SKILLED OR WORK VISA? WHICH ONE IS FOR YOU?

Clients usually come to us confused about their status or the kind of visa they are being offered. This is why we thought of explaining the difference between a skilled visa and a work visa.

A skilled visa is designed to enhance and strengthen the Australian economy by giving skilled and businesspeople provisional and permanent residency in Australia.

The skilled visa category targets the qualified people who are under 45 years old, good English, with occupation and qualification that are required in the current labour market.

In most cases, the types of visas in this category are generally required to pass the points test and be invited by the immigration before making an application.

Whereas work visas are designed to respond to the needs of Australian employers. Under this scheme, Australian employers can recruit and hire skilled people to work or fill positions that cannot be filled from the Australian labour market.

What are the visas that may well be classified as skilled visas?

1.     Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)

2.     Subclass 190 (skilled Nominated)

3.     Subclass 491 (State/Territory Nominated)

4.     Subclass 491 (Family Sponsored)

5.     Subclass 485 Skilled Graduate Visa for those who have completed at least two years of study in Australia.

What about the work visa?

For you to be granted a work visa, you will need to have significant Work Experience(except of course for Subclass 407 – Training Visa) in your nominated occupation. The visas here require an Australian employer as a sponsor. Unlike the skilled visa, the visas here require a lower level of English. You will also need a Letter of Offer / Contract of Employment You also need to Nominate an occupation on the list.

The work visas are temporary except for Subclass 186 You are allowed to live in Australia, but you are only allowed to work for your employer, and only in your nominated occupation Once granted, you can start working for your employer as soon as you arrived in Australia or as per the contract unlike skilled visa, your work here is subject to the validity of the visa; Visa can expire or can be cancelled in some situations There are no social benefits extended to work visa holders so you must pay for your insurance.

What are the visas classified as work visas?

These are

1.     Subclass 482 (formerly Subclass 457)

2.     Subclass 186 (ENS –Employer Nominated Skill)

3.     Subclass 494 ( RSMS –Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional ) Visa )

4.     Subclass 407 – Training Visa (?)
For Subclass 482: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas...
For Subclass 186: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas...
For Subclass 494: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas...

MY TIPS

TIP 1. When you are offered a visa by anyone – ask which subclass / or what subclass so you can check and see for yourself if you are fitted to the general description. If you are – then pursue it; if not be honest to yourself – you can either give it up or consult a registered migration agent to explore some other options for you.

TIP 2. Be objective in assessing your chance for a work visa. When you are offered a job by an Australian employer, ask for at least a letter or offer – not a verbal offer. A letter of offer or contract of employment is a sign that your employer is serious about hiring you.

TIP 3. Be financially prepared. Skilled visas are generally paid by yourself – from skills assessment to visa application and grant. Work visas particularly subclass 482 is / or must be paid by your employer. Whatever you do does not lock in anything until the visa application is lodged.

TIP 4. Be informed. The more informed you are, the better chance of getting a visa at a shorter time, less money, and with a little effort.

That’s all for now. Do not forget to click and subscribe for more educational videos on Australian migration and visa applications.

Last message: When applying for a visa to Australia, it is particularly important that you know the correct and most beneficial visa for you. It is also important to get at least the basic information about a visa so that you will not be disappointed or get scammed in the end.