ACECQA to become migration assessing authority

Effective 16 November, the Australian Children’s Education & Care Authority, (ACECQA), will become an authority for assessing applications for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional subclass 494 visa scheme in the child care centre manager and child care worker categories. 

The change comes amidst the replacement of the old 187 visa with the new potentially more attractive 494 visa which has been designed to incentivise more overseas skilled workers to migrate to Australia and settle in regional communities where skills gaps exist. 

The change will be of interest not only to those working in these roles and seeking to immigrate to Australia, but also to those with a responsibility for HR functions within the early childhood education and care (ECEC) context. 

Under the previous rules Trades Recognition Australia were the key assessing body responsible for providing an assessment service for people with trade skills gained overseas for the purposes of migration when it came to child care related roles. Moving forward ACECQA will assume responsibility for this function. 

Successful applicants will need an employer to commit to offering a suitable position to the candidate for at least three years, and have at least three years relevant skills experience approved by ACECQA. 

Should these core criteria and other secondary criteria be met the applicant will receive a five year 494 visa and the option to apply for permanent residence after three years.

ACEQCA have highlighted their new responsibilities in an update on their website which can be found here and committed to providing full details, including application forms and assessment requirements ahead of the changes taking effect on 16 November 2019.  

The legislation confirming the change can be found here.