Regional Skilled Migration Program

The Ballarat region is one of 11 Victorian regional areas that participate in the Global Skills for Provincial Victoria program which forms part of the State Government of Victoria Skilled Migration Strategy.

The program assists employers to attract, source and retain skilled talent to fill employment shortages which are unable to be filled locally.

The program is a free service which can assist migrants and employers with:

• Advice on local employment vacancies
• Assistance completely Employer Sponsored Visa applications
• Referrals to appropriate bodies for overseas qualifications assessment
• Referrals to local employers
• Assistance with resumes to meet Australian standards
• Welcome sessions for each new skilled migrant and their family that include an introduction to New Residents Program (including discout voucher booklet and social functions to meet other residents), welcome packs and other settlement information and links and referrals to service and community organisations including our Multicultural Ambassadors.

More information for Migrants:

• What visa options are available?
• How do I find employment in Ballarat?
• Multicultural Community Services Directory
• What can the program do for me?
• How will a skilled migrant benefit my business?
• How do I register a skilled vacancy?
• Further information is also available from http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/visas-and-immigrating

For Migrants 

What Visa Options Are Available

General Skilled Migration - Independent visas

There is a range of visa options under the General Skilled Migration program for skilled workers who want to live in Australia and who do not have an employer sponsoring them. These include options for skilled people applying as an independent migrant as well as those sponsored by a relative, or nominated by a State or Territory government.

For more information visit http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/visa-options.htm

Employer Sponsored Visas

The other option for migration to Australia for skilled workers is through employer sponsored visas. These visas are applicable for lawfully operating Australian and overseas employers to sponsor and employ skilled workers who have recognised qualifications and skills/or experience in particular occupations required in Australia.

For more information visit http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/

What are some of the visas better suited to regional areas?

• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)

Given these new policy directions, the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) is now being processed faster than ever before and if all documentation is in place the visa can be granted quickly. This visa is a permanent residency, employer sponsored visa and only available in regional areas. If you are skilled in one of the skill shortage areas, this visa is available to employers to bring you into the country. The RSMS is available across the State of Victoria (excludes Metropolitan Melbourne). Other conditions apply.

For more information visit http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/rsms/

• Temporary Long Stay Visa - Subclass 457

This is the most commonly used program for employers to sponsor overseas workers to work in Australia on a temporary basis. There are also special arrangements for employers in regional areas across Australia.

For more information visit http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/sbs/

• State Sponsored Visas

Listed on the Victorian State Government website www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au there are state sponsored visas that you can apply for if you have skills and qualifications that match the skills posted on this site. The processing times for these vias are currently a 12 - 15 month minimum.

How Do I Find Employment in Ballarat

Like all countries, Australia has its own process for finding and applying for jobs.

These processes have been outlined in Council's Guide to Finding Work in Ballarat Australia booklet.

The guide provides tips on how to go about finding employment in Ballarat, including where to find employment vacancies, protocols on applying for jobs, interview techniques and lists the employment agencies able to assist you in Ballarat.

To download a copy of the Guide to Finding Work in Ballarat Australia click here.

This guide also provides you with information on how to develop an Australian standard resume, address a cover letter and key selection criteria as well details on Australian employee expectactions.

Employers

How will a Skilled Migrant Benefit My Business? 

Are you having difficulties filling skilled vacancies locally? If so, the Ballarat Skilled Migration Program can:

• Provide you with information on the range of visas and key resources available in regional areas, such as the Regional Skilled Migration Scheme.
• Provide key information, linkages and support around sponsoring skilled migrants.
• Provide you with direct links to key people at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
• Provide links to various sources of skilled migrants, including:
  • Skilled migrants already living in Victoria
  • Skilled migrants currently overseas listed on Government websites
  • Skilled people overseas considering migration
  • Promote local skilled vacancies overseas through Government contact officers located in the UK and India or at overseas expos – such as the G'day UK Expo in June 2009.
  • Promote Ballarat as a destination of choice for skilled migrants.
  • Provide up to date information about skill shortages in Ballarat.
  • Assist businesses that employ a skilled migrant with various retention strategies, including:
    • Welcome sessions providing key information on living in Ballarat and Australia.
    • Links to relevant local networks.
    • Assistance to spouses seeking employment.
    • Linking newly arrived skilled migrants and their families to a range of key support services important to their particular needs.

How Do I Register A Skilled Vacancy

Register a skilled vacancy with the Ballarat Skilled Migration Program by:

1. Contact the Ballarat Skilled Migration officer with a position description and requirements for the position.
2. They will then send you resumes from skilled migrants who have approached Council for positions in your field.  We will also promote your vacant position through our networks to increase the field of potential employees.
3. If you are interested in interviewing a skilled migrant, we can help facilitate the interview.
4. If you would like to employ the candidate, we will help you review and check that they meet all of their visa requirements, however this is the responsibility of the employee to confirm with DIAC.  It is the employer and candidate's responsibility to complete the application forms.
5. The Ballarat Skilled Migration officer has the authority to endorse your application as ‘Decision Ready’ before submitting to DIAC, hence reducing the processing time.

Or, if you have a skilled migrant currently employed and would like to provide sponsorship for the employee contact the Ballarat Skilled Migration officer on 5320 5180 or email skilledmigration@ballarat.vic.gov.au