Australia Skilled Visa Program on despite Covid-19

Despite the Coronavirus pandemic that has affected most countries in the world, immigration programs continue in some countries. Australia is one of them. Even if the country has imposed a temporary travel ban as part of its efforts to contain the spread of Coronavirus, it is determined to continue its immigration programs.

One of these is the Skilled Visa program which has several visas under its category. The Skilled visa program requires the applicant to get his skills assesses by a certified Skill Assessment body in Australia. Each skill or profession has its own skill assessment body. The good news is that despite COVID-19, these assessment bodies are continuing their work in assessing applicants but in the online mode. Skill Assessment bodies such as the VETASSESS and TRA are continuing their assessment activities.

There is no need for you to stop applying for a visa under the Skilled Visa program to move to Australia. We will tell you more about the Skilled Visa Program.

If you qualify under the Skilled Visa program, you can migrate with your family to Australia and live there as a permanent resident. You can, if eligible apply later for citizenship.

Skilled visa program and visa categories:

Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189):  

This visa is for applicants who are not sponsored by an employer, territory or state or family members. With this visa you can permanently live and work here and even bring your family members.

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190):

To qualify for this visa, you must be nominated by an Australian state or territory. The privileges for this visa are like that of the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)

Graduate Temporary visa (Subclass 485):   

This visa is applicable to students who have studied for two years in Australia. There are two streams for the Subclass 485 visa:

• Graduate work: For students who have completed 2 years of study in Australia.
• Post-study work: For students who have completed a bachelor's degree or higher degree at an Australian institution.

Skilled Nominated or Sponsored visa (Provisional) (Subclass 489):

For this visa, you should be nominated by a state or territory to live in a Regional or Low Population Growth Area or sponsored by a relative living in Australia.

Skilled - Regional (subclass 887) visa:

This is a permanent visa for migrants who hold other applicable visas.

Eligibility requirements for Skilled Visa Program:

Eligibility for the Australia Skilled Visa Program requires that applicants must meet a certain minimum threshold of skills and abilities. Candidates will be assessed based on:

• Age (must be below 50 years of age)
• Highest level of education
• English language skills
• Occupation which appears in the Skilled Occupations List
• Work experience
• Health and character

Applicants must score at least 65 points against the following points test factors to be eligible for an invitation to apply for this visa. Points are awarded based on the following factors:

• Age: The age of the applicant should be between 18 -49 years.
• English language: The applicant should prove that he/she meets the English language of competent level by submitting the test results of any recognized English language proficiency test before the application is lodged.
• Nominated occupation: The applicant should nominate an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for subclass 189 and subclass 489(if sponsored by a relative) or on state occupation list that is eligible for a state nomination as per states occupations list.
• Skill Assessment: It is mandatory for an applicant to get a positive skill assessment for a nominated occupation before the application is lodged.
• Maintenance funds: The applicant should have proof of having enough maintenance funds to obtain sponsorship from state territory.
• Health & character requirements: The applicant must meet with health and character requirements.

The Skilled Visa program will continue in spite of the restrictions due to COVID-19 and it may be a wise move to make your application for the Subclass190 visa so that your visa is approved and you can move to Australia once the visa ban is lifted.