Construcciones Yamaro: IMMIGATE unlocks global talent for Australian construction

The Department of Home Affairs has introduced updates to its employer-sponsored visa program, now known as the 482 Skills in Demand Visa. (Image: krumanop/stock.adobe.com)

Australia’s construction industry is facing a critical skills shortage, but IMMIGATE is helping businesses access overseas talent to bridge the gap.

This shortage of skilled workers is delaying construction projects and increasing costs across Australia. Traditional recruitment methods – whether local hiring or labour hire – are failing to keep up. But an often-overlooked solution is already available: employer-sponsored work visas.

The construction skills shortage is driven by several factors. Intense competition within the industry makes it difficult for construction and engineering firms to attract and retain talent. Inadequate investment in training programs and apprenticeships has left too few new workers entering the industry to replace those retiring. Additionally, businesses often struggle to access skilled workers from overseas due to a lack of guidance and support in navigating migration pathways.

IMMIGATE, a specialist immigration agency, is helping construction businesses cut through red tape and secure the workforce they need to sustain and grow their operations.

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Expanding access to skilled workers

On 7 December 2024, the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) introduced updates to its employer-sponsored visa program, now known as the 482 Skills in Demand (SID) Visa. These changes make it easier for businesses to tap into global talent.

Diana Faraj, principal migration agent at IMMIGATE, says the revised program brings welcome improvements.

“DOHA has introduced a consolidated list of eligible occupations known as the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which includes a wide range of construction and engineering professions and introduces new roles such as building associates, trade technicians, other draftspersons, bricklayers and others,” says Faraj.

“The SID Visa also simplifies the application process for both migrants and employers, particularly for those nominated for high-salary roles (above $135,000) through the Specialist Skills Stream.

“The work experience requirement for nominated workers has been decreased from two years to one year, marking a positive change, particularly for recent graduates.

“Additionally, the SID Visa offers a straightforward pathway for sponsored workers to obtain permanent residency, presenting an appealing opportunity for overseas workers to work in Australia.”

Diana Faraj, principal migration agent at IMMIGATE. (Image: IMMIGATE)

The introduction of the new legislative changes marks a milestone in Australia’s skilled immigration policy. It expands immigration pathways to include more construction and engineering occupations, while also providing a more flexible and efficient route for employer-sponsored visas.

“For the industry, this is an opportune moment to leverage the benefits of these policy changes and start considering accessing overseas talent,” says Faraj.

For businesses needing immediate access to skilled specialists, the 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa offers an alternative. Designed for urgent short-term contracts or projects, it allows companies to bring in overseas workers for up to six months – without an English test or the usual sponsorship obligations.

“Once onshore, employers have the option to decide whether to extend a worker’s stay through the 482 SID Visa program,” says Faraj. “The average processing time for this visa is around four weeks, and its costs are generally lower than those of other sponsored visa programs.”

Beyond these visa programs, many construction companies overlook an important alternative: the Labour Agreement migration program, namely the Company-Specific Labour Agreement. This initiative allows businesses to negotiate tailored agreements with the Australian Government to address workforce shortages in specific roles that may not be covered under standard visa sponsorships.

“Despite its potential benefits, only around 40 Australian construction companies have access to such agreements,” says Faraj. “By securing a Labour Agreement, businesses can fill critical skill gaps with overseas talent when local hiring proves challenging. It also provides greater flexibility in employment conditions and broadens recruitment options.”

For construction firms facing workforce shortages, the program represents a strategic solution.

“While many migration agencies can outline available sponsorships, few truly understand the key prerequisites of these agreements. Even fewer have our level of experience in successfully negotiating and administering them,” says Faraj.

Guidance through the process

With 18 years of experience in employer-sponsored migration, IMMIGATE has helped construction businesses of all sizes navigate Australia’s complex visa system. Faraj, who founded the agency in 2008, is committed to making the process as simple and transparent as possible.

“IMMIGATE offers a personalised service that allows clients to engage in a non-traditional approach to client relationships,” says Faraj.

“Our focus is on building meaningful connections and understanding the unique needs of each client, rather than adhering to standard practices. We enjoy simplifying the immigration process for our clients, providing them with clear and easy-to-understand information instead of overwhelming them with complex legal jargon.”

As workforce shortages persist, employer-sponsored migration is a practical solution – and IMMIGATE is helping businesses make it happen.

Learn more about how IMMIGATE can assist with navigating the immigration process.

The post IMMIGATE unlocks global talent for Australian construction appeared first on Inside Construction.

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