Here is my initial attempt at documenting the migration process to Australia. This is to help individuals looking at migrating to Australia in specific but the information at a higher level holds valid for countries that follow similar point-based skilled migration.

The information on this page may seem obsolete as there may be frequent changes to the immigration process however it helps to give you direction and specifically do’s and dont’s.

Additionally this blog will capture the process specifically for Indian citizens. This process may differ for citizens from other countries. Moreover I have a broad idea on the IT and medical skills assessments. However it is always recommended to hire professional services or do your own homework before proceeding (I do not endorse any agencies neither recommend them but its always better to use them incase you are unsure or would like to save on time).

Getting Started

The Permanent Residency (PR) visa is a resident visa granted to certain individuals who fit in to one of the following categories.

1. Family based – Partner Visa (Subclasses  820 and 801)
2. Skilled based – There are several visas in this category that are defined below:
   • Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
   • Skilled sponsored (subclass 190)
   • Skilled Regional Sponsored (subclass 475)
   • Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
   • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
   • Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 188)
   • Business Talent Visa (Subclass 132)
   • Resident Return Visa

Note: Please go through the Cap and Cease link to understand the new maximum caps assigned against each visa subclass.

For the scope of this blog I will only talk about a few of the skilled visa categories that I am familiar with and will keep adding information as and when I come across anyone who goes through these.

 General Skilled Migration – Subclass 189

The GSM with subclass 189* is divided into the following broad categories and subcategories:

1. Skills Assessments
   1. Select skills from the SOL (Skills Occupation List)
   2. University transcripts
   3. Work experience
2. Expression of Interest
   1. Submit an EOI
   2. Submit IELTS results
3. Immigration Application
   1. PCC (Police Clearance Certificate)
   2. Medical Test

*Note:  I am documenting GSM subclass 189 as I applied for this visa subclass and have helped friends with this subclass category. For people applying with other categories are welcome to contribute to this blog.

The migration process is a long and cumbersome process and hence you need to be organized, patient and detailed-oriented. You will have to invest a lot of time reading but be able to isolate the required information from the unnecessary chatter. Although I did recommend using professional services however if you need to save on money and have the time then you should try applying by yourself.

• You start the process by identifying a Skilled Occupation that you belong to. You can visit the Skills assessment and assessing authorities page and read more about the skills assessment process.
• Find the assessing authority from the SOL page for your identified skill and visit their individual page for further required information. Prepare a resume that matches the job description of the identified skill.
• Apply to the Assessing authority by going through the information checklist and providing accurate and true information. There are random checks that may lead to verification of your education and/or work experience and if you have not been truthful then this may get rejected.
• Once you receive a reply (positive one), you can start with the Expression of Interest.
• You should book the IELTS date depending on the lead time available and take the IELTS as soon as possible. IELTS is valid for 2 years (you might want to check the latest validity) from date of issue of certificate hence you can appear for it once you have started with your skills assessment.
• After you receive a positive result from your assessing authority and you are now set to submit your application. You will need to be ready with the application fee (usually a huge amount).
• Prepare for all the documents before hand and do not keep anything pending. If you do have some documents that you are expected to receive, do make a note of it in the application so that your case officer is aware. Use a checklist to ensure you have everything required to submit the document. Be aware that your skill assessment is valid for a stipulated period. (eg: ACS assessment is valid for 2 years). Timing is critical.
• Scan all your documents and categorise them. From your educational certificates, work experience documents, private documents, finance documents, etc. Use an online data store to keep all your documents. This proves quite beneficial to help reduce your turn around time for your application. It also helps in the long run. Google Drive or Dropbox are examples of such tools.
• Apply for the Police Clearance Certificate. The Indian PCC is issued specifically for a country. It is valid for 6 months. Ensure you do NOT have any adverse comments on your PCC. If you have had any serious offence then this may result in further documentation or a high risk application and may result in failure. Plan this in advance as appointment dates may be available from a few weeks to a month ahead.
• Take the medical test once they send you the request. Disclose all health issues but be brief. Too much information can be dangerous. The medical test is usually simple and straight forward. Plan in advance. Its X-ray, blood work, urine test, GP checkup and an eye test. TB is usually a concern that may delay your application if you are found positive. Usually they will ask you to wait for 6 months to attempt the test again.
• If you are requested to produce additional documentation, ensure you understand what is being asked and confirm the same if there are ambiguities. Ensure you are able to provide the same within the deadlines provided or request for additional time.

I hope I’ve covered most points. I would like anyone who has gone through this ordeal to comment on their experiences and also contribute to information that may be helpful.

Links

• http://migrationblog.border.gov.au/