Skill Migration Update 24/01/2022 – 28/01/2022

Migration Queensland Update

Migration Queensland has posted an update as follows:

Due to the current high number of applications for Queensland State Nomination from temporary migrants onshore who are living and working in Queensland, it is unlikely that Migration Queensland will open to offshore applicants this financial year.

We will post any further updates regarding this on the Migration Queensland news page in the coming months.

Source: https://migration.qld.gov.au/news?fbclid=IwAR1JwV57tuZeVaKxEsimzeiltbOuW5Iie9bvGlfdhKIcQBhY6g_ThWosV5c

 

Victoria- Update for Students and Working holiday marker visa holders

 Victoria has published the following update:

The Commonwealth Government has announced some visa measures to incentivise fully vaccinated Student and Working Holiday Maker visa holders to return to Australia to help address current workforce shortages. These measures include:

• Refunds of visa application charges
• International students to have more flexible working hours
• No limit on the length of time Working Holiday Makers can work for the same employer.

Source: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/news-events/news/2022/making-it-easier-for-student-and-working-holiday-maker-visa-holders-to-return-to-australia

 

Victoria Target Sector Update

Victoria has added following health occupations for the Skilled Migration year 2021-22

In addition to the nursing occupations, below mentioned occupations are now eligible for 190 and 491 both visa subclasses

• Occupational Therapists – 252411
• Social Workers – 272511
• Clinical Psychologists – 272311
• Psychologists (NEC) – 272399
• Hospital Pharmacists – 251511
• Physiotherapists – 252511
• Medical Laboratory Scientists – 234611

For 491 Visa subclass only, below occupation is now eligible

• Enrolled Nurse – 411411 (Rural and regional public aged care settings only)

Source: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/news-events/news/2022/changes-to-the-health-target-sector

VETASSESS Blog

VETASSESS has published a blog about most common questions they receive for skills assessment as follows:

Is it mandatory to submit the proof of tax paid along with my payslips? 

We do require you to provide a range of payslips (at least two). Submitting official taxation evidence supports that your employment provides a legitimate source of income.

Do all low-skill occupations for DAMA have the same requirements? 

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) enable employers in specific regions of Australia to hire a broader range of overseas workers than is available through the standard skilled visa programs. At VETASSESS, we assess a number of skilled and semi-skilled occupations for overseas workers who intend to migrate to Australia under select DAMA programs. Each DAMA has its own requirements to meet the labour needs of that DAMA region

You can find out more about DAMAs and their requirements here:

20210319-DAMA-Infosheet-Occupation_List-V1_FA.pdf (vetassess.com.au)

If a company won’t write a statement of service in line with VETASSESS requirements (for example, not putting it on a letterhead), what can be provided instead? 

For professional occupations we prefer a statement of service on official letterhead. If this is not possible, you can provide a statutory declaration and a collection of other official documentation such as payslips, contracts and letters of promotion. You can also provide us with official contact details of your referee. If our assessor requires further information, they may contact the referee/s that you have provided for authentication purposes.

I’m a self-employed tradesperson, what evidence must I submit to support my application? 

We will need a letter from a taxation representative, such as your registered/chartered accountant, to show they have been managing your finances and tax obligations. We will want to see tax paid for each relevant year of employment, other financial evidence such as invoices you generated for clients and invoices from suppliers made out to you. You can supply bank statements for those years and other statements from clients or other third parties that will support your case.

This VETASSESS blog (link: Self-employment experience for a professional occupation Skills Assessment – Updates – VETASSESS) on self-employment also explains the evidence that self-employed people can provide.

I work in a trade occupation. What can I do if my previous employer won_x0019_t give me payment evidence? 

If you are unable to contact your previous employer (for example, if the business has closed) you may provide other forms of financial evidence such as taxation documents, superannuation (pension) statements, work permits that include financial details and bank statements that show the name of the employer and salary deposits made.

Can a person working in a supply chain role who also deals with customers be assessed for the role of Customer Service Manager? 

This may depend on the primary employment/contracted position. In order to be assessed positively against the nominated occupation you need to demonstrate that the occupation selected is being performed as your primary paid employment role. You can find an information sheet on this role here: SRGO Infosheet_Customer Service Manager.pdf (vetassess.com.au)

Source: https://www.vetassess.com.au/home/updates/post/six-answers-by-experts-february-22-skills-assessment