AUSTRALIA IMMIGRATION NEWS – LATEST VISA UPDATES ON AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION

Sep 29th, 2020:

Sep 2nd, 2020:

A new priority skills list (PMSOL) and strengthened labour market testing will allow small numbers of sponsored skilled workers to return to Australia to fill urgent skills needs in critical sectors, helping to create Australian jobs and rebuild Australia’s economy.

The 17 occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) were based on advice from the National Skills Commission and consultation with relevant Commonwealth agencies and will be reviewed regularly.

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the changes would strike the right balance for Australia’s economic recovery.

“These occupations in the health care, construction and IT sectors will supercharge both our health and economic response.

“Visa holders, who have been sponsored by an Australia business in a PMSOL occupation can request an exemption from Australia’s travel restrictions, but will be subject to a strict 14 days quarantine on arrival at their own expense.”

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said the PMSOL would be complemented by strengthened labour market testing requirements.

“In addition to the current requirements of two national advertisements, employers must also advertise their vacancy on the Government’s jobactive wesbite,” Minister Cash said.

Existing skilled migration occupation lists will remain active and visas will still be processed, but priority will be given to those in occupations on the PMSOL.

The 17 occupations (ANZSCO code) are:

·         Chief Executive or Managing Director (111111)

·         Construction Project Manager (133111)

·         Mechanical Engineer (233512)

·         General Practitioner (253111)

·         Resident Medical Officer (253112)

·         Psychiatrist (253411)

·         Medical Practitioner nec (253999)

·         Midwife (254111)

·         Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (254412)

·         Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) (254415)

·         Registered Nurse (Medical) (254418)

·         Registered Nurse (Mental Health) (254422)

·         Registered Nurse (Perioperative) (254423)

·         Registered Nurses nec (254499)

·         Developer Programmer (261312)

·         Software Engineer (261313)

·         Maintenance Planner (312911)

Sep 2nd, 2020:

Sep 2nd, 2020:

Aug 28th, 2020:

Australian Capital Territory: ACT has opened nominations only for local Canberra residents for Critical skill occupations with very few nominations until October, understanding borders closed. There is a cap for each of the critical skill occupations they accept every month.

South Australia: South Australia announced that the occupation list will be announced in mid-October.

Rest all states also may announce the list after the budget session in October 2020

July 15th, 2020:

Telugu Language Announcement:

In response to requests, NAATI would like to announce that Telugu has been added in the Credentialed Community Language (CCL) Testing.

Candidates can submit CCL applications from 22nd July 2020 for testing due in late August 2020.

Test spots will be opened on 30th July 2020.

July 6th, 2020:

July 1st, 2020:

Queensland has announced that the migration program for the year 2020/21 will not be opened as of 1st July 2020.

BSMQ has been advised by the Department of Home Affairs (HA) that it will not be in a position to open the 2020/21 migration program on 1 July 2020.

As a consequence, BSMQ’s business and skilled migration program will remain closed on 1 July 2020 until further notice.

Note: BSMQ will not be accepting any Expressions of Interests (EOIs) submitted on Skillselect from 1 July 2020. We will post advice on this website, should the situation change.

July 1st, 2020:

Victoria state has updated that the state nomination program will remain temporarily closed and applicants have to wait for the further announcement regarding the same.

Below is the update from Victoria.

The Victorian Government’s state nomination program will remain temporarily closed while we await the Commonwealth Government’s allocation of state nomination places for 2020-21.

In the meantime, you will not be able to apply for the following state nomination visas:

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa
• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa
• Business Innovation stream (subclass 188A) (Provisional) visa
• Investor stream (subclass 188B) (Provisional) visa
• Significant Investor stream (subclass 188C) (Provisional) visa
• Entrepreneur stream (subclass 188E) (Provisional) visa
• Significant Business History (subclass 132A) (Permanent) visa
• Venture Capital Entrepreneur (subclass 132B) (Permanent) visa

The 2020-21 Victorian state nomination program will open at a date to be advised after further advice from the Commonwealth Government.

