Further Changes to Essential Skills Visa Application Process

- Electronic signature changes

Paper applications normally require a hand-written signature. We understand this can be difficult when clients are based in a different location. To streamline the process, we are accepting electronic signatures from applicants. Please note that scanned signatures are not acceptable.

- Documentation for partners and dependent children

Medical and police certificates will NOT be needed from partners and dependent children of those applying for Essential Skills Visas if these were previously supplied with a visa application.

Print and complete the application forms for partners and dependent children to apply before 30 August 2021. Applicants will be able to apply online on the updated forms from 30 August 2021.

- Labour market test

Employers will NO longer need to meet a labour market test for applicants remaining in their full-time employment and not changing their role, employer or region of work.​

​- Changes to Essential Skills Visa application process

It is important that applicants provide the latest version of the Employer Supplementary Form.

To apply before 30 August 2021, print and complete the Essential Skills Work Visa (ESWV) Application Form. Applicants will be able to apply online from 30 August 2021.

​For applicants currently in the process of applying for an Essential Skills Visa online, we recommend waiting until 30 August 2021 when the updated online form will be available. Applications made using the original online form will still be eligible.