An opportunity exists for MIA Queensland members to learn more about streamlined visa pathways for UK and Indonesian citizens under the Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP) and the Skills Development Exchange Pilot (SDE Pilot).

The IECSEP is a new visa pathway for eligible UK citizens to work in Australia. IECSEP is offered across an Early Careers stream (12-month visa) and an Innovation stream (3-year visa). IECSEP participation is available to higher-skilled UK citizens in the UK, as well as those already working in Australia on a valid visa. 

The SDE Pilot provides a visa pathway for Indonesians to build skills and cultural understanding through work placements with host organisations in Australia. The SDE Pilot is available to organisations in the agriculture, finance, mining, telecommunications and tourism sectors, as well as organisations operating in the green and creative economies. Work placements can be for up to 12 months.

There is no requirement for Australian businesses to sponsor applicants under these pilot programs, and labour market testing and TSMIT are not applied. Successful IECSEP and SDE Pilot applicants enter Australia on a Temporary Work (International Relations) subclass 403 visa Government Agreement stream. Applications for both programs are open now.  

Officers from DFAT will be providing briefing on both these pilot programs between 12pm to 1pm on Wednesday 12 June, at the DFAT Queensland State Office, Level 16, 150 Charlotte Street Brisbane 4000. Numbers will be limited.