Work Permit And Visa Processing For Australia

To work in Australia as a Bangladeshi national, you need to obtain the appropriate work visa. Australia offers various types of work visas under its General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and employer-sponsored visa categories. Here’s a detailed guide on how to navigate the process:

1. Types of Australian Work Visas:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): A points-based visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): A points-based visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): A points-based visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): For skilled workers who are nominated by an employer for a permanent visa.
• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): For workers with an employer sponsor, allowing temporary residence and work in Australia.
• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): For recent graduates from Australian institutions.

2. Eligibility Requirements:

• Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for the visa you are applying for.
• Skills Assessment: You may need a positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority.
• English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in English, usually through a test like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
• Points Test: For points-based visas (e.g., Subclass 189, 190, 491), you must meet the minimum points requirement, which is typically 65 points.
• Health and Character: You must meet health and character requirements, which may include a medical examination and police clearance certificate.

3. Application Process:

Step 1: Skills Assessment and English Language Test

1. Skills Assessment:
   • Identify your occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
   • Apply for a skills assessment with the appropriate assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia for engineering professions).
   • Submit relevant documents such as educational qualifications, work experience, and any professional registrations.
2. English Language Test:
   • Take an approved English language test (e.g., IELTS, PTE, TOEFL) and achieve the required score for your visa category.

Step 2: Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

1. Create an EOI:
   • Create an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Australian government’s SkillSelect system, detailing your qualifications, skills, and employment history.
2. Points Test:
   • You will be assigned a points score based on factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, and education.
3. Wait for Invitation:
   • Depending on your points score and the occupation’s demand, you may receive an invitation to apply for a visa. Invitations are issued periodically based on the needs of the Australian labor market.

Step 3: Visa Application

1. Apply for the Visa:
   • If you receive an invitation, you have 60 days to submit a complete visa application online.
   • Required Documents:
     • Valid passport.
     • Skills assessment result.
     • English language test results.
     • Employment references and evidence of work experience.
     • Educational certificates and transcripts.
     • Health insurance (for temporary visas).
     • Police clearance certificates.
     • Proof of relationship (if applying with family members).
2. Health and Character Checks:
   • Undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician.
   • Obtain police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
3. Pay the Visa Application Fee:
   • Pay the applicable visa application fee online. Fees vary depending on the visa type and number of applicants.

Step 4: Visa Outcome

1. Processing Time:
   • Visa processing times vary depending on the visa category, the completeness of the application, and other factors. It can range from a few months to over a year.
2. Receive Visa Grant:
   • If approved, you will receive a visa grant notification outlining the conditions of your visa, including the period of stay and any work restrictions.

Step 5: Travel to Australia

1. Entry to Australia:
   • Once your visa is granted, you can travel to Australia. Make sure to enter before any initial entry date specified in your visa grant letter.
2. Comply with Visa Conditions:
   • Ensure that you comply with all the conditions of your visa, including work limitations, living in a designated area (for regional visas), and maintaining health insurance (if required).

4. Additional Considerations:

• Family Members: Most work visas allow you to include family members (spouse and dependent children) in your application. They may also have work or study rights depending on the visa type.
• Permanent Residency: Many temporary work visas offer pathways to permanent residency in Australia.
• State Nomination: For visas like Subclass 190, you must secure a nomination from an Australian state or territory, which may require additional documentation and commitments, such as living and working in the state for a certain period.

5. Consulting and Assistance:

• Migration Agents: Consider consulting a registered migration agent for professional assistance, especially if your case is complex.
• Job Search: Utilize Australian job search platforms like SEEK, Indeed, and LinkedIn to find potential employers who can sponsor your visa.

Conclusion:

Securing a work permit and visa for Australia as a Bangladeshi national involves several steps, from obtaining a skills assessment and proving English proficiency to receiving an invitation to apply for a visa. Carefully follow each step, ensure all documentation is accurate and complete, and consider professional assistance if needed to navigate the process successfully.