Applicants can still lodge Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Commonwealth’s Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect system. An EOI will be required before you can apply for a Victorian visa nomination.

June 29th, 2020:

The South Australia GSM program is scheduled to re-open from early August.

South Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program for the 2019/20 financial year has closed. Immigration SA will no longer be accepting applications for 190/491 state nomination visas. Applications received prior to program closure will continue to be processed.

The GSM 2020/21 program year is scheduled to re-open from early August. Information relating to updated occupation lists, nomination requirements, and criteria will be made available closer to the program launch date.

June 8th, 2020:

ACT State Sponsorship Update: Results of Invitation round for Canberra Matrix

ACT has invited the applicants to apply for state sponsorship. The following are the details of the Invitation Round that took place on 03/06/2020. Please note that in order to apply for the state sponsorship with ACT we need to first file the Canberra Matrix and get an invitation to apply for state sponsorship.

CANBERRA MATRIX – INVITATION ROUND

Invitation date: 3 June 2020

ACT 190 Nomination – invitations issued: 81

All Matrix submitted: 110 to 70 points
ACT 491 Nomination – No invitations were issued as there are sufficient 491 applications in the queue to meet the 2019/20 annual allocation of 491 nomination places.

June 5th, 2020:

Changes in ACS Migration Skills Assessment:

Changes in Assessment of ANZSCO Unit Group 2621.
Acceptance of Electronics subjects in ICT qualifications.

Changes in Assessment of ANZSCO Unit Group 2621

ANZSCO Unit Group 2621 includes 3 occupations:

• 262111 Database Administrator
• 262112 ICT Security Specialist
• 262113 Systems Administrator

With Cyber Security now being its own occupation discipline, applicants applying under the ICT Security specialist ANZSCO occupation code will be assessed based on separate criteria to the other occupations in this Unit Group. — The criteria used to assess the occupation of ICT Security Specialist will no longer allow database and system administrator related duties or course content to be accepted. In order to be assessed under this occupation code, the course content and/or job tasks need to be specific to ICT security only.

This will also align ACS migration skills assessment with current initiatives within ACS cyber-security certification and accreditation of cyber-security university degrees. –These initiatives are currently being developed and further information will be available on our website in due course.

Acceptance of Electronics subjects in ICT qualifications:

ACS has undertaken a review of Electronics subjects and their relevance within ICT. ACS will now only accept Digital Electronics subjects when assessing qualification unit content. Analogue and other non-ICT related electronics subjects will no longer be accepted when assessing qualifications. Applicants may provide a subject/course outline to support an assessment of “Electronic” related subjects which we will consider. — Applicants should provide a course outline and/or unit descriptions to determine whether the Electronics subject has a Digital or Analogue focus. The applicant should know what they studied through their course content.

Note: Syllabus to be provided for Electronics candidates if sufficient subjects are not found in the mark sheets related to IT. The applicant can confirm this during evaluation to us, but while submission better to give the syllabus if can be provided.

June 5th, 2020:

Tasmania state updated that they will not be able to process any application further under the state nomination category for Subclass 491 – Category 3A Overseas Applicant (TSOL).

A review of the Subclass 491 – Category 3A Overseas Applicant (TSOL) requirements is currently underway but will take some time to conclude. It has been decided to, therefore, close all unfinalized Category 3A applications (except for those with occupations in the high demand category of TSOL). Over the next ten days, a refund of $220AUD will be processed back to the credit card used for the application fees.

The closure of the current application will not prevent an applicant from lodging a new application for visa state nomination if they are eligible in the future when the category re-opens.

May 28th, 2020:

Victoria’s skilled visa nomination program is now closed as we have filled the places provided to us by the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs for the 2019-20 program year.

