Aus Visa Library

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 121 and 856)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 121 and 856) visas were previously used for skilled workers to gain permanent residency in Australia through employer sponsorship, but they have been repealed.

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 121 and 856) visas were a part of Australia's migration program, designed to allow skilled workers to gain permanent residency in the country through employer sponsorship. However, it's important to note that these visas have been repealed and are no longer available for new applications. This article will delve into the details of these visas, their benefits and challenges, and provide valuable insights for those who may need to understand the historical context or current alternatives.

Overview of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 121 and 856)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) facilitated Australian employers in sponsoring highly skilled workers from overseas or from within Australia to fill positions that could not be filled from the local labor pool. The ENS comprised two visa subclasses:

  • Subclass 121: This was an offshore visa stream for individuals applying from outside Australia.
  • Subclass 856: This was an onshore visa stream for individuals already in Australia on an eligible visa.

Both visas offered a pathway to permanent residency, which was a significant attraction for skilled professionals worldwide.

Key Benefits and Features

  1. Permanent Residency: The primary benefit was the grant of Australian Permanent Residency (PR), allowing individuals and their families to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

  2. Access to Services: PR status granted access to Medicare (Australia's public health care system) and certain social security benefits.

  3. Educational Opportunities: Permanent residents were eligible for domestic tuition fees at Australian universities.

  4. Pathway to Citizenship: Holders could eventually apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency and other criteria.

  5. Employment Flexibility: Post-grant of the visa, individuals had the flexibility to change jobs without affecting their residency status.

Common Challenges and Solutions

  1. Skill Matching: One challenge was ensuring the nominated position aligned with the applicant's skills and experience. Employers and applicants needed to ensure proper documentation and evidence were provided.

  2. Employer Sponsorship: Finding an employer willing to sponsor the visa was often challenging. Networking and leveraging professional platforms could help identify potential sponsors.

  3. Regulatory Changes: Changes to migration policies could impact applications. Staying informed about current policies through reliable sources was essential.

  4. Visa Processing Times: Delays in processing were common. Ensuring all documents were complete and accurately submitted could mitigate this issue.

Common Professions and Eligibility Criteria

Typically, the ENS targeted professionals in high-demand occupations. Some common professions included:

  • Medical Practitioners
  • Engineers
  • IT Professionals
  • University Lecturers
  • Tradespersons like Plumbers and Electricians

Eligible applicants usually possessed:

  • Relevant qualifications
  • Adequate English proficiency
  • Necessary work experience
  • Relevant licensing or registration (if applicable)

Costs and Duration

While these visas are no longer available, understanding the historical cost structure can provide context:

  • Visa Application Charge: Primary applicants paid a fee, with additional charges for each family member included in the application.
  • Processing Time: Applications could take several months, subject to the completeness of documentation and demand.

Relevant Statistics

At the time when these visas were active:

  • Thousands of skilled workers benefited annually from the ENS.
  • Occupations in healthcare and engineering consistently topped the list for nominations.

FAQs

Q: Can I still apply for subclass 121 or 856 visas? A: No, these visas are repealed. You may explore current alternatives like the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa.

Q: What is the alternative for subclass 121 and 856 visas? A: Consider the subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) or the subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visas.

Q: Can I check the status of an old application for these visas? A: If you had an application in process before the repeal, you should contact the Department of Home Affairs for updates.

By understanding the framework of the repealed subclass 121 and 856 visas, prospective migrants can better navigate current options for Australian migration. For further details and guidance on Australia's dynamic visa options, visit ausvisalibrary.com to connect with expert migration providers.

Keywords: [Visas, Australian PR, Migration, Employer Nomination Scheme, Subclass 121, Subclass 856, Australian Citizenship, Skilled Workers]