In today's rapidly changing job market, ensuring a skilled and sustainable workforce is essential for the prosperity of any region. In Western Australia (WA), the State Government is proactive in investing in initiatives that prepare locals for future job opportunities while also acknowledging the importance of retaining skilled migrants and attracting international talent. To address this need, WA has introduced the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP), a ground-breaking initiative that supports the construction industry in filling the demand for a skilled workforce.
What is the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP)?
The Construction Visa Subsidy Program is a visionary initiative aimed at supporting Western Australian construction businesses. It provides grant payments of up to $10,000 to facilitate skilled migration visa pathways for workers. These grants help offset various expenses associated with migration, such as migration agent fees, visa application fees, and relocation costs. The program offers two streams: CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream and CVSP State Nominated Stream, catering to both employers and independent skilled migrants.
Benefits of the CVSP
The CVSP offers several benefits to eligible employers and skilled migrants:
CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream
- Eligible employers can receive payments of up to $10,000 per skilled migrant at three milestone points:
- Milestone 1: $2,000
- Milestone 2: $4,000
- Milestone 3: $4,000
CVSP State Nominated Stream
- Eligible skilled migrants applying for their visa offshore can receive payments of up to $10,000 at two milestone points:
- Milestone 1: $5,000
- Milestone 2: $5,000
- Skilled migrants already onshore when the CVSP commences will receive reduced payments, reflecting lower costs incurred by onshore applicants:
- Milestone 1: $2,500
- Milestone 2: $2,500
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How to Apply for the CVSP
CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream
To be eligible for the CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream, employers must:
1. Sponsor a skilled migrant in visa subclasses 482, 494, or 186.
2. Be headquartered and undertaking building and construction work in Western Australia in an eligible occupation.
3. Follow these steps:
Step 1: If you are making a milestone 1 claim for one skilled migrant, complete the CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream – Milestone 1 – Claim Form, agree to comply with the program's Terms and Conditions, declare your intent to become a sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs, and submit your completed claim form.
Step 2: If you are making milestone 1 claims for two to five skilled migrants, complete the Milestone 1 Claim Form, comply with the program's Terms and Conditions, declare your intent to become a sponsor, provide a brief outline of planned work, and submit your claim form.
Step 3: For claims involving six or more skilled migrants, complete the Milestone 1 Claim Form, comply with the program's Terms and Conditions, provide confirmation of registration as a sponsor, submit a business plan, and describe your plans for onboarding and supporting skilled migrants.
Step 4: Register with the Skilled Migrant Employment Register (SMER) to find skilled migrants or engage a registered Migration Agent for assistance.
Step 5: Apply to become a sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs and nominate an occupation and skilled migrant.
Step 6: Complete Milestone 2 and Milestone 3 Claim Forms after your skilled migrant's visa has been granted and they have started employment.
CVSP State Nominated Stream
Independent skilled migrants must:
1. Be granted a visa through the WA State Nominated Migration Program in visa subclasses 190 or 491.
2. Be employed by a business headquartered in WA that undertakes building and construction work in an eligible occupation.
Steps for Independent Skilled Migrants:
Step 1: Lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect to indicate your interest in WA State Nomination.
Step 2: Register on the Skilled Migrant Employment Register (SMER) to connect with eligible employers or consider hiring a registered Migration Agent.
Step 3: After State Nomination and visa approval, register your arrival and visa approval with Migration Services.
Step 4: Start your employment with an eligible employer, receive your first payslip, and complete Milestone 1 Claim Form.
Step 5: After six months of work in WA's construction industry, complete Milestone 2 Claim Form to receive your final payment.
For more detailed information and to access the necessary forms and documents, visit the official website
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