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The Western Australia State Government has introduced the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP), an initiative to strengthen its workforce and meet the growing demands of the construction industry. This program provides grants of up to $10,000 to facilitate skilled migration visa pathways for workers.
These grants specifically alleviate expenses related to migration agent fees, visa applications, and relocation costs. By implementing the CVSP, Western Australia is forging a path towards cultivating a diverse and dynamic workforce. This strategic approach fulfills the current needs of businesses and contributes significantly to the state’s economic growth and competitiveness. To secure a strong workforce for the future, the Western Australia State Government is actively investing in local training initiatives. They recognize the significance of not only training locals for upcoming jobs but also retaining skilled migrants and attracting workers from other regions or countries with the expertise needed by WA businesses.
Construction Visa Subsidy Program Grants Overview
1. For Eligible Employers:
Receive payments up to $10,000 per skilled migrant.
Distributed across three milestone points:
- Milestone 1: $2,000
- Milestone 2: $4,000
- Milestone 3: $4,000
2. For Eligible Offshore Skilled Migrants:
Payments totaling up to $10,000.
Structured across two milestone points:
- Milestone 1: $5,000
- Milestone 2: $5,000
3. For Eligible Onshore Skilled Migrants (CVSP Commencement):
Adjusted payments reflect lower onshore costs.
- Milestone 1: $2,500
- Milestone 2: $2,500
This tiered approach ensures flexibility and fair distribution of financial support based on the unique circumstances of employers and migrants.
Applying for Construction Visa Subsidy Program Employer Sponsored Stream
To apply for the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP) under the Employer Sponsored Stream, employers must meet the following criteria:
1. Visa Sponsorship:
Sponsor a skilled migrant under one of the specified visa subclasses: 482, 494, or 186.
2. Location Requirement:
Headquarters and engagement in building and construction work must be in Western Australia.
Meeting these criteria is essential for employers seeking to avail themselves of the CVSP benefits under the Employer Sponsored Stream.
Milestone 1 Claim Process for CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream:
Claim Process For One Skilled Migrant:
- Complete the CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream – Milestone 1 – Claim Form.
- Agree to comply with the Construction Visa Subsidy Program Terms and Conditions.
- Declare the intent to become a sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs and sponsor a skilled migrant.
- Submit the completed claim form.
For Two to Five Skilled Migrants:
- Complete the CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream – Milestone 1 – Claim Form.
- Agree to comply with the Construction Visa Subsidy Program Terms and Conditions.
- Declare the intent to become a sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs and sponsor skilled migrants.
- Provide a brief outline of planned and upcoming work, including the occupations your sponsored skilled migrants will be working in.
- Submit the completed claim form.
For Six or More Skilled Migrants:
- Complete the CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream – Milestone 1 – Claim Form.
- Agree to comply with the Construction Visa Subsidy Program Terms and Conditions.
- Confirm registration as a sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs.
- Provide a business plan demonstrating the need for additional skilled workers, including the occupations your sponsored skilled migrants will be working in.
- Describe your plans for onboarding and supporting your skilled migrants.
- Submit the completed claim form.
This structured process ensures clarity and thorough documentation for different scenarios of Milestone 1 claims under the CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream.
Applying for Construction Visa Subsidy Program State Nominated Stream
Eligibility Criteria for Independent Skilled Migrants: To qualify for the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP) under the State Nominated Stream, independent skilled migrants must:
- Be granted a visa through the WA State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) in visa subclasses 190 or Subclass 491.
- Be employed by a business headquartered and engaged in building and construction work in WA.
- Work in an eligible occupation.
Application Steps
1: Lodge Expression of Interest (EOI) in Skill Select:
- Express interest in WA State Nomination through Skill Select.
2: Connect with an Eligible WA Employer:
- If not linked with an eligible WA employer, enter details on the Skilled Migrant Employment Register (SMER).
- SMER allows you to express your interest in working in WA and provides a platform for employers to connect with you.
- Optionally, engage a registered Migration Agent for assistance.
3: Post Visa Grant Procedures:
- Upon State Nomination approval and visa grant by the Commonwealth’s Department of Home Affairs, register your arrival and visa approval with Migration Services.
This streamlined process ensures a clear pathway for independent skilled migrants to apply for the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP) State Nominated Stream, fostering a connection between skilled individuals and employers in Western Australia.
Building and Construction Occupations – Visa Availability
Note: The table below outlines the visa availability for various building and construction occupations under the Employer Sponsored (482, 494, 186, 190, 491) State Nominated (SNMP), and Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) categories.
| ANZSCO Code | ANZSCO Name | Subclass 482 | Subclass 494 | Subclass 186 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 | DAMA Flag |
| 133111 | Construction project manager | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 133112 | Project builder | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| 232111 | Architect | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 232112 | Landscape architect | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 232212 | Surveyor | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 232611 | Urban and regional planner | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 233211 | Civil engineer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 233213 | Quantity surveyor | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 233214 | Structural engineer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 312111 | Architectural draftsperson | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 312112 | Building associate | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| 312113 | Architectural, building, and surveying technicians NEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| 312114 | Construction estimator | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 312115 | Plumbing inspector | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| 312116 | Surveying or spatial science technician | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 312199 | Building and Engineering Technician NEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 312211 | Civil engineering draftsperson | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 312212 | Civil engineering technician | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 312311 | Electrical Engineering Draftsperson | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 312312 | Electrical Engineering Technician | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 312911 | Maintenance planner | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| 312999 | Building and engineering technician NEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| 331111 | Bricklayer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 331112 | Stonemason | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 331211 | Carpenter and joiner | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 331212 | Carpenter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 331213 | Joiner | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 332111 | Floor finisher | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| 332211 | Painting trades worker | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 333111 | Glazier | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 333211 | Fibrous plasterer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 333212 | Solid plasterer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 333311 | Roof tiler | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 333411 | Wall and floor tiler | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 334111 | Plumber (general) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 334115 | Roof plumber | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 334112 | Air conditioning and mechanical services plumber | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 334113 | Drainer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 334114 | Gasfitter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 341111 | Electrician (general) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 341112 | Electrician (special class) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 341113 | Lift mechanic | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 342111 | Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 342411 | Cabler (data and telecommunications) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 362213 | Landscape gardener | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 362711 | Landscape gardener (DAMA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 394111 | Cabinetmaker | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 399912 | Interior decorator | Yes | Yes | ||||
| 399918 | Fire protection equipment technician | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 511111 | Crane, hoist, or lift operator | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| 712111 | Crane, hoist or lift operator | Yes | Yes | ||||
| 721211 | Earthmoving plant operator (general) | Yes | Yes | ||||
| 721212 | Backhoe operator | Yes | Yes | ||||
| 721214 | Excavator operator | Yes | Yes | ||||
| 721216 | Loader operator | Yes | Yes | ||||
| 721915 | Road roller operator | Yes | Yes | ||||
| 821211 | Concreter | Yes | Yes | ||||
| 821712 | Scaffolder | Yes | Yes | ||||
| 821713 | Steel fixer | Yes | Yes | ||||
| 821912 | Driller’s assistant | Yes | Yes |