Skilled Visas are Pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia

 Undoubtedly, Australia has one of the most popular immigration systems globally, offering 1 60,000 permanent residency visas every year. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the flow of new immigrants, those already onshore can avail these pathways and become part of Australia’s prosperous economy.

Skilled immigration pathways such as Subclass 190 visa/189/or 491 are sought-after streams inviting highly-skilled foreign workers in Australia. The General Skilled Migration Program is designed for individuals looking to migrate to Australia permanently.

The General Skilled Migration is a points-tested stream and the most popular visa application pathway for skilled workers. SkillSelect is Australia’s point-calculator system that allows foreign nationals to apply for a permanent residency in Australia via skilled visas such as Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient qualifications, work experience, language skills to qualify for a skilled migrant visa.

As the name suggests, skilled workers with experience in in-demand occupations can apply to Australia based on their skills through skilled migration visas. It means an Australian employer need not sponsor them to have the visa.

Skilled Migrant Visas for Australia

There are different types of skilled migrant visas available for Australia. The most widely known Australia General skilled migration visas include the following:

· Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189

· Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190

Both visa categories grant permanent residency to the visa holder

The Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189 is available for applicants who do not require sponsorship by an employer nor a state or territory government in Australia.

The Skilled Nominated Visa subclass 190 is ideal for candidates who already have sponsorship from an Australian state or territory government.

A temporary point-tested skilled migration visa is also available, known as Skilled Regional Visa subclass 489 that allows the holder to live and work in Australia for up to four years. The visa requires sponsorship either by a state or territory government. Having a close connection in the designated area can also get you the visa.

Occupations Eligible for a Skilled Migrant Visa

There are two types of skilled occupation lists relevant to the general skilled migration. One is the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for applicants applying for the Skilled Independent Visa. The other is Consolidated Sponsor Occupation List (CSOL) for those seeking Skilled Nominated Visas in Australia.

Interestingly, the majority of occupations in the SOL are the same as the CSOL. It means that a candidate seeking a skilled nominated visa can also meet the point test for either of the lists. However, it is advisable to check the list of individual states to get a clear idea of Australia PR process.

Kick-start your Australian immigration process today. Call our expert immigration agents to determine your best way forward.

Canadian Borders Now Open for Fully-Vaccinated Foreigners

On September 7, the federal government of Canada has officially opened its borders for fully vaccinated travelers. The opening of borders instills a sense of confidence in people seeking Canada immigration from their home country. All travelers to Canada must be fully vaccinated and have Covid-19 test 72 hours before entering Canada.

However, medical experts in Canada believe that while the government continues to implement strong measures to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, allowing fully vaccinated people will not eliminate the risk of the virus.

Who is considered fully vaccinated?

To be considered fully vaccinated, a traveler must submit proof of both vaccine shots and a combination of vaccines accepted by the Government of Canada. The vaccine must have been taken at least 14 days before entering Canada.

Currently, Canada has approved the following vaccines:

•         Moderna Covid-19 vaccine
•         Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
•         AstraZeneca/Covishield COVID-19 Vaccine
•         Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine

 

Foreigners who are not fully-vaccinated or have not taken the afore-mentioned vaccines are exempt under Canada’s current restrictions from entering to Canada. The relaxations are available only to certain categories of individuals, such as Canada PR visa holders, study or work permit holders, diplomats, or those traveling for essential reasons. Travelers who are not fully-vaccinated must follow 14-days quarantine rule in Canada.

Fully vaccinated travellers must also meet all other entry criteria, including:

• Submitting all required COVID-19 information into Arrive CAN prior to travel (if arriving by air, information must be submitted before boarding a flight)
• meeting the pre-entry testing requirements
• being asymptomatic upon arrival
• having a paper or digital copy of your proof of vaccination in English or French (or certified translation); 
• Having a suitable quarantine plan, in case you don't get the exemption or test positive after entry.

Travelers with unvaccinated children

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 may enter Canada with their fully vaccinated parents. They are also not required to follow quarantine rules in Canada. However, these children cannot attend daycare schools for at least 14 days after arriving in Canada.

Foreign children between the age group of 12 to 17 traveling with fully vaccinated parents may enter Canada, however, they must quarantine themselves for 14 days.

Unvaccinated children above five years must produce Covid-19 test reports upon arrival and 8 days after arrival to Canada.

To Sum Up

Flying from India is still suspended until further notice. Meanwhile, Indians may prepare their Canada express entry file and gather other necessary documents for their PR visa application.

Moving to Canada from India? Learn How to make it Happen

 If you are skilled professional planning to immigrate to Canada, you have come to the right place. Moving to Canada can be an exciting as well as challenging experience, especially when you have no clue about the process, immigration guidelines, visa procedures, visa pathways, etc. But don’t worry, we are here to take the pressure off from you. We have put together this handy guide for you which tells you everything about ways to apply for Canada PR visa from India.

Immigration Programs

The first step is to find out the most suitable immigration pathway for you. Canada has over 100 immigration pathways skilled workers can choose from as per their eligibility. You must determine which visa stream is apt for you. Are you looking for permanent residency? Or you want to work temporarily in Canada? Or you simply want to apply for a student visa? If you want to move to Canada permanently, then you must go for permanent residency pathways.

Express Entry

Express entry is the most popular and fastest way to migrate to Canada. The online system is used to manage permanent residency applications from skilled professionals under three economic categories:

 

•       Federal Skilled Worker Program
•       Federal Skilled Trades Program
•       Canadian Experience Class

 

The Express Entry follows Canada points’ calculator system to evaluate a candidate’s eligibility to apply for a PR visa. It allocates scores based on an applicant’s age, language skills, work experience, job offer, provincial nomination, education, and other adaptability factors. The highest scoring applicants are given an invitation to apply.

Canadian provinces also pick eligible candidates from express entry.

Temporary residence pathways

The temporary residence permit allows its holder to be in Canada for a specific time period to pursue any activities, as mentioned on the immigration documents. Temporary residents are authorized to gain an entry in Canada for the purpose of studying, working, or visiting. There are three immigration pathways under the same:

 

•         Work in Canada
•        Travel in Canada
•        Visit Canada

 

Working in Canada

 

Once you move to Canada, the first thing is to look for a job to generate some income for yourself and your family. You may consider the following things while looking for a job in Canada:

·        Work authorization- you must ensure that you have obtained proper authorization to work in Canada. If you are a PR visa holder, then you are automatically authorized to work in Canada.

·        Job Bank- Job Bank is one of the most popular job-hunting portals in Canada. It is designed to help people find their dream job in Canada. The government of Canada operates this portal to help people with their employment needs. You can search for a job using the Canada NOC list and learn about the scope of your profile in Canada. 

·        Skills Update- You may enroll for certification or training to enhance your existing skills. Many occupations are regulated in Canada, hence, requires an applicant to apply for the license before practicing their occupation. It is beneficial to check whether your occupation is regulated or not before heading out for the immigration process.

Do you have any questions related to Canadian immigration? If yes, don’t wait further. Call us on 8595338595 or drop an email at web@visaexperts.com to get the highest level of visa services