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The Australian equivalent to the 🇺🇸H-1B skilled labour imports (see the previous post for the American version) . .
Bear in mind that skilled migration is how Australia was built and has aided us in being competitive with international markets as our industrial sector and businesses grew up. Importing skilled labour has been crucial in how Australia grew and became a successful trading partner with the longer standing established countries.
I guess that all the chatter is about whether migration is going too far..
Australia's Equivalent to the
🇺🇸H-1B Program
Australia has several visa options that serve a similar purpose to the American H-1B program, allowing skilled foreign workers to temporarily work in the country. The most comparable visa categories include:
1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
- Overview:
The TSS visa allows Australian employers to address labor shortages by hiring foreign workers when they cannot find suitable candidates locally.
- Occupations:
Applicants must be nominated for an occupation that is on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Duration:
The visa can be granted for up to two years for short-term positions and up to four years for medium- to long-term positions, depending on the occupation and circumstances.
- Employer Sponsorship:
Similar to the H-1B program, the TSS visa requires employer sponsorship, and employers must demonstrate that they have made genuine efforts to find local talent.
2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)
- Overview:
This visa allows skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently.
- Eligibility:
Applicants must meet the skills and qualifications requirements for their nominated occupation and generally need to have at least three years of relevant work experience.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency:
The ENS visa provides a pathway to permanent residency, making it an attractive option for skilled workers.
3. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Overview:
This is a points-based visa that allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia without the need for employer sponsorship.
- Eligibility:
Applicants must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and meet specific points criteria based on age, education, work experience, and English language proficiency.
Key Differences from the H-1B Program
- Permanent Residency:
While the H-1B is primarily a temporary work visa, many of Australia's skilled visas, like the ENS and Subclass 189, can lead to permanent residency.
- Points System:
Australia uses a points-based immigration system that assesses applicants based on various factors, whereas the H-1B program is employer-driven.
Conclusion
Australia's visa options for skilled workers, particularly the TSS visa, are designed to fill skill shortages in the labor market, similar to the H-1B program in the U.S.
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