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August 15, 2023
August 15, 2023

Increase to Humanitarian Program

Author By EMK Global Australia Categories News

The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles, has announced that the number of people resettled in Australia’s Humanitarian Program will increase from 17,875 to 20,000 per year.​

This commitment will help ensure Australia plays its part in responding to the global humanitarian crisis, at a time where more than 100 million people are forcibly displaced and more than 2 million people are in urgent need of resettlement worldwide.

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering a humanitarian program that provides refugees with certainty and security as they rebuild their lives in Australia and contribute to our economy and society.

The Albanese Government is committed to securing our borders, while maintaining our sense of humanity and responsibility.

Australia’s Operation Sovereign Borders policy architecture remains unchanged. Anyone who attempts an unauthorised boat voyage to Australia will be turned back to their point of departure, returned to their home country or transferred to another country.

All non-citizens who are found to not engage Australia’s protection obligations and have exhausted all avenues to remain in Australia are expected to depart as soon as possible.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles

“The Albanese Government reaffirms its commitment to those in need with an increase in our Humanitarian Program annual intake. This responsibility extends beyond their arrival, by providing robust support to refugees to ensure they are well equipped to settle into Australia and rebuild their lives with certainty.

“With more people displaced worldwide than ever before, the Albanese Labor Government is stepping up to play its part in the global resettlement effort in a responsible way. 

“Refugees have provided an invaluable contribution to our country- from Awer Mabil to Anh Do, Tan Le to Frank Lowy.” 

August 12, 2023
August 12, 2023

New Rules for Financial Year 2023/2024 WA

Author By EMK Global Australia Categories News

New rules for financial year 2023/2024 WA

WA Migration Services, on behalf of the WA State Government, provides WA State nomination to eligible applicants for two visa subclasses, which gives you extra points on the Department of Home Affairs points test:

  • the Skilled nominated visa (subclass 190) — an extra five points; or
  • the Skilled work regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) — an extra 15 points.

Features of the 2023—24 program

  • no application fee;
  • equal invitation ranking for Interstate and Overseas candidates;
  • prioritised invitations for candidates with an occupation in a WA industry sector with critical demand for skilled workers; and
  • reduced employment requirements for candidates invited through a WA building and construction industry sector occupation.

Eligibility requirements

If you would like to be considered for an invitation for State nomination, your occupation will need to be eligible under the following streams.

  • General stream— A skilled migration pathway for a range of occupations and industry categories. Eligible occupations are listed on the WA Skilled migration occupation list (WASMOL) Schedule 1 or 2.  
  • Graduate stream— A skilled migration pathway for eligible international students who are completing vocational education and training (VET) or higher education qualifications in WA. Eligible occupations are listed on the Graduate occupation list (GOL).

Link: https://migration.wa.gov.au/our-services-support/state-nominated-migration-program

August 7, 2023
August 7, 2023

Skilled Migration Program New Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement

Author By EMK Global Australia Categories News

​​​​​​​​​​Australian aged care providers can now apply to access the new Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement. The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement streamlines the recruitment of qualified direct care workers from overseas to work in the aged care sector. Employers can use this where appropriately qualified Australians are not available.

To access this labour agreement, employers must first enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the relevant industry union(s).

​
The purpose of the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement
Applying for the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement
Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement terms and concessions

The purpose of the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement

You can use the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement to:

  • Sponsor overseas workers for the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa in direct care occupations such as:
    • Nursing Support Worker
    • Personal Care Assistant
    • Aged or Disabled Carer

      You need to have made recent and genuine attempts to recruit workers from the domestic workforce pool.
  • Sponsor overseas workers for permanent residence under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa program. Workers must have at least two years of full time work experience in Australia in a relevant direct care occupation. The two years of work experience is not tied to a particular employer or visa subclass.

Applying for the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement

To access the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, aged care providers must first enter into an MoU with the relevant unions(s):

Once the MoU is established, aged care providers can submit the labour agreement request to the Department of Home Affairs. Online labour agreement request forms are available in ImmiAccount.

For more information about entering into an MoU, contact your relevant industry union.

To learn more about labour agreements, see Labour agreements. You can also email labour.agreement.section@homeaffairs.gov.au.

Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement terms and concessions

  • Access the following concessions to standard skilled visa requirements:
    • two year pathway to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme
    • streamlined visa nomination and priority visa application processing
    • no post qualification work experience requirement
    • English language concessions for workers with relevant community language skills
    • annual salary of at least $51,222 AUD or the Australian Market Salary Rate, whichever is higher.
  • Key visa application requirements:
    • hold a relevant AQF Certificate III or equivalent, or higher qualification. You can also have 12 months of relevant work experience or part time equivalence.
    • obtain a positive skills assessment from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council or the Australian Community Workers Association if you obtained your qualifications overseas. This also applies if you claim work experience in lieu of the formal qualifications.
    • have an English language proficiency level of at least IELTS 5.0 or equivalent. Workers with target community language skills employed by culturally and linguistically diverse aged care providers need at least IELTS 4.5 or equivalent.

We will consider labour market testing requirements satisfied once aged care providers have entered into an MoU with the relevant union(s).

Skill and qualification requirements will differ from those stipulated in ANZSCO. These will be specified under the terms of each Labour Agreement.

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