Information for Afghan refugees about skilled visa pathways

Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) is an international charity that helps refugees and other forcibly displaced people move on skilled visas to safe countries. Skilled migration may offer a lifeline to many Afghans fleeing the crisis.

Background

Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom now have special skilled visa programs for refugees and other people displaced by conflict and violence (see details below). Talent Beyond Boundaries has been directly involved in designing these visa programs, and we can assist displaced people to access them. We are also exploring skilled pathways to the United States.

To date, more than 600 refugees and displaced people have secured pathways to durable solutions in Australia, Canada and the UK through Talent Beyond Boundaries (including skilled workers and their family members).

Registering on the Talent Catalog

Refugees and other at-risk Afghans can sign up to the TBB Talent Catalog to share their skills and experience. TBB refers the CVs of candidates from the Talent Catalog to employers in Australia, Canada, the UK and the US who may be interested in their skills. If an employer is willing to issue a job offer, TBB can assist with the visa and relocation process.

Candidates can sign up to the Talent Catalog from inside Afghanistan, or from any other country. Simply go to tbbtalent.org, follow the prompts and enter as much information as possible.

Talent Catalog Registration

Who should sign up to the Talent Catalog

To be successful in securing an international skilled visa, candidates generally need:

• A functional level of English (minimum IELTS score of 4.5)

• A professional or trade qualification (higher education degree or vocational training – certificates not necessarily required) and/or two years of experience in a skilled occupation.

Candidates with the best chance of success in securing a job tend to be those in high-demand sectors and occupations, such as:

• Construction and engineering

• Finance and professional services

• Healthcare and aged care

• Technology

• Skilled trades such as butchers, fitters/welders, mechanics, and chefs

• Veterinary services

Note: Candidates are welcome to register on the Talent Catalog even if they are not in these high-demand areas.

FAQs

Can TBB help me get out of Afghanistan?

Unfortunately we are not in a position to assist candidates with evacuations. Visit the Afghanistan HELP website of UNHCR for information on support inside Afghanistan and relocation programs. If you relocate to another country remember to update your Talent Catalog profile with your location so we know how to reach you.

Am I guaranteed a job offer after I register?

No. Registering on the Talent Catalog does not guarantee you a job. While we aim to help all of our candidates, we cannot guarantee a job opportunity for everyone. Because of this, you should continue to pursue as many other options as you can.

I don’t speak English well, should I apply?

A functional level of English proficiency is essential to secure a work visa in an English-speaking country. However, if you are not proficient, we invite you to work to improve your English and register when you are ready.

What can I do to improve my chances of getting a job opportunity?

Enter as much information as possible into your Talent Catalog profile and keep it up to date. If you already have a CV in English, we strongly recommend you upload it on the Talent Catalog. This will help us find potential job opportunities for you.

Where can I find out more information about visa programs for skilled refugees?

You can visit the following websites:

• Australia: Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot (More information on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website).

• UK: Displaced Talent Mobility Pilot (More information on the Fragomen website).

• Canada: Economic Mobility Pathways Project.

I’m not sure if my profession/occupation is eligible for a skilled visa – should I register on the Talent Catalog?

Yes. If in doubt, please register on the Talent Catalog. We will let you know if an employer is interested in hiring you.

Each country has its own list of eligible occupations for skilled visas, and some of these are subject to change.

• Australia: Eligible occupations for the Skilled Refugee Pilot (list subject to change based on employer demand).

• UK: Eligible occupations for a Skilled Worker Visa.

• Canada: Information on the eligible occupations for different federal and provincial visa programs.

Do I need a passport? Do I need documents that prove my qualifications?

You do not need any of these documents to register on the Talent Catalog. A passport can make the migration process easier but it is not a requirement. Some skilled visa programs require official documentation of your qualifications, whereas others do not. If an employer would like to interview you, we will ask you which documents you have.

When will Talent Beyond Boundaries contact me?

We will only contact you if there is a job opportunity that matches the skills and expertise you described in your profile on the Talent Catalog. Given our limited resources, we can only get in contact with candidates who have skills that are matched to a job opportunity.

What happens after I register?

We receive your application and the details you have provided. If there are opportunities that match your skills, either now or in the future, we will get in touch with you using the details you have provided. Please keep your Talent Catalog profile updated if your circumstances change and as you add new skills and experience.

What happens if I secure a job myself with an employer in Australia, Canada, UK or US? Can TBB help me with the migration process?

TBB may be able to assist you, depending on the role you have secured and your specific circumstances. We can only assist candidates who sign up to the Talent Catalog. If you successfully secure a job and need assistance with the skilled visa and migration process you can reach out to info@talentbeyondboundaries.org to discuss your options.

Is my data secure on the Talent Catalog?

Yes. TBB has rigorous data security and privacy protocols and all personnel with access to your contact information and other personal data have signed a Confidentiality Agreement. Security protocols for the Talent Catalog are outlined in our Privacy Policy.

TBB shares information provided on a Talent Catalog profile with employers and recruitment partners in the destination countries where we operate for the sole purpose of identifying potential employment opportunities. You own the data you put on the Talent Catalog, and you can log in to update or delete that data at any time.

If I am successful in securing a job offer, how quickly will I be able to move?

Skilled visa processing times range from as little as 5 working days to 8 months, depending on the country and visa program. If you are successful in securing a job opportunity, TBB will be able to advise the likely timeframes.

If I secure a job offer and skilled visa, can I bring my family?

Yes. The primary visa applicant can bring their spouse or de facto partner as well as dependent children when accessing visa programs supported by TBB. Skilled visa programs generally do not allow you to include parents or siblings.

To register, please go to the main website