Construction Visa Subsidy program

Date: 05 May 2023

The program will provide grant payments of up to $10,000 to support skilled migration visa pathways for workers and help offset expenses such as migration agent fees, visa application fees and relocation costs.

Introduction to the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP)

The State Government is investing in initiatives to ensure locals are training for jobs in the future. Still, there is a need to retain skilled migrants in WA and for interstate and overseas workers with the skills that WA businesses need today.

The new Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP) supports Western Australian construction businesses to fill the demand for a skilled workforce.

HOW MUCH CAN EMPLOYERS/APPLICANTS CLAIM?

Eligible Employers

Eligible employers can receive payments of up to $10,000 per skilled migrant at three milestone points:

Milestone 1 – $2,000
Milestone 2 – $4,000
Milestone 3 – $4,000

Eligible Skilled Migrants who apply for their Visa Offshore

Eligible skilled migrants who apply for their visa offshore will receive payments of up to $10,000 at two milestone points:

Milestone 1 – $5,000
Milestone 2 – $5,000

Onshore Skilled Migrants

Eligible skilled migrants who are already onshore when the CVSP commences, will receive payments that have been reduced to reflect the lower costs incurred by onshore applicants:

Milestone 1 – $2,500
Milestone 2 – $2,500

WA Employers (CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream) – Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the CVSP, employers must:

sponsor a skilled migrant in one of the following visa subclasses – 482, 494 or 186; and
be headquartered and undertaking building and construction work in Western Australia, in an eligible occupation(PDF document – opens in a new tab)[PDF 190 KB].

CVSP Independent Skilled Migrant Eligibility

To be eligible for the CVSP independent skilled migrants must be:

granted a visa through the WA State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) in one of the following visa subclasses – 190 or 491;
employed by a business headquartered and undertaking building and construction work in WA; and
working in an eligible occupation

HOW TO APPLY for the CVSP Program

Steps to Apply for CVSP Independent Skilled Migrant Program

Step 1: Complete the Application Form

If you are making a milestone 1 claim for one skilled migrant:

complete the CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream – Milestone 1 – Claim Form;
agree to comply with the Construction Visa Subsidy Program Terms and Conditions(PDF document – opens in a new tab)[PDF 497 KB];
declare your intent to become a sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs, and sponsor a skilled migrant; and
submit your completed claim form.

If you are making milestone 1 claims for two to five or five in total skilled migrants:

complete the CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream – Milestone 1 – Claim Form;
agree to comply with the Construction Visa Subsidy Program Terms and Conditions(PDF document – opens in a new tab)[PDF 497 KB];
declare your intent to become a sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs, and sponsor a skilled migrant;
provide a brief outline of planned and upcoming work including the occupations your sponsored skilled migrant will be working in; and
submit your completed claim form.

If you are making milestone 1 claims for six or more skilled migrants:

complete the CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream – Milestone 1 – Claim Form;
agree to comply with the Construction Visa Subsidy Program Terms and Conditions(PDF document – opens in a new tab)[PDF 497 KB];
provide your confirmation of registration as a sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs;
provide a business plan demonstrating the need for additional skilled workers, and include the occupations your sponsored skilled migrants will be working in;
describe your plans for onboarding and supporting your skilled migrants; and
submit your completed claim form.

Step 2: Register your details to access the Skilled Migrant Employment Register (SMER)

Step 2

If you have not already found a skilled migrant you would like to sponsor, register your details to access the Skilled Migrant Employment Register (SMER).

The SMER can help connect you with skilled migrants who have indicated that they are seeking employment opportunities in WA, including preferred occupation, current location and employment intentions.

Step 3 Apply to become a sponsor with the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs

Step 3

Apply to become a sponsor with the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs(opens in a new tab), and nominate an occupation and the skilled migrant you want to sponsor.

Step 4: Check Applicant Eligibility

Step 4

Work with your skilled migrant and/or Migration Agent, to select the visa that your skilled migrant is eligible for.

Your nominated skilled migrant should then lodge the visa application(opens in a new tab) through the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAcount(opens in a new tab) gateway service.

Step 5: Complete CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream – Milestone 2 – Claim Form

Step 5

When your skilled migrant’s visa has been granted, complete CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream – Milestone 2 – Claim Form to receive your second payment.

Step 5: Complete CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream – Milestone 3 – Claim Form

Step 6

When your skilled migrant has commenced employment with you and received their first payslip, complete CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream – Milestone 3 – Claim Form to receive your final payment.

Steps to Apply for WA Employers (CVSP Employer Sponsored Stream)

Step 1: Lodge your Expression of Interest

Lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect(opens in a new tab) to indicate your interest in WA State Nomination. Detailed information including a step-by-step process to apply for the WA State Nominated Migration Program can be found here .

Step 2: Enter your details on the Skilled Migrant Employment Register (SMER).

If you have not already linked with an eligible WA employer, you can enter your details on the Skilled Migrant Employment Register (SMER).

The SMER allows you to indicate your interest to work in WA and provides the opportunity for an employer to connect with you.

You may also choose to engage a registered Migration Agent(opens in a new tab) to assist you through the visa process.

Step 3: Apply for Visa

Once you have been approved for State Nomination and your visa has been granted by the Commonwealth’s Department of Home Affairs, register your arrival and visa approval with Migration Services(opens in a new tab)

Step 4: Receive First Milestone Payment

When you have commenced your employment with an eligible employer, and received your first payslip, complete the CVSP State Nominated Stream – Milestone 1 – Claim Form to receive your first payment.

Step 5: Receive Second Milestone Payment

When you have completed six months of work in WA’s construction industry, complete the CVSP State Nominated Stream – Milestone 2 – Claim Form to receive your final payment.