The Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP) is a new visa program for eligible UK citizens, managed by DFAT. It offers two streams: Early Careers (12 months) and Innovation (3 years), with no sector restrictions.
Applicants need confirmed employment in Australia and meet specific criteria. Processing is fast, with DFAT processing applications within 7 days. MIA will host sessions for members to learn more.
Program Streams
- Early Careers Stream: Designed for tertiary-qualified individuals aged 21-45, with a minimum of three months’ employment in their current role. This 12-month visa stream targets occupations defined at ANZSCO Skills Levels 1-3.
- Innovation Stream: Tailored for highly skilled and experienced applicants who have made significant contributions to innovation in any sector. This merit-based stream has no age cap and focuses on occupations at ANZSCO Skill Level 1.
Application Process
- All applicants must secure prospective employment in Australia, confirmed through a letter of offer or employment contract.
- No sponsorship from Australian employers is required, and traditional labor market testing is not applicable.
- Successful applicants receive a letter of support from DFAT to apply for a Temporary Work (International Relations) subclass 403 visa under the Government Agreement stream.
Key Details and Eligibility
- 1000 places are available across both streams until June 2024, with an additional 2000 places until June 2025.
- Applicants planning to work in licensed or registered occupations must already hold Australian licenses, registrations, or certifications.
- The program welcomes UK citizens already working in Australia to participate.
Fast-Tracked Processing
DFAT’s efficient processing ensures swift turnaround times, with applications typically processed within 7 days. This streamlined approach underscores the government’s commitment to facilitating international talent exchange and fostering global collaboration in innovation and early-career development.
Member Sessions and Support
The MIA will soon host sessions for members on the new visa pathway. Members can ask the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) representative questions. The MIA will have a platform available to support them.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
- As the IECSEP continues to unfold, it promises to reshape the landscape of international career exchanges, fostering collaboration and innovation between Australia and the UK.
- Stay tuned for further updates and advancements in this pioneering initiative.
This comprehensive guide sheds light on the Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot, inviting aspiring professionals to seize the moment and embark on a transformative journey towards career excellence in Australia.
To discuss the latest immigration updates and visa processing, please get in touch with our expert team at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com to arrange an online consultation. 
