Department produces guidance of employers
The Australian Department of Home Affairs is making information more readily available for employers wanting to:
- employ a visa holder already in Australia, or
- looking to sponsor an overseas worker,
by presenting the options and what employers need to do.
The website provides employers details on the options available if they are unable to fill a position with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
There is information on what employers need to do if they want to employ a visa holder who is already in Australia and on how to check their work rights.
Information is also available about:
- how to become a Department of Home Affairs approved sponsor,
- what information you will need to provide to the Department,
- how to nominate a role,
- how to nominate an overseas worker to a particular position.
The step-by-step guide available on the website provides information about employers ongoing responsibilities, for instance, what employers must tell the Australian Government if there are any changes to their situation.
The guide is here: Employing overseas workers (homeaffairs.gov.au)
More LATAM countries eligible to Work and holiday (subclass 462) visa
Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay are eligible to apply for the Work and Holiday visa. This visa lets people 18 to 30 years old who have completed a tertiary qualification or at least 2 years of undergraduate studies to have an extended holiday in Australia and work here to help fund their trip. The máximum stay is of 12 months and the visa costs $635. There is a second and third Work and Holiday visa that can be accessed subject to completing specified subclass 462 work.
There is an annual limit or ‘cap’ on the number of first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas available in each program year (1 July to 30 June) for applicants who hold a passport from the countries in the following table. Once the cap has been filled, no more applications can be lodged until the next program year. There is no cap on second or third Work and Holiday visas.
Argentina – 3,400
Brazil – 500
Chile – 3,400
Ecuador – suspended (capped at 100)
Peru – 1,500
Uruguay – 200
English language visa requirements
English language requirements generally apply to applicants wanting to study or work in Australia.
Each visa subclass contains different requirements as to the level of English an applicant needs to demonstrate.
The Department accepts scores from the following tests undertaken at a secure test centre for English language visa requirements:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Cambridge English (CAE) (also known as C1 Advanced)
- Occupational English Test (OET), noting this is a test developed for health professionals
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
From 14 December 2022, IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) will be available for certain test takers. OSR allows test takers to retake one of the four test components in either reading, writing, speaking or listening (once only).
For Australian visa purposes, the Department will accept IELTS test results that include OSR, with the exception of applications for subclasses 476, 482, and 485, which need scores from a single sitting/attempt.
The ability to speak English is classified in the following categories, which describe the requirements in each of the major tests:
It is worth keeping in mind that most skilled migrant categories require competent and above level of English.
This newsletter only provides general information related to current migration matters. The information contained in this communication does not constitute specific migration advice, and should not be construed or relied on as such. Professional advice should be sought for the specifics of your situation prior to any action being taken. BD Welsh and Co disclaims any liability (including, without limitation, for any direct or indirect or consequential costs, loss or damage or loss of profits) arising from anything done or omitted to be done by any party in reliance, whether wholly or partially, on any of the information contained in this newsletter. Any party that relies on the information does so at its own risk. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.