The DIAC have announced a new SkillSelect model to come into effect on 1 July 2012.
What is SkillSelect?
SkillSelect is an online system that enables skilled workers interested in migrating to Australia to record their Expression of Interest in being considered for a skilled visa.
These skilled workers can then be found and nominated for skilled visas by:
- Australian employers; or
- State and territory governments.
Skilled workers recorded on the system can also be invited by the Australian Government to lodge a visa application.
What are the benefits of SkillSelect?
SkillSelect is a major change to how Australia manages its skilled migration program.
This new model will allow the Australia Government to manage who is able to apply for skilled migration, when they are able to apply and in what numbers, on the basis of the economic needs of Australia.
As a result, the DIAC expects to significantly reduce the time taken to process a visa application.
Can I use SkillSelect?
SkillSelect will apply to the following new visa subclasses:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 180)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
- Skilled – Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled – Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489)
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Subclass 457 visa
If you are wishing to apply for a skilled visa, please contact our office to make an appointment so that we can discuss your various visa options.
For more information on the significant changes coming into effect on 1 July 2012, please see our previous FAQ items:
- DIAC Reforms to ENS and RSMS likely to be implemented on 1 July 2012
- DIAC have announced significant changes to the employer nomination scheme, effective 1 July 2012
- New general skilled migration subclasses announced