Attracting skilled workers from overseas is an option worth considering if you are unable to find the right people locally. There are several government initiatives to help you source skilled labour from other countries.
On this page:
Worker databaseMigration ExposRecognising skills and qualificationsSponsored migrationEmploying migrants and overseas student graduatesWorker database
The
Skills Matching Database is a free web-based tool that links skilled workers who have applied to migrate with vacancies in Australia.
The database contains educational, employment and work details of the migrants and identifies those who are interested in working in regional Australia.
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Migration expos
Employers can take part in migration expos held by government and the private sector in various countries. These aim to attract skilled workers to Australia. They provide a good opportunity for companies to promote themselves and meet potential employees. Among the options currently available are:
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Recognising skills and qualifications
A free service is provided by
Skills Recognition Services (SRS) to help employers find people with the right skills and qualifications. SRS plays a key role in recognising the overseas qualifications of migrants to help fill local skills shortages.
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Sponsored migration
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) helps employers fill full-time positions using skilled people from overseas or temporary residents already in Australia. The positions must be available for a minimum of two years. Unless considered an 'exceptional appointment', the migrant must:
The main steps to recruit someone through the RSMS program are:
Step 1Nominate a temporary resident or someone from overseas.
Step 2
Send an RSMS nomination form (PDF 178KB) to Immigration SA and provide supporting documentation outlined in the RSMS Employer application checklist (PDF 75KB).
Step 3
Await approval from Immigration SA - usually within 28 business days. This is based on demonstrating that the position:
- cannot be filled from the local labour market
- is available for at least two years
- is skilled to the extent that it requires a person with at least Diploma level qualifications to undertake the duties
- meets the standard Australian award and working conditions.
Step 4
Seek clearance from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and, once approved, the employee can apply for a visa.
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Other visas
There are also a number of temporary and permanent visa options that are solely administered by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship employers may wish to consider. These include the:
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship employs an Industry Outreach Officer who can provide information about the 457 and ENS visa options. Contact details:
Mr Jan Schmortte
Department of Immigration And Citizenship
Level 4, 55 Currie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Phone: 0434 076 437
www.immi.gov.au
jan.schmortte@immi.gov.au
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Employing migrants and overseas student graduates
In South Australia, many migrants arrive on the Provisional Skilled Regional Sponsored visa (subclasses 475/487/495). Although these are regional visas, the holders are legally eligible to work anywhere in South Australia, including Adelaide.
Overseas student graduates may also remain in Australia following graduation from their studies on a Skilled Graduate Temporary visa (485 visa).
All of these visa subclasses (475/487/495/485) allow full work rights. The holders can work full-time or part-time. Indeed, obtaining employment is a pre-requisite for provisional migrants or temporary visa holders to achieve the often desired outcome of a permanent residency visa.
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Advertising jobs
Very few industries and employers - the Defence sector is one - have legitimate reason to routinely restrict employment opportunities to permanent residents. However, many employers advertise positions with explicit reference to permanent residents only.
To have access to a larger pool of suitable applicants, employers should avoid discriminatory restrictions, whether explicit or implicit.
When in doubt, phone Immigration SA on (08) 8303 2420 or the Employers' Immigration Hotline 1800 040 070 operated by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). They can verify the employment rights of migrants on all visa classes.
Alternatively, employers can verify the employment rights online of all visa subclasses on DIAC's website.
Immigration SA has also prepared a letter (PDF 97KB) for use by provisional visa-holders to explain their work rights to potential employers.
All employers are encouraged to read this letter and include such visa-holders in their selection process.
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More information
Other websites
Skilled Migration information for SA Employers - Immigration SA
Frequently asked RSMS questions - Immigration SA
Employer sponsored migration - Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
Downloads
RSMS fact sheets - Immigration SA