How to Apply for the Australian Construction Work Visa Subsidy Program 2024

Are you a skilled worker in the construction industry looking for an opportunity to work in Australia? If yes, then you might be interested in the new Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP) launched by the Western Australian government. This program aims to address the labour shortage in the construction sector by providing grant payments of up to $10,000 to support skilled migration visa pathways for workers. In this post, we will explain the eligibility criteria, the application process, and the benefits of the CVSP.

What is the CVSP?

The CVSP is a new initiative by the Western Australian government to attract and retain skilled workers in the construction industry. The program will provide grant payments of up to $10,000 to help offset expenses such as migration agent fees, visa application fees, and relocation costs for eligible workers. The program is open to both employer-sponsored and state-nominated skilled migrants who work in an eligible occupation in the construction sector.

Who is eligible for the CVSP?

There are two streams of the CVSP: the employer-sponsored stream and the state-nominated stream. To be eligible for either stream, you must work in an eligible occupation in the construction sector. You can find the list of eligible occupations here.

Employer-Sponsored Stream

To be eligible for the employer-sponsored stream, you must:

• Be sponsored by an employer in Western Australia that is headquartered and undertakes building and construction work in the state.
• Apply for one of the following visa subclasses: 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage), 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)), or 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent)).

State-Nominated Stream

To be eligible for the state-nominated stream, you must:

• Be granted a visa through the WA State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) in one of the following visa subclasses: 190 (Skilled Nominated) or 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)).
• Be employed by a business in Western Australia that is headquartered and undertakes building and construction work in the state.

How to apply for the CVSP?

The application process for the CVSP varies depending on the stream you choose. Here are the steps for each stream:

Employer-Sponsored Stream

• Step 1: Lodge a Milestone 1 Claim. You can do this by completing the CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream—Milestone 1—Claim Form.
• Step 2: Find a skilled migrant to sponsor. You can use the SkillSelect system to find and invite skilled workers who match your requirements.
• Step 3: Apply to become a sponsor. You can do this by submitting an application to the Department of Home Affairs and paying the relevant fees.
• Step 4: Assist your skilled migrant to lodge their visa. You can do this by providing them with a valid nomination and supporting documents.
• Step 5: Lodge a Milestone 2 Claim. You can do this by completing the CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream—Milestone 2—Claim Form after your skilled migrant has been granted their visa.
• Step 6: Lodge a Milestone 3 Claim. You can do this by completing the CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream—Milestone 3—Claim Form after your skilled migrant has commenced work with you.

State-Nominated Stream

• Step 1: Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. You can create an online profile and indicate your interest in applying for a state-nominated visa.
• Step 2: Connect with an employer. You can do this by searching for and applying for suitable job openings in the construction sector in Western Australia.
• Step 3: Register your visa approval. You can do this by completing the CVSP State Nominated Stream Registration Form after you have been granted your visa.
• Step 4: Lodge a Milestone 1 Claim. You can do this by completing the CVSP State Nominated Stream—Milestone 1—Claim Form after arriving in Western Australia.
• Step 5: Lodge a Milestone 2 Claim. You can do this by completing the CVSP State Nominated Stream—Milestone 2—Claim Form after you have commenced work with your employer.

What are the benefits of the CVSP?

The CVSP offers several benefits for both employers and workers in the construction industry. Some of the benefits are:

• For employers, the CVSP can help them fill the demand for a skilled workforce, reduce the cost of hiring and retaining workers, and access a pool of qualified and experienced workers.
• For workers, the CVSP can help them secure a job opportunity in Australia, receive financial assistance for their visa and relocation expenses, and enjoy the lifestyle and benefits of living and working in Western Australia.

Where to find more information about the CVSP?

If you want to learn more about the CVSP, you can visit the official website of the Migration WA or contact them via email at cvsp@migration.wa.gov.au. You can also consult a registered migration agent, who can advise you on your visa options and eligibility.