Complete Step by step Guidance of Immigration to Australia

Skilled Migration for Permanent Residency in Australia can be applied through different visa options. However, as I have a knowledge and experience of only two visa options so I will be detailing the procedure of these two options (189 and 190). Disclaimer of this guidance is that, this guide is only for information purposes. Based on my experience and research, I am sharing this information which may change over the time so do your own research as well.

An Interesting Pathway For Recent Graduates With Occupation In Sol

Especially for those graduates who have very low GPA's and couldn't find any scholarship/job opportunity. You can hard work to get 8 bands in IELTS or 79 score in PTE-A and you are most likely eligible to apply for PR based on your degree. The typical breakdown of points for graduates if you get PTE-A/IELTS score mentioned above would be,

1. Age (25-32) -> 30 Points
2. Bachelors with honors/Masters related to occupation in SOL -> 15
3. IELTS 8bands each or PTE-A score of 79 in each module -> 20
4. If you meet this criteria you are eligible to apply for Skilled independent visa 189. For more information, read the attached document.

You can apply for PR based on your occupation/nominated occupation in Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL). Following are the main/common/popular visa categories for Permanent Residency (PR) application based on your skills and occupation.

Skilled Independent Australian Visa (subclass 189)

Step 1: Check minimum points required to be eligible for this visa application.

Online points calculator (3rd party link): https://www.acacia-au.com/skilled-migration-points-test.php

You need at least 60 points if you are applying in Electronics/Electrical/Telecommunication engineering skilled occupation. However, some occupations require around 65 or 70 points to get the invitation timely. Research immitracker website (link given in the end) to estimate the invitation and visa approval based on your points, nationality, occupation, etc.

Step 2: Select/nominate your occupation based on your academic qualification/experience in respective occupation list

Link: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L00850 (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL))

Step 3: Get an assessment of nominated occupation from respective assessing body mentioned in occupation list.

Step 4: Check eligibility, documents required (document checklist).

Document Checklist: https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/189-/Skilled-Independent-visa-(subclass-189)-document-checklist

Step 5: Once you have an assessment and completed rest of the documents, then, signup for Skills Select to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Link: https://skillselect.gov.au/SKILLSELECT/ExpressionOfInterest/PreReg/Start

Step 6: You will be then sent an invitation to apply for visa (time for invitation varies, research your expected invitation time from Immitracker). Here, you will need to submit visa fee and all other documents. This is almost the pre-approval step. Once you apply the visa, if you are in Australia you can get bridging visa. 

After that, you wait for the outcome of your visa application.

Skilled Nominated Australian Visa (subclass 190)

The key difference of 190 is that you have to live in a state which sponsor you for two years. You have to live and work in that particular state. However, if you don’t get professional job related to your occupation, then you have to request the state to release you for relocation. The rest process is similar to 189 visa except you have to get state sponsorship as well.

Step1: Check minimum points required to be eligible for this visa application.

Online points calculator (3rd party link): https://www.acacia-au.com/skilled-migration-points-test.php

You need at least 55 points if you are applying in Electronics/Electrical/Telecommunication engineering skilled occupation. However, some occupations require around 65 or 70 points to get the invitation timely. Research immitracker website (link given in the end) to estimate the invitation and visa approval based on your points, nationality, occupation, etc. You will get 5 more points if you get state sponsorship from your specified state.

Step 2: Select/nominate your occupation based on your academic qualification/experience in State/Territory Nominated Skilled Occupations List 

Link: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L00850 (Additional occupations included in the STSOL will, however, also be available to you.)

Step 3: Get an assessment of nominated occupation from respective assessing body mentioned in occupation list.

Step 4: Check eligibility, documents required (document checklist).

Document Checklist: https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/190-/Skilled-Nominated-visa-(subclass-190)-document-checklist

Step 5: Once you have an assessment and completed rest of the documents, then, signup for Skills Select to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and also select state/region you want to apply for sponsorship.

Link: https://skillselect.gov.au/SKILLSELECT/ExpressionOfInterest/PreReg/Start

Note: 

Each state has its own occupation in demand list which changes over time. You need to check if your occupation is listed for sponsorship in particular state or not. Australian states are New south Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, Victoria. Once selected date approves your sponsorship, they will send you invitation to apply for visa.

Step 6: You will be then sent an invitation to apply for visa (time for invitation varies, research your expected invitation time from Immitracker). Here, you will need to submit visa fee and all other documents. This is almost the pre-approval step. Once you apply the visa, if you are in Australia you can get bridging visa. After that, you wait for the outcome of your visa application.

Assessment from Engineers Australia for Professionals

Firstly, you need to download and carefully read the Migration Skill Assessment booklet available at here.

As stated in booklet, if your qualification is accredited from Engineers Australia, Washington Accord, Sydney Accord or Dublin accord then process is relatively easier and simple. You can visit respective accord website to confirm if your degree is accredited or not.

1. If your degree (from Pakistan) is not accredited by any of these signatories, then you need to prepare three Competency Demonstration Reports (CDR) and one CDR summary.
2. These CDR’s should be prepared according to given guidelines in MSA booklet. One CDR demonstrates your skills which you used in any related engineering project in your career. 
3. You have to highlight how you specifically participate in the project, came up with solution of engineering problem and implemented the best engineering practices.
4. I would strongly recommend to first understand the CDR summary template given by Engineers Australia and then write your CDR by keeping these important points in mind. 
5. Once CDR and DR summary is ready, you can create online account for Migration Skills Assessment on Engineers Australia website and upload your documentation step by step.
6. If you have any specific questions or issues during the process, you can tag me in the comments. I will try my best to respond.