Fast-track Australian visas for US construction workers

United States, 3rd April: Australia is all set to lure increased number of US construction workers by offering fast-tracked Australian visas.

Such US workers will be needed to work on mining projects in Australia.

Reformed licensing rules for US workers—Australia is going to introduce several reforms in licensing rules to enable US skilled workers including electricians and plumbers gain licenses for working in a trade.

Normally, it takes a couple of months before US construction workers are granted licenses to work in Australia. And they are at a risk of rejection in case their skill-sets are not in accordance with Australian standards.

However, thanks to the proposed changes to Australian visa rules, US skilled workers will gain pre-arrival certainty about working in Australia in their respective trade after coming here. Assessment process for skilled American workers will be overhauled in April this year.

Faster 457 Australian visa processing—Under an agreement, the Australia government will offer fast-tracked Australian visas to skilled American workers. This step by Australia will help in attracting US workers with requisite skills to move and work in Australia, said Australian immigration minister Chris Bowen.

This will encourage US construction workers to immigrate to Australia while providing skills in great demand in the nation.

According to Australian Immigration Department-DIAC (Department of Immigration), out of total 457 Australian visa applications received between July and February 2012, Americans comprised around 7 percent of applicants. Chris Evans, Australian Skills Minister, said Australian government’s decision will help smooth the route for recognition of trade skills of American workers for working in Australia.

Only a reasonable number of American workers were coming to Australia under its temporary migration program.

Now, US engineers and other skilled workers will, no longer, face longer waiting times, thanks to new approved process of hiring workforce in Australia.

So, the Australian government has been undertaking discussions with US firms and the US ambassador for quite some time to address skills shortage in Australian economy, he maintained.

For the first time, Australia will hold its overseas Skills Australia Needs Expo in America for attracting skilled Americans to work in Australia, clarified immigration minister Bowen.