The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government assists local employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas by certifying that the nominated position meets certain skill/salary criteria, before the application is lodged with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
Employers can sponsor skilled workers for Permanent Residence under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS). The RSMS Subclass 119/857 Visa enables Canberra employers to fill 'skilled' positions, on a permanent basis, with non-Australian citizens, where they have been unable to fill a vacancy from the local labour market or through their own training programs.
From 14 September 2009, amendments to the Migration ACT 1958 and associated regulations came into effect as part of the 'worker protection' reforms. As a result, regional concessions are no longer available under the Temporary Business (long stay) subclass 457 visa program.
Important Notice:
Due to the 1 July changes to the Skilled Migration Program, complete 'decision ready' applications (hard copy) should be lodged with our office by 1 May 2012 in order to be processed by 29 June 2012. Applications received after 1 May 2012 are unlikely to be processed before 29 June 2012.
For more information visit the Business and Industry Development website.
