ACS i.e. Australian Computer Society is an authorized leading authority association that designed ACS RPL Skill Assessment to assess the skills and knowledge of the candidates applying for Australia Immigration. ACS is the skills assessing authority for all the ICT or computing professionals for migration.

What is ACS Skill Assessment?

ACS SKILL ASSESSMENT is a pathway for the migration process. ACS assess your skills, knowledge and experience you have in the particular ICT field and if your skills are positively assessed then you will have a chance to get PR Visa in Australia.

RPL stands for Recognition of Prior Learning which is a process of assessment of an individual’s skills and knowledge acquired through formal, informal or non-formal learning and who are willing to migrate to Australia.

What is RPL for Australia Immigration?

Recognition of Prior Learning is the process of assessment of skills and knowledge of the candidates who are willing to migrate to Australia. Professionals from other countries with no ICT degree i.e. tertiary qualifications or insufficient ICT qualifications are required to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to ACS for Australia Skilled Migration by submitting RPL report form for ACS skill assessment.

Why RPL is mandatory?

If you want to migrate to Australia and get PR Visa, then RPL is the most essential. You can’t begin your permanent residency (PR) process without clearing this ACS RPL skills assessment.

What is the format for ACS RPL Report?

For Australia Skilled Migration, the applicants have to submit ACS RPL form and explain that they have necessary skills that ACS required. The ACS Skill Assessment allows the candidates without ICT or insufficient ICT qualifications to showcase the skills they have acquired. There is a section in the RPL report called “Key areas of knowledge” in which the individual can include a maximum number of areas they are skilled or they have acquired the knowledge. The ACS RPL report is mostly for those candidates who have ICT knowledge or skill but not similar to that of a degree in Australian universities but have professional experience in the ICT sector. These candidates can apply for ICT Skills Assessment via RPL assessment process. Their acquired knowledge covers ACS RPL Project Report Form and addressing as many of the areas referred to in the Key Areas of Knowledge they consider. The ACS RPL Report form must include the following two sections: Section 1 – The Key Areas of Knowledge Section 2 – The Project Report Forms

How many project report form is required to submit ACS?

For RPL Assessment, applicants are required to submit two Project Reports through ACS Project Report Form (RPL) . In one report, the project that is undertaken in the last three years should be mentioned, and in another report, the project undertaken in the previous five years. Each reports must provide a detailed description of a career episode in the employment history with sufficient detail of evidence in applying the claimed knowledge in a working situation. Sufficient detail must be provided to demonstrate the depth and breadth of ICT knowledge gained during applicant’s ICT employment.

Is there any chance to get your RPL rejected?

Yes, of course. If you don’t properly write your RPL, know all the possible reasons for RPL rejection. Despite being careful while writing your RPL report, you may commit some mistakes and those mistakes will lead to negative assessment or RPL rejection from ACS. Understand all the things you need to know while writing an RPL report positively. If you are still worried about getting your RPL rejected, you can simply hire professional RPL writers to get your RPL positively assessed.

What is ACS Key Areas of Knowledge in RPL?

The ACS Key Areas of Knowledge is SECTION 1 that you need to fill up in the RPL report form. In this section, you have to clearly mention all your experiences and qualifications that meet the selected topics of Areas of Knowledge. You need to explain clearly how your experience and qualifications match the chosen fields and explicitly how and where you obtained the information.

Can we take professional help for RPL project submission for ACS assessment?

Yes, of course, you can. ACSRPLAustralia.com has a team of professional RPL writers who help you and assist you in RPL writing and getting your RPL positively assessed.

What is ANZSCO CODE? Why it's necessary to match and mention the occupation list with the particular ANZSCO code for ACS SKILL ASSESSMENT ?

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is a skill-based classification system used to classify all occupations and jobs available in the Australian and New Zealand labour markets. Yes, its necessary to match and mention the ANZSCO code, If the assessor finds that your application is unsuitable under the nominated occupation, a suitable ANZSCO may be suggested IF there is a clear alternative. If the recommendation is accepted it does incur an additional fee of $200.

