The Impact of Australia's Migration Strategy on Global Talent Acquisition
Australia's companies need help attracting and retaining top talent in the global market. With Australia's skilled migration program as a key lever, you must optimize your talent strategy.
This article analyzes Australia's visa programs relative to talent hubs worldwide. Assessing the competitiveness of Australia's migration system can inform your efforts to leverage policy for acquiring talent. We examine recent visa changes, processing times, retention outcomes, etc.
Our analysis equips you to maximize existing programs while advocating refinements. You can thrive amid intense competition with savvy navigation of the global talent landscape.
Australia's Migration Strategy for Attracting Global Talent
Attracting Highly Skilled Workers
To remain competitive globally, Australia implemented a points-based skilled migration program to attract top talent worldwide. The points-based system awards points for age, English language ability, education, and work experience.
Those who achieve a minimum threshold of points can apply for permanent residency. This strategy has successfully attracted highly educated and skilled workers to fill labor gaps, especially in the healthcare, engineering, and information technology industries.
Providing Pathways to Permanent Residency
Australia offers several visa pathways that can lead to permanent residency and citizenship. Options like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 190) allow skilled workers to migrate permanently to Australia with their families. The security of a pathway to residency is appealing to highly skilled workers looking to relocate internationally.
A High Standard of Living
Australia is an attractive destination for global talent because of employment and residency opportunities and the high standard of living. Australia has an excellent universal healthcare system, low crime rates, stunning natural surroundings, and vibrant, culturally diverse cities.
The combination of economic and lifestyle factors makes Australia a compelling choice for highly skilled migrants looking to settle long-term in a new country.
Australia has established itself as a premier destination for attracting and retaining top global talent through a strategic migration policy, pathways to permanent residency, and an exceptional quality of life.
How Australia Competes for Skilled Workers Globally
Attractive Visa Programs
Australia offers appealing visa programs targeting skilled workers, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). These visas provide paths to permanent residency and citizenship.
The relative ease of securing permanent residency and citizenship in Australia compared to other destinations makes it an attractive choice for in-demand talent.
Competitive Salaries
Salaries for in-demand occupations in Australia are competitive on a global scale. For example, according to the 2020 Hays Salary Guide, the average salary for IT professionals in Australia is AU$ 108,000. Software engineers in Australia earn a median wage of AU$105,000. These salaries are comparable to or higher than salaries for equivalent roles in major tech hubs like San Francisco or London.
High Standard of Living
Australia frequently ranks highly in quality of life indexes thanks to factors like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and work-life balance. The natural beauty, outdoor lifestyle, and vibrant cities on offer in Australia are appealing to many skilled migrants.
Achieve Migration helps companies leverage Australia's unparalleled lifestyle to attract and retain top talent worldwide.
Targeted Migration Programs
The Australian government actively seeks to attract migrants with skills in areas in which they are in short supply, such as healthcare, engineering, and IT. Programs like the Skilled Occupation List and Regional Occupation List identify in-demand roles and prioritize visa applications for those occupations.
The Global Talent Independent Program provides a fast track to permanent residency for highly skilled individuals in target sectors like fintech, medtech, ag-tech, and space.
Competitive salaries, an enviable lifestyle, and strategic migration policies allow Australia to attract skilled migrants in a global market. Companies should work with registered agents like Achieve Migration to optimize talent acquisition and retention strategies.
Visa Programs for Companies to Retain Top Talent
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is ideal for companies seeking to retain highly skilled workers. This permanent residency visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government agency and meet a points test based on age, English ability, and work experience to be eligible. Once granted, this visa provides a pathway to citizenship and allows companies to keep top talent long-term.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa provides a pathway for companies to sponsor skilled workers to fill positions they cannot fill locally. It leads to permanent residency and citizenship.
To nominate an employee, companies must show they are actively and lawfully operating in Australia, the position cannot be filled locally, the employee has the necessary skills, and the pay and employment conditions meet Australian standards. Employees must meet skills, English language, health, and character requirements.
Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482)
For companies needing to fill short-term skilled labor shortages, the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa allows them to sponsor workers for up to four years. Workers can renew their visas for another four years. While not a permanent solution, it does provide companies flexibility in meeting short-term demands.
The requirements are similar to the Employer Nomination Scheme but without the pathway to permanent residency. The visa allows for family members to join the primary applicant.
By utilizing these visa programs, companies in Australia can attract and retain highly skilled foreign workers to fill roles they cannot fill locally. A combination of temporary, employer-sponsored, and permanent visas provides flexibility in developing a long-term global talent acquisition strategy.
With strategic immigration planning, companies can ensure they have access to the skills and expertise they need to remain competitive worldwide.
Working With a Migration Consultant on Your Visa Application
Engage an Accredited Migration Agent
To navigate the complex Australian visa system, it is highly advisable to engage the services of an accredited migration agent, preferably a Registered Migration Agent or RG146-compliant lawyer.
These professionals have the expertise and experience to guide you through the visa application process. They can determine the most suitable visa option based on your unique situation and requirements.
Documentation and Form Filling
A migration agent can assist you in preparing the necessary documentation to support your visa application. They will also help you complete the relevant forms accurately and submit a compelling visa application on your behalf. This helps minimize the chances of errors that could delay your application's processing.
Interview Preparation
If an interview is required for your visa application, a migration agent can help prepare you for it. They can provide an overview of the potential questions that may be asked and advise you on appropriate responses.
Their coaching will help you make a good impression during the interview and address any concerns the case officer may have regarding your application.
Submission and Follow-up
Your migration agent will submit your completed visa application and supporting documents on your behalf. After the application has been submitted, they will continue to monitor its progress and address any requests for further information from the relevant government department.
Migration agents can also provide updates on the status of your application and notify you once a decision has been made.
Engaging an accredited migration agent for your Australian visa application is a worthwhile investment.
Their expertise and experience navigating the complex visa system provide valuable guidance and support. Partnering with a professional also helps to put you in the best position for a successful visa outcome. For companies, migration agents are essential in facilitating the visa process for recruiting and retaining top talent from overseas.
Conclusion
The evidence shows Australia must continue evolving its migration strategy to stay competitive in the global race for talent. While the nation has made substantial efforts thus far, more work remains to align the highest-demand skills with the candidates recruited through policy incentives.
As a company invested in retaining your best workers, partner with policymakers to amplify the voices of employers. Share insights on talent needs and provide feedback on proposed changes.
Together, advocate for policy that serves both Australia's innovation goals and your business objectives. Though challenges persist, the nation has demonstrated responsiveness to stakeholders.
Engage productively in ongoing reforms to shape an agenda that powers growth, secures strategic skills, and cements Australia's standing as a preferred destination for global talent in your field.