Experience-based skilled migrants soon to be allowed Australian visas through Pathway D solution

Pathway D was designed for skilled workers who had no formal qualifications, but were qualified in other ways - primarily through work experience.  Pathway D allowed skilled workers in this category to successfully navigate the Skills Assessment stage of the Australian visa application process.

Pathway D was closed by the DEEWR in September, 2007.  The closure adversely affected thousands of would-be migrants; skilled tradespeople were particularly hard hit, with many finding that they were no longer eligible to migrate to Australia.

The DEEWR is collaborating with the MIA to develop a new alternative to Pathway D.  An announcement from the Department is expected to include information about the consultation process with the MIA and their solution to finding a path for experienced tradespeople to migrate to Australia.

The MIA has indicated that it will lobby vigorously for an alternate pathway to allow skilled tradespeople with experience-based expertise to migrate to Australia.  This may include an effective skill-testing arrangement so that potential migrants can demonstrate their skills to an assessing body.

The announcement from the DEEWR is expected on August 1.

Australia needs skilled workers: anyone interested in migrating to Australia should complete an online assessment to see if they qualify for skilled migration to Australia.