Can changes be made to your ANZSCO nomination if your application is in the process?

Once the assessment process has commenced, it will NOT be possible to change the ANZSCO code.

What is an employment reference letter? Why it's essential?

An employment reference letter or say a recommendation letter is a written document that includes the entire assessment, professional skills, work, and experiences of an individual, thereby emphasizing his/her abilities to perform particular tasks. Employment reference is very essential for non ICT professionals to prove their level of knowledge and skill equivalent to those with ICT degrees. A perfect employment reference helps a lot in getting a positive assessment from ACS for Australia Immigration.

Do employment reference letter get rejected? If yes, Why?

Yes, the employment reference letter also gets rejected. If your employment reference letter doesn’t meet the standard of ACS then your assessment will be a failure. So, make sure the following things: ● Do not copy-paste from the websites or other resources. ● Show clear start and end dates in the letter. ● Make sure the duties you mention in the employment reference letter matches the nominated occupation (ANZSCO).

What is PTE for Skill Assessment?

In accordance with the standpoint series of this event, you can parallel undertake ACS and PTE. Both of these demands a fair amount of time which suggests completing PTE first and then begins with ACS. Approximately AUD 500 is considered as ACS skill assessment fees. Accounting the financial insights, there does not exist any point to apply for. ACS if you don’t not clear PTE which implies to score less than 65 regarding a section. To further apply for EOI, you require accounting for the PTE score even after having a positive ACS assessment. Hence, the PTE is considered a crucial element that is likely to be preferred first, followed by that they must move towards ACS. However, despite acquiring long term orientation, it is suggested as quality PTE and ACS document preparation time which is likely to be considered as crucial. In case of seeking help about ACS RPL report or discussion about migrating in Australian premises, ACSRPLAustralia.com can be contacted. ACSRPLAustralia.com has a dedicated team of the Best Native Australian Engineering RPL experts and we provide the best RPL report within a week with the assurance of 100% Positive assessment.

Is there an alternative to an employment reference letter? If yes. what is it?

Yes, If you are unable to get an employment reference letter from a company, you have to explain as to why an employment reference letter cannot be obtained. Then a third party official Statutory Declaration or Affidavit written by a work colleague can be submitted along with one of the following as supporting evidence: ● Employment certificate/statement of service. ● Leaving certificate if no longer working at the same company. A Statutory Declaration or Affidavit is written by a work colleague must describe the working relationship with you and details of your duties performed with relevant dates of employment. It must clearly state that the document was ‘Sworn Before’ or ‘Signed Before’ or ‘Witnessed Before’ the authorised witness by the referee and signed by the authorised witness, along with the date and place in which the declaration was witnessed.

What is the working hour assessed as suitable by ACS?

Full-time work is considered to be 20 hours or more per week and must be stated in the employment reference letter. Any experience less than 20 hours per week will be assessed as unsuitable.

What is Statutory Declarations and Affidavits?

A Statutory Declarations and Affidavits is an alternative to the employment reference letter, a legal written document declared as valid and signed in the presence of an authorised witness when an applicant is unable to get an employment reference letter from the company.

SkillSelect is the latest online program developed by the Australian government that enables skilled workers who are interested to migrate to Australia to be eligible for a Skilled Australian Visa. Applicants to have to submit an EOI using SkillSelect.

What is EOI for Australia Immigration? Why it's necessary?

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a form of applying to demonstrate your interest in applying for a Skilled Visa to migrate to Australia. EOI is an online application form that the applicant must fill out using the website of the Australian Government usually referred to as Skillselect. Your EOI will be audited by the Australian Immigration and Border Protection Department and if your EOI gets accepted then they will invite you for PR application.

Onshore and Offshore visa application process in Australia

Australia has been a dream destination for many seeking a new life or better opportunities. Understanding the visa application process is crucial if you’re considering moving to Australia.

You have a wide range of visa options for Australian immigration. Among many visa options, a partner visa is categorized into onshore and offshore.

