Australian Immigration News

Australia to Hold Skilled Migration Seminars in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour

There will be two skilled migration seminars taking place in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour on June 19 and 20, according to officers from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

The seminars will discuss upcoming changes to the Australian skilled migration program which will be introduced on July 1. The changes include a new online database matching Australian employers and potential skilled migrants. In addition, the changes will help to ease the pathway to permanent residence for people already working in Australia on temporary 457 visas.

Seminar attendees will be informed of the new skilled migrant selection model, SkillSelect which will be integrated with the employer nomination scheme (ENS) and the regional sponsored migration scheme (RSMS). SkillSelect is an online system that enables overseas skilled workers to record their information to be considered for an Australian skilled visa.

"These new arrangements are designed to better respond to labour market demands," a departmental spokesperson said of the new system. He added that intending migrants would be found and nominated for skilled visas by Australian employers or state and territory governments. They could also be invited by the Australian Government to lodge an Australian visa application. Australia expects upcoming reforms will grant the government more control and flexibility to meet the economy's demands.

In the seminars, departmental officials will have brief individual appointments with employers and employees in order to answer questions about the skilled migration program.

"Our officers will be available to provide a range of information on temporary or permanent employer sponsored visa options and the concessions available for regional applicants," said the spokesperson.

If you are interested in Australian visas , contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try its visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to Australia.