Guidelines for Successful Settlement under the SIR (495) Visa

The Skilled Independent Regional Visa (495) requires all participants to independently manage their own migration process. This includes travel to the region, seeking accommodation, meeting employment criteria by registering with a trade or professional organisation and finding employment. Successful settlement requires skilled migrants to undertake their own research, to be resourceful and to be proactive in preparation for living and working in a regional area.

Government authorities expect that each SIR Visa holder has undertaken their own research, understands the choice they have made and the associated responsibilities prior to arriving in Australia.

People participating in the SIR visa program are seeking to apply for Permanent Residency (PR). To successfully manage a pathway to PR it is critical that you understand and comply with all the requirements of your visa. It is the responsibility of the visa holder to ensure that they and their family meet the visa criteria.

1.  Understanding your VISA requirements
   
   The Department of Immigration And Citizenship (DIAC) is the Federal Government authority that reviews visas throughout Australia. There are 2 essential requirements that must be met under the SIR visa:
   
   1.1 SIR Visa participants must live in a Regional Area of Australia for a period of 2 years or more.
   
   1.2 SIR Visa participants must work in a Regional Area of Australia full-time
   (more than 35 hours per week) for a period of 12 months or more.
   
   An application for Permanent Residency (PR) will require each participant to demonstrate that they have complied with the conditions of their visa. You can do this by:
   
   1.3 Keeping accurate records of residing in a Regional Area. This might include receipts for accommodation, accounts for gas, electricity and phone, bank statements that identify direct debits for payment of rent or personal mail addressed to you and your family while you are living in a regional area.
   
   1.4 Keeping accurate records of working in a Regional Area. This might include letters of acceptance for employment, pay slips, payment to bank accounts, taxation payments or correspondence with your employer. 
   
   It is the responsibility of each SIR visa participant to manage their own records and compile the evidence that will demonstrate that they have met the visa conditions. It will be easier for all participants if they begin to collate this information from the beginning of their stay in a regional area. 
   
   You can check visa conditions and related matters by visiting the DIAC website: www.immi.gov.au
    
2. Contacting your Sponsor & Registering with The State Government of Victoria
   
   Each SIR participant is sponsored by a State or Territory Government. Because you have nominated to live in the State of Victoria your Sponsor is the State Government of Victoria.
   
   Sponsorship relates to the visa process only and does not include any financial assistance. Under your current sponsorship you are eligible to live anywhere in Regional Victoria. You cannot live or work anywhere in Melbourne or the surrounding Metropolitan area. If you are unclear about this requirement you should seek clarification through DIAC (you can use the postcode search via www.immi.gov.au). Working or living in an area that does not comply with your visa may lead to deportation or an unsuccessful Permanent Residency application.
   
   Should you decide to move from one regional area to another within the State of Victoria you should contact your sponsor and notify them of this change. The Skilled Migration Unit (SMU) will provide contact details related to your new regional area.
   
   It is important that you demonstrate to your Sponsor that you are a responsible SIR participant. You can do this by undertaking the following actions:
   
   2.1 Notify your sponsor the State Government of Victoria that you have arrived in a Regional area:
   Contact the Skilled Migration Unit (SMU) by emailing:
   skilledregional@liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au
   
   2.2 Request a referral letter from the State Government of Victoria. The letter provides official evidence of the status of your visa and offers Local and State Government contacts. This document will assist you when seeking accommodation and finding employment. The Referral letter will be forwarded directly to you by email. Obtain the letter by sending your request to SMU:
   skilledregional@liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au
   
   2.3 Register for attendance at a SIR induction Session: this FREE 2 day course is conducted every 6 to 8 weeks and offers essential information on finding employment in the Victorian workplace. Qualified and experienced instructors provide valuable advice on resume writing, responding to a position description and job interview skills. To enroll contact SMU on:
   skilledregional@liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au
   
   2.4 Contact the Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU): if you hold a professional or trade qualification advice on the status of that qualification should be sought through the Overseas Qualifications Unit (www.employment.vic.gov.au). This unit of the Victorian Government is equipped to assess off-shore qualifications and provide verified papers that ensure Victorian employers understand and recognise the qualifications of overseas qualified migrants. You can contact this group by email at:
   oqu@employment.vic.gov.au
   
   2.5 Keep your Sponsor informed of your progress: Skilled migrants should keep the State Government of Victoria informed of their progress throughout their visa period. This is a simple task and requires a short email once every six months directed to the Skilled Migration Unit with an update on employment, training, change of residential address, an update on contact details or other issues that may be relevant. The State Government of Victoria may advocate on your behalf when you and your family apply for Permanent Residency. As your Sponsor they can only do this if you keep them informed of your progress.
   