A partner visa in Australia is a visa that allows a partner, whether in a husband/wife relationship or a de facto relationship, to reside in the country temporarily or permanently. The partner must be in a relationship with an Australian permanent resident, an Australian citizen, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

The Australian Partner Visa allows an Australian citizen’s spouse or de facto partner to reside and work in Australia. There are two methods to apply for this visa: the Onshore Partner Visa application (subclass 820/801) or the Offshore Partner Visa application (subclass 309/100).

Starting with their basic descriptions, Australia’s Onshore and Offshore visa application processes differ significantly. An offshore visa application is made while you are outside of Australia. If you apply for your visa while in Australia, this is referred to as an “onshore application.”

This article will explore the distinctions between these application types and provide essential tips for successful visa lodgement.

Understanding Onshore and Offshore Visa Applications

Onshore partner visa subclass (820/801)

If you decide to apply for your Australian visa onshore, you must be physically present in Australia both during the application and when the visa is granted. During the onshore application, you’ll be granted a Bridging Visa, which allows you to stay in Australia while waiting for your substantive visa to be processed.

There are different types of Bridging Visas, each with specific conditions. Some may restrict you from leaving Australia while your main visa application is in progress, while others may only allow you to work once your primary visa is finalized.

Remember that onshore applications generally take longer to process than offshore applications and may involve higher fees.

The onshore partner visa is divided into two stages:

Stage 1: Initial application for the temporary (subclass 820) and permanent (subclass 801) partner visas

Stage 2: The second stage is lodged 2 years after the first stage to demonstrate the ongoing nature of the relationship.

To obtain a permanent Partner visa (subclass 801), you must first be granted a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820). For the initial application (stage 1), you need to meet the essential criteria, which include being the spouse (married) or de facto partner of

an Australian citizen,
eligible New Zealand citizen, or
a permanent resident of Australia.

Moreover, for stage 1, you must be in Australia during the lodgment and when the subclass 820 visa is granted. However, for stage 2, you can apply from within or outside of Australia, and the subclass 801 visa can also be granted in either circumstance.

Benefits of getting an Onshore Visa

Applying for an onshore Partner visa grants you access to Medicare throughout the processing period. The current processing time for most stage 1 applications is 21 months. After your visa expires during the application process, you will automatically be granted a Bridging visa A (BVA), allowing you to work and study full-time. If you must travel outside Australia and return, you can apply for a Bridging visa B (BVB) to facilitate your re-entry.

Offshore partner visa subclass (309/100)

The process of immigrants applying for an offshore or permanent resident visa for Australia while outside Australia. You must be abroad when you apply for the visa and when your visa is approved.

Does this mean you can’t visit Australia before your visa is granted? Not at all. You are welcome to obtain an Australian visiting visa and continue with your application process.

Once the Australian migration department is ready to finalize your application, they will notify you, and you can leave Australia for the visa to be processed. You don’t have to return directly to your home country; you can consider a vacation to New Zealand or any other location outside Australia if you wish to travel. However, you must be outside Australia for the visa to be granted.

If you are contemplating a move or need advice on which visa suits your circumstances best, contact our professionals for expert guidance.

The offshore partner visa is divided into two stages:

Stage 1: Initial application for the combined temporary (subclass 309) and permanent (subclass 100) partner visa.

Stage 2: Submitted 2 years after Stage 1 to demonstrate the ongoing nature of the relationship.

To obtain a permanent Partner visa (subclass 100), you must first receive a temporary Partner visa (subclass 309). Like the onshore partner visa, you need to meet the essential criteria, which include being the spouse (married) or de facto partner of an

Australian citizen,
eligible New Zealand citizen, or
a permanent resident of Australia.

The main difference in the application process is that you must be outside Australia when lodging stage 1, and the subclass 309 visa is also granted while you are outside the country. Another distinction is that you can apply for an offshore partner visa based on an ‘intended’ marriage if you are married when a decision is made on the application. For stage 2, you can apply from within or outside Australia, and the subclass 100 visa can be granted in either circumstance.

