The much-hyped China-Australia Free Trade Agreement will remove the mandatory skills assessment requirement for Chinese citizens working in certain occupations. This news has been followed by wide-spread but misinformed concern that the deal will allow unskilled workers to come to Australia. This is not the case!
Everyone applying for a Subclass 457 Visa must show they meet the skills requirements to work in their occupation. The recent changes have done nothing to change this. Chinese citizens were previously required to do an additional step to citizens of most other countries in that they needed to have their skills and experienced assessed by a third party skills assessor. The move to remove this requirement simply brings China in line with most other countries. If you are a prospective Subclass 457 Visa applicant you should also be aware that if your occupation requires a licence in Australia, you still have to meet the licencing requirements before you can work.
The change affects Chinese nationals applying for a Subclass 457 Visa in the following occupations:
- Automotive Electrician
- Cabinetmaker
- Carpenter
- Carpenter and Joiner
- Diesel Motor Mechanic
- Electrician (General)
- Electrician (Special Class)
- Joiner
- Motor Mechanic (General)
- Motorcycle Mechanic
While the level of skills need hasn’t changed, the removal of the red tape does bring a welcome reduction in costs for Chinese citizens – they can show the exact same qualifications to the Department of Immigration instead of a skills assessing authority, and save around $1000!
The Migration Place welcomes any reduction in costs and red-tape for prospective Work Visa applicants. However, migrants need to be aware – you must still have the correct training and skill set for your occupation! If you aren’t sure if you have sufficient skills and experience, or don’t know what kind of licencing or registration you might need, make sure you call us for a consultation before submitting your Work Visa application.