   You can review migration information provided by the State Government of Victoria by visiting: www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au
    
3. Contacting Local Government in the Geelong and Colac Region
   
   The Geelong Regional Migration Incentive Fund (RMIF) provides advice to SIR visa participants and their families. The program is not a recruitment or employment agency and does not provide accommodation services or financial assistance. However the RMIF is able to provide advice on how to link to services and make the most of regional opportunities.
   
   If possible you should contact the Geelong and Colac Region prior to arrival, advice and information will be forwarded to you that will assist your relocation.
   
   If you have nominated the Geelong and Colac Region as a place to live and work it is important you also understand that all SIR visa participants are eligible to work in any regional area of Victoria. If you relocate to another region from Geelong or move to Geelong from another regional area you must notify the State Government of Victoria and the relevant RMIF Coordinator. 
   
   When you arrive in the Geelong Region it is advised that you undertake the following tasks:
   
   3.1 Contact the RMIF Officer: at the City of Greater Geelong. To ensure accuracy it is preferred that you send an email message as your first contact. Your message should include: your name, family profile, contact details, a short description of your skills and anticipated date of arrival. The person to contact is Ms Manon Asarfi, RMIF Officer:
   masarfi@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
   
   3.2 Collect a welcome pack: from the City of Greater Geelong. These are available each weekday 8am to 5pm from the customer service desk at City Hall, Gheringhap Street Geelong. The Welcome Pack contains information that will help you get started. Included are maps, a bus timetable, a calendar and publications about Council services. An important inclusion is a copy of the Info Pages that lists contacts for temporary accommodation, real estate agents and employment agencies.
   
   3.3 Enroll in a Geelong SIR information session: Sessions are conducted once every two weeks and provide valuable information on how to manage your independent visa process. An invitation will be sent by email through the RMIF program. The person to contact is Ms Manon Asarfi, RMIF Officer on:
   masarfi@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
   
   3.5 Request a referral letter: if you have not already done so you should request a Referral Letter. This document is provided by the State Government of Victoria and assists when seeking accommodation and employment. Forward a request for the Referral letter to:
   masarfi@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
   
   3.6 Access to internet services: you can obtain free access to internet services at all public libraries. The addresses of all libraries located within the City of Greater Geelong can be found in the Family Fun booklet contained within your Welcome Pack. You will need to join to Library to gain access to this free service.
   
   Five municipalities operate across the Geelong and Colac RMIF region. You can find further information about Local Government by visiting the following web sites:
   
   City of Geelong                  www.geelongaustralia.com.au
   Colac Otway Shire            www.colacotway.vic.gov.au
   Golden Plains Shire           www.goldenplains.vic.gov.au
   Surf Coast Shire                www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au
   Borough of Queenscliffe   www.queenscliffe.vic.gov.au
    
4. Local support for migrants in the Geelong Region
   
   DIVERSITAT: New migrants arriving in the region should make contact with the local Migrant Resource Centre, this organisation is called Diversitat. The main office of Diversitat is located at:
   153 Pakington Street, Geelong West.
   Diversitat has been established in Geelong for over 30 years and offers support and advice to migrants and their family members. Information about Diversitat and the services it provides can be found at:
   www.diversitat.org.au
   
   
5. Seeking an Australian Tax File Number
   
   All legitimate work undertaken within Australia will require an Australian Tax Number (ATN). To obtain an ATN you will need to contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Temporary residents need to complete the residency test with the ATO to determine the rate of tax they will need to pay. If you do not obtain an ATN your employer may be required to deduct tax at a much higher rate than you would ordinarily pay. 
   
   Find out more information and apply for an ATN on line:
   www.ato.gov.au
   or visit the local office and apply for an ATN in person:
   Australian Tax Office, Brougham Street, Geelong
   
   Only legitimate work can be used toward meeting criteria to apply for Permanent Residency.
   
