The IECSEP program offers a streamlined mobility pathway as part of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA), providing eligible UK citizens with a temporary visa pathway to pursue their next career step in Australia.
IECSEP IS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS!
IECSEP offers two streams:
- Early Careers Skills Stream
Allows participants to undertake a short-term placement, secondment, or intra-corporate transfer for up to one year in Australia.
The current round has been extended and will now close at 11.59 pm (GMT) on 30 April 2024.
- Innovation Stream
Allows highly skilled and experienced with a demonstrated contribution to innovation, to undertake opportunities for up to three years in Australia.
Round 2 will close at 11.59 pm (GMT) on 30 April 2024.
The total number of visas available under the IECSEP will be 1,000 for FY2023/24, and 2,000 for FY2024/25, during which the program will be reviewed.
DFAT may close application rounds on a date before the advertised times above. Recently, DFAT representatives have indicated that the program is expected to stay open for applications until the end of the financial year if the visa quota is not met.
Benefits for Australian employers
Australian employers are not required to sponsor applicants and labour market testing and nominated occupation lists do not apply.
Successful IECSEP applicants will be provided with a letter of support by DFAT for the purposes of applying for a Temporary Work (International Relations) subclass 403 visa Government Agreement stream. DFAT is currently processing IECSEP applications within 7 days!
Requirements for all applicants:
- Citizenship: All applicants must demonstrate UK citizenship.
- Employment: All applicants must be employed for the duration of the planned stay and must provide a letter of employment offer or a contract from an Australian employer.
- Financial Means: Applicants should have adequate financial means to support themselves during their stay in Australia (minimum of $5000 plus the fare to the next destination after Australia).
Early Careers Skills Stream Eligibility:
- Age: Applicants must be between 21 and 45 (inclusive) at the time of application.
- Education: Hold tertiary qualifications.
- Work Experience: Have a minimum of 3 months experience in their current role, and prospective employment in Australia should align with their current field.
- Occupation: Prospective employment in Australia must be in an occupation defined at the ANZSCO Skill Levels 1, 2, or 3.
Innovation Stream Eligibility:
- Contribution to Innovation: Applicants must demonstrate a significant contribution to innovation.
- Skills and Experience: Be highly skilled and experienced.
- Occupation: Prospective employment in Australia must be in an occupation defined at the ANZSCO Skill Level 1.
There is no age cap for the Innovation stream.
Applications made under the Innovation stream are also assessed on merit criteria which will be reviewed and scored by DFAT. These scores will provide a basis for ranking eligible Innovation stream applications.
How to apply
- Apply using the IECSEP online application portal on the DFAT website.
- If eligibility criteria are met, DFAT will issue a Letter of Support.
- Apply to the Department of Home Affairs for a Temporary Work (International Relations) subclass 403 visa Government Agreement stream, accompanied by the Letter of Support issued by DFAT.
You must also meet the subclass 403 Government Agreement stream requirements.
Final thoughts
The introduction of IECSEP provides a win-win scenario for Australian employers and UK professionals. It benefits Australian employers by bringing in fresh talents and provides UK professionals with new, exciting career opportunities in Australia.
If you’re an Australian organisation eager to explore staffing opportunities under IECSEP, connect with your UK partners or qualified applicants in the UK. Similarly, UK organisations keen on staff development through IECSEP should reach out to their Australian counterparts.
Reach out to us today to explore the possibilities!
Changes to the migration program can occur without notice. The above information is not intended to be legal advice and is correct as of the date of writing this article.
Contact Migrations Affairs to speak with our immigration experts for tailored advice on the circumstances and eligibility.