SkillSelect Program

What is SkillSelect ?

Australian government announced the decision to implement a new way to manage Skilled Migration based on an Expression of Interest (EOI) and subsequent invitation to apply.  The new program is called SkillSelect and will be introduced on 1 July 2012.

SkillSelect will build upon and draw together the suite of reforms made to the skilled migration program over the past three years.  In doing so it will deliver the skills Australia needs by matching the best and brightest migrants to the available places in the migration program.

SkillSelect will be an electronic system based upon a two-stage process.  Intending migrants first submit claims for skilled migration through an online EOI and subsequently may be invited to make a visa application.  This is a significant change from the current situation, as applicants for Independent skilled, Family Sponsored skilled, State or Territory Sponsored skilled, or Business Skills programs will be required to receive an invitation in order to lodge a visa application.

After being invited, SkillSelect will ensure a match between the number of applicants and the number of available places.  This will result in greater certainty for visa applicants and streamlined processing times.

Depending upon their skills and eligibility, intending migrants will be able to express interest in a range of Skilled Migration programs in one EOI. These programs will include:

• Independent skilled migration
• State or Territory sponsored skilled migration
• Family Sponsored skilled migration – Business Skills
• The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
• The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)
• The Subclass 457 Temporary Business

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