Benefits of getting an Offshore Visa

After applying for an offshore partner visa, you can still travel on a temporary visa, like a visitor visa, while processing your application. One advantage of applying for an offshore Partner visa is the potentially shorter processing times for stage 1, usually taking around 13 months for a decision to be made. However, a drawback is that you may have to live apart from your partner for at least one year. Nevertheless, the offshore partner visa could be the ideal choice if other avenues to enter Australia are not viable.

Once the visa is granted, you can access benefits like Medicare, the option to work and study full-time, the freedom to travel to and from Australia as frequently as desired, and the opportunity to attend free English classes.

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Requirement for getting a partner visa in Australia

The primary eligibility criteria for both onshore and offshore partner visas are as follows:

The applicant must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
Age must be below 18 years.
Satisfy the health and character requirements of the DHA or immigration department.
Must not owe any money to the Australian government.
Provide evidence to prove the relationship is genuine and ongoing, including family gatherings, marriage certificates, or joint accounts.
If the applicant is in a de facto relationship, there must be evidence that the relationship has been ongoing for over a year.

After satisfying the eligibility requirements and agreeing to the visa conditions attached to the partner visa, the applicant can apply for a partner visa.

Onshore and Offshore Visa Process

The combined visa subclasses 820/801 and 309/100 application process typically involves two stages. Initially, the partner is granted a temporary visa (820 or 309). Subsequently, two years after lodging the combined applications, the Immigration Department will begin assessing the permanent visa application (100 or 801). The permanent visa will be approved if the Immigration Department is satisfied that the partner’s relationship with their eligible sponsor remains genuine.

Sometimes, certain partners may be eligible for immediate permanent residency after receiving the temporary visa. This applies to couples demonstrating an eligible relationship:

Lasting for at least 3 years, or
Existing for at least 2 years, along with having a child or children together.

Additionally, those holding a subclass 309 visa or applying for the 820/801 visa may also be able to secure permanent residency if their relationship breaks down due to domestic violence or if the eligible sponsor passes away.

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Pathways for Partner Visas Depending on Sponsor and Relationship Status

The table below summarizes the various partner visa pathways:

More Visa Options

Prospective Marriage visa

A prospective marriage visa is a type of visa that allows someone to come to Australia to marry their Australian fiancé. It is for people who are engaged to be married and want to move to Australia to get married and live with their partner as a spouse after marriage. The visa is usually valid for 9 months and requires the couple to marry within that period to apply for a spouse visa afterward.

Bridging visa

When applying for an Australian onshore visa, one visa may expire before the approval of the next one. In such situations, a bridging visa serves as a crucial solution. Acting as a bridge, this temporary visa allows the applicant to stay in Australia while their paperwork is being processed, ensuring they avoid any legal issues associated with unauthorized residence.

Bridging visas come in various types, each offering different benefits and restrictions. Some bridging visas permit work, while others may not. Additionally, certain visas govern the holder’s ability to travel internationally.

Moreover, a bridging visa can also be advantageous for those applying for an Australian offshore visa, enabling the applicant to travel to and from the country. However, it is highly recommended to consult an immigration expert before international travel to ensure a smooth border-crossing experience without legal complications.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between Australia’s onshore and offshore visa application processes is vital for anyone considering immigration.

Each approach has unique advantages and challenges tailored to diverse circumstances and preferences. For onshore applicants, the ability to lodge their visa application while already in Australia provides opportunities for bridging visas and continued legal presence during processing.

Conversely, offshore applicants may benefit from more straightforward processing pathways and reduced competition for visa quotas. Whether one chooses to apply onshore or offshore, seeking professional advice and guidance is crucial to navigate the complexities of the Australian visa system successfully. By being well-informed about these distinctions, aspiring migrants can make informed decisions that align with their goals and ensure a smoother and more successful visa application journey.

ACSRPLAustralia can explain these onshore and offshore partner visas to the applicant. However, both these carry similar rights and eligibility requirements. Also, you can get information about skill assessment, RPL reports, and related services with positive assessments.