The ENS & RSMS visa pathways can be an excellent opportunity for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency. This pathway is advantageous for existing 457 visa holders with Employers that are prepared to nominate them for Australian permanent residency.   However every visa application is different and it makes good sense to obtain professional advice to help you identify the right visa solution.    

Getting the right migration advice is an investment for your future life in Australia.  With the Immigration regulations constantly changing you need to be aware how this will impact on your business or your visa application.   Whether you are a business owner or an individul, we have the necessary experience to manage the full visa process.

Priority Processing for ENS & RSMS visas: 

DIAC has experienced a very high level of demand for ENS/RSMS visas which has resulted in lengthy processing delays.   As at January, 2011 DIAC processing times can be up to six or seven months!  In an attempt to better manage the large caseload, DIAC recently introduced “priority processing” for registered Migration Agents.  

When Registered Migration Agents certify that an RSMS & ENS application is “decision-ready” the application will be immediately allocated to a case officer for processing.   If the application is not decision ready it will be receive normal processing and go into DIAC’s processing queue.   

To access priority processing, the application must be fully documented which means when it is lodged all required documents and information is included with the application, so the Immigration Officer can pick up the file and not ask for any outstanding information.  Outstanding Police clearances often delay applications, so you need to apply for overseas penal or police clearances as soon as possible.    

This DIAC initiative is a great opportunity for visa applicants.  We have recently had visas granted within two weeks!     

Contact us asap to discuss your options!  

The RSMS allows regional businesses to nominate employees for a permanent visa and requires a commitment from employees to remain in employment with their employers.  This visa is available either “onshore” or “offshore” and can be an opportunity for businesses, who do not want to pursue the Temporary Business or 457 pathway, to nominate their skilled workers and also move their current 457 visa holders to permanent Australian visas.

Regional Australian Visa Solutions The Australian government are encouraging both employers and employees to pursue this pathway to Australian permanent residency.   We have a number of clients in regional WA and we tailor our services to find visa solutions to the migration needs of these individuals and businesses. 

Whether you own a small business, you are a HR manager, an employee or want to sponsor skilled overseas workers we can provide a personalised service to meet your specific needs.       

An initial investment in our professional services will ensure that your valuable time is spent on "core business" rather than trying to unravel the complex Australian immigration laws and regulations.   

 As a company/business sponsor it is important to comply with your sponsorship obligations and ensure you met monitoring requirements.  DIAC have recently strengthened these powers and Employers must ensure they have in place appropriate records and meet their obligations.   

1.    The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) is a solution for Australian employers who want to sponsor highly skilled workers for a permanent visa to work in Australia. The employees can be either from overseas or highly skilled temporary residents currently in Australia. ie 457 visa holders.

The ENS is a two stage process involving:

1. Approval of employer's nomination
2. Visa application from nominee. 

Eligibility requirements for employees:
• have an employer who is willing to sponsor them for permanent residency
• demonstrate that they have the appropriate skills, qualifications and/or experience to fill the position
• meet any mandatory licensing, registration or professional membership requirements which allows the employee to work unsupervised and without further training
• be under 45 years of age
• have Vocational English language ability
• provide a letter of appointment or a contract signed by both the employer and employee.

It may be possible under exceptional circumstances to seek exemption from qualifications, work experience, age or English language requirements. If you do not meet the basic eligibility requirement this should be raised with the migration agent who will need to prepare a detailed submission supporting the exemption. 

2.     Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) is a solution allowing Australian employers in regional and low population growth areas to  fill fulltime skilled vacancies witth overseas workers,  where employers have not been able to locate suitably qualified local workers.  This requires certification by Regional Certifying Bodies.

The RSMS is a three stage process requiring:

1. Certification of the nomination by a Regional Certifying Body
2. Nomination of an approved appointment.
3. Nominee application for a visa.

Similar eligibility requirements exist for RSMS applicants, however recent MRT outcomes require applicants to hold "Diploma" level qualifications.  If applicants do not what is equvialent to an Australian Diploma it will be necessary to establish a case for exceptional circumstances.  Similarly it is possible to seek an exemption from skills, age and English requirements.  In these cases a detailed submission from the Migration Agent will be required. 

Please see the Corporate Page for information about Labour Agreements & IASS.

3.   Temporary Business Visa - Subclass 457 The subclass 457 visa allows skilled workers to remain and work for a sponsoring employer for up to four years. This visa is a three stage visa requiring approval as a Standard Business Sponsor, Nomination of a skilled position and an application for the nominated position.

The occupation must also be on the DIAC Gazetted List of Occupations. 

 It is important to meet the English language requirements before a visa application is lodged.  Applicants must also demonstrate that they have the personal attributes and employment background that is relevant to and consistent with the nominated position.

Despite tightening of the 457 Temporary  Business Program we continue to have success with this pathway. 

Please contact us to discuss your personal circumstances or complete our online Assessment.