A Gateway to Career Advancement
Australia and the United Kingdom have come together through the innovative Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA). The outcome of this alliance is the Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP), presenting enticing opportunities for UK citizens to embark on the next chapter of their careers down under.
The Bridge to Opportunity
IECSEP is designed to fortify the existing connections between Australia and the UK by establishing a streamlined pathway for early-career professionals and accomplished innovators from the UK. This initiative comprises two key streams:
Stream 1: Early Careers Skills Stream This avenue allows participants to engage in short-term placements, secondments, or intra-corporate transfers, spanning up to one year in Australia.
Stream 2: Innovation Stream For individuals with a proven record of excellence in innovation, this stream opens doors to opportunities lasting up to three years in Australia.
The IECSEP program takes flight with 1,000 available visas in its inaugural year, with plans to increase to 2,000 in the program’s second year, pending a comprehensive review.
Seize Your Opportunity Now
Exciting news for aspiring professionals: IECSEP is now officially accepting applications. Prospective candidates can access application forms for both the Early Careers and Innovation streams on the program’s website.
The current application window will close at 11.59 pm (GMT) on Monday, 20th November 2023. Please note that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) reserves the right to close the round before the advertised date, with a 7-day notice on their website in such cases.
All IECSEP applicants must secure a confirmed job in Australia, substantiated by either a letter of employment offer or an employment contract and meet other specific criteria.
Meeting the Eligibility Standards
Eligibility for Early Careers Skills Stream:
To qualify for the Early Careers stream, applicants should:
- Be aged between 21 and 45 at the time of application.
- Hold tertiary qualifications.
- Have a minimum of three months of work experience in their current role, with prospective employment in Australia aligned with their field of expertise.
- Seek prospective employment in Australia within ANZSCO Skill Levels 1, 2, or 3 occupations.
Eligibility for Innovation Stream:
For the Innovation stream, applicants are expected to:
- Demonstrate a significant contribution to innovation.
- Possess a high level of skills and experience.
- Pursue prospective employment in Australia in an occupation classified at ANZSCO Skill Level 1.
All IECSEP applicants must confirm their UK citizenship and demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Australia ($5000 plus the fare to their next destination after Australia).
Successful IECSEP candidates will need to apply to the Department of Home Affairs for a Temporary Work (International Relations) subclass 403 visa under the Government Agreement stream, supported by a Letter of Support from DFAT.
Mutual Gains for Employers
IECSEP recognizes the pivotal role of innovation and skills mobility in the economies of both Australia and the UK. This program extends an exceptional opportunity for Australian employers to access innovative early-career professionals from the UK, opening doors for international career development among their key staff.
The Innovation stream fosters collaboration between highly experienced UK innovators and Australian organizations, with the opportunity for intra-corporate transfers. This benefits both sides by sharing expertise and promoting innovation.
In the Early Careers stream, Australian organizations can leverage 12-month secondments, placements, or intra-corporate transfers for early-career UK professionals, enhancing their skills and providing international experience.