   
6. Finding employment and linking with Employment Agencies
   
   For some new migrants finding employment in their skill area is one of the most difficult tasks they undertake. Due to strong competition in the Geelong Region it is not unusual for people to be unemployed for a period of 3 to 4 months. Many people are also underemployed, working in an area that require less experience and different qualification than they offer. If this is your experience you should try and use this period well and learn about what local employers are expecting from their workforce. 
   
   There are a number of different methods for identifying job vacancies in the Geelong and Colac Region:
   
   6.1 Local news papers: it is critical that you obtain (copies of) the Saturday and Wednesday edition of the Geelong Advertiser. Employers advertise their vacancies in these papers. Copies can be accessed at all libraries.
   
   6.2 Employment and Recruitment Agencies: many vacant positions are not advertised. Over 40 local agencies provide services to the regions to 13,000 businesses, placing the right people in the right position. A vital link to employers is through Employment Agencies.
   
   6.3 The community network: many positions are offered through "word of mouth". This requires someone to know something about you and your qualifications and experience. As a new resident to the region it is difficult to link into the local network. You can improve your opportunities by linking into a local organisations, sporting club, interest groups or voluntary organisations. Often it is the people that you meet that offer you that important first opportunity.
   
   6.4 Use the web: there are a number of sites that can link you to job opportunities. SIR visa participants should familiarize themselves with these sites, download job descriptions and learn about what employers are seeking. Some sites you should visit include (but not limited to):
   www.careerone.com.au
   www.mycareer.com.au
   www.seek.com.au
   
   Prior to contacting Employment Agencies ensure that your resume meets Australian Standards. If you are concerned about this factor you should seek professional advice. SIR induction sessions conducted each 6 to 8 weeks by the State Government of Victoria offer important information on collating a resume, responding to job vacancies and preparing yourself for the Australian workplace (refer item 2.3).
   
   Where possible make sure that your qualifications have been verified through OQU (refer item 2.4)
   
   While it is preferred that you work in your skilled area SIR visa participants are permitted to work in alternative fields and may work in unskilled areas. While this meets DIAC criteria for fulltime work it is preferred that all participants continue to seek work in their skill.
   
   
7. Applying for a JSSO (Job Seeker Search Only) number
   
   All SIR visa holders and their partners are eligible to apply for a Job Seeker Search Only (JSSO) number. This number will provide access to job vacancies listed on touch screens located at Centrelink and Job Network Offices. If you experience difficulties obtaining the JSSO you should contact the local RMIF Coordinator.
   
   Apply for a JSSO at any Centrelink or Job Network office.
   
   
8. Seeking Accommodation
    
   Accommodation usually means committing to a rental property for a 6 month lease. Cost varies with location
   If you do not have own transport you should select a place that is close to public transport, a shopping centre or school.
   
   
9. Seeking Migrant Support & Language Classes
    
   A range of providers offer English Language Classes. These include:
   Diversitat: www.diversitat.org.au
   The Gordon Institute of TAFE: www.gordontafe.edu.au
   AMES / GATE located at North Geelong Secondary College: www.gate.vic.edu.au (free English classes for dependants)
   
   
10. Getting to know your neighbourhood / Public Transport / Schools / Activities
     
    The Geelong Info Pages www.geelonginfo.com  can provide you with contact details for schools / community & sporting groups / multicultural groups / business / employers.
    
    For information about schools visit www.employment.vic.gov.au
    
    Public Transport is a limited resource in the Geelong area. Timetables can be purchased from individual bus companies and details can be found on their websites.
    www.vline.com.au for train details
    www.mcharrys.com.au and www.kefford.com.au for bus details
     
11. The information set out on this sheet is a guide only and should be reinforced by each migrants own knowledge.
    The information above is a guide only. Full details of PR requirements will need to be verified by DIAC.
    
    The 495 Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) visa has been offered to participants willing to undertake independent visa management. It is expected that people participating in the program will manage their visa and pathway to Permanent Residency independently. 
    
    It is important to understand that no financial assistance is available through Centrelink or other Government agencies. In response it is critical that each SIR Participant and their family develop a strategy that will ensure their financial independence. 
    
    Government support for SIR migrants focuses on information services can be accessed at:
    www.immi.gov.au 
    www.LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au
    www.geelongaustralia.com.au