Immigrating to Australia as a skilled worker is an exciting opportunity that can lead to a promising future. If you’re a Pakistani citizen dreaming of starting a new life in Australia, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to navigate the immigration process with confidence. Whether you’re aiming for better job prospects, a high-quality lifestyle, or excellent healthcare and education systems, Australia is one of the top destinations for skilled professionals from around the world.
Introduction
Are you considering making the leap to Australia as a skilled worker? It’s an exciting but challenging journey. With its robust economy and welcoming immigration policies, Australia attracts thousands of skilled workers every year. But how can you, as a Pakistani citizen, navigate the process? Don’t worry! This guide is here to break down each step, making the path to immigrating as smooth as possible.
We’ll walk you through the Skilled Migration Program, visa categories, eligibility requirements, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to do next. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Skilled Migration Program
Australia’s Skilled Migration Program is designed to attract highly skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s economy. The program is points-based, meaning applicants are awarded points based on factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.
You need to score a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, but higher scores improve your chances of getting an invitation to apply for a visa. So, how can you start?
Key Visa Categories for Skilled Workers
When it comes to skilled migration, there are several visa options to choose from. Each visa has specific eligibility criteria and benefits. The most common visas for Pakistani skilled workers include:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This is a points-based visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): This is also a points-based visa, but you must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It grants permanent residency.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): This is a temporary visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory to live and work in a regional area for up to five years, with a pathway to permanent residency.
Each of these visas has its own application process, but they all follow a similar step-by-step approach.
Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility
Before diving into the application process, you need to assess your eligibility. Australia has a Skilled Occupation List (SOL) that includes all the professions currently in demand. If your job is on this list, you’ve passed the first checkpoint.
But that’s not all. You also need to:
- Be under 45 years of age.
- Have a good command of English (usually demonstrated through IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores).
- Have relevant work experience in your field.
Visit the SkillSelect platform to calculate your points and see if you qualify.
Step 2: Skills Assessment
Once you’ve determined that you’re eligible, the next step is to undergo a skills assessment. This process is conducted by a relevant Australian authority specific to your occupation. For example, if you’re an engineer, your skills will be assessed by Engineers Australia.
The skills assessment confirms that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards. Make sure you have certified copies of your academic credentials, professional certifications, and work experience letters.
Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Now that your skills have been validated, it’s time to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. An EOI is not a visa application, but rather a way to notify the Australian government that you’re interested in applying for a skilled migration visa.
In the EOI, you’ll provide details about your qualifications, work experience, and other factors that contribute to your points score. Based on your EOI, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a visa.
Step 4: Apply for State or Territory Nomination
If you’re aiming for a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) or a Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491), you’ll need to apply for a state or territory nomination. Each state or territory has its own list of occupations in demand, and they may require additional criteria, such as a commitment to live and work in that region for a set period.
Make sure to research the specific requirements of the state or territory you’re interested in before applying for a nomination.
Step 5: Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once you’ve submitted your EOI, the waiting game begins. If your points score is competitive, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Australia’s immigration system prioritizes applicants based on their points score, so the higher your score, the better your chances of being invited.
It can take weeks or even months to receive an ITA, depending on the demand in your occupation. Once you receive your invitation, you’ll have 60 days to lodge your visa application.
Step 6: Submitting Your Visa Application
After receiving your ITA, the next step is to submit your visa application. This is where the real action begins! Make sure to include all necessary documentation, such as:
- A valid passport
- English language test results
- Skills assessment outcome
- Health and character certificates
Be thorough with your application, as even a small error could cause delays.
Step 7: Complete Medical and Character Checks
To ensure that you’re eligible to live in Australia, you’ll need to undergo medical and character checks. A panel doctor approved by the Australian government will perform a health assessment to ensure that you meet the required health standards.
You will also need to provide police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.
Step 8: Prepare for Arrival in Australia
Once your visa is approved, congratulations! You’re one step closer to starting your new life in Australia. Now it’s time to prepare for your arrival. You’ll need to arrange accommodations, book your flights, and get your finances in order. It’s also a good idea to research the city or state you’ll be moving to, so you can hit the ground running.
What Are the Costs Involved?
Immigrating to Australia can be expensive. Some of the key costs include:
- Visa application fees: These range from AUD 4,240 to AUD 5,375 depending on the visa category.
- Skills assessment fees: Depending on the assessing body, this can cost between AUD 300 and AUD 1,000.
- English language tests: The cost of IELTS is around PKR 40,000.
- Medical checks: These could cost between AUD 300 and AUD 500.
Make sure to budget for these expenses before starting your application.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeline for skilled migration varies depending on several factors, such as the type of visa, the demand for your occupation, and how quickly you can gather the required documents. On average, the process takes:
- EOI to ITA: 3 to 6 months
- Visa processing: 6 to 12 months
Living and Working in Australia
Australia offers an excellent quality of life. Whether you’re settling in the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne or opting for a more relaxed lifestyle in regional areas, you’ll find that Australia has something for everyone. The country is known for its multicultural communities, job opportunities, and top-notch healthcare and education systems. Contact us