This includes both the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

Applications received prior to 28 May 2020 will continue to be assessed and will be advised of the outcome in due course. New applications will be accepted in 2020-21.

Victoria is facing economic and health challenges posed by a coronavirus (COVID-19). To help us respond to this challenge, priority will be given to occupations in sectors critical to the coronavirus response in allocating remaining nomination places.

We encourage applicants to reapply in the new program year. An applicant will be given an automatic waiver which means they will not have to wait six months to reapply.

You will need to check for any updates to the eligibility requirements before reapplying. A new application will need to be submitted via the Live in Melbourne portal.

Please be aware, we continue to accept nomination applications for the following visas:

• Business Innovation – Extension only (subclass 188A Extension)
• Significant Investor – Extension only (subclass 188C Extension)
• Permanent Business Innovation (subclass 888A)
• Permanent Investor (subclass 888B)
• Permanent Significant Investor (subclass 888C).

May 20th, 2020:

Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Update: Current Temporary Skilled visa holders in Australia and COVID-19:

Temporary Skilled visa holders in Australia:

DHA has announced that there are around 139,000 temporary skilled visa holders in Australia, on either a 2 year or 4 year visa.

These visa holders who are not laid off, will maintain their visa validity and businesses can extend their visa as normal.  Businesses will also be able to reduce the hours of the visa holder without the person being in breach of their visa condition.

These visa holders will also be able to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation this financial year.

Those visa holders who have been laid off due to coronavirus should leave the country in line with existing visa conditions if they are unable to secure a new sponsor.  However, should a 4-year visa holder be re-employed after the coronavirus pandemic, their time already spent in Australia will count towards their permanent residency skilled work experience requirements.

New Zealanders on 444 visas:  

New Zealanders and Australians have reciprocal arrangements whereby we can each stay and work in each other’s country. There are more than 672,000 New Zealanders in Australia on a subclass 444 visa.

New Zealanders who are on 444 visas and arrived before 26 February 2001 will have access to welfare payments and the JobKeeper payment.

444 visa holders who arrived after 2001 have access to the JobKeeper payment. Those who have lived in Australia for 10 years or more have access to JobSeeker payments for six months.

New Zealanders should consider returning to New Zealand if they are unable to support themselves through these provisions, work or family support.

International Students in Australia:

Student visa holders who have been here longer than 12 months who find themselves in financial hardship will be able to access their Australian superannuation.

The Government will undertake further engagement with the international education sector who already provide some financial support for international students facing hardship. For example, they understand there are some education providers that are providing fee discounts to international students.

The Government will also be flexible in cases where Coronavirus has prevented international students meeting their visa conditions (such as not being able attend classes).

International students are able to work up to 40 hours per fortnight as usual.

Visitor visa holders:

DHA has announced that there are 203,000 international visitors in Australia, typically on a visa lasting three months or less.

International tourists should return to their home country as quickly as possible, particularly those without family support.

Thousands are already doing this and others should follow their lead.

Working Holiday Makers in Australia:

In particular, working holiday makers who are working in critical sectors like agriculture, food processing etc will be exempt from the six month work limitation with the one employer and eligible for a further visa to keep working in these critical sectors if their current visa is due to expire in the next six months.

Further it has stated that there are another 185,000 other temporary visa holders in Australia, about half of them temporary graduate visa holders. They will also be able to access their Australian superannuation if needed for support.

The above update is applicable for all the visa holders currently staying in Australia.

Feb 28th, 2020:

Engineers Australia Skills Assessment Update: Temporarily Unavailable

Engineers Australia website is having technical difficulties and is currently unavailable.

They are aware of the issue and are working hard to fix it.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for skills assessment with Engineers Australia.

Feb 27th, 2020:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

254412 -Registered Nurse (Aged Care) -Special Conditions Apply -Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); 5 years’ work experience in field; Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions- ANMAC

342311 -Business Machine Mechanic- Low Availability- Competent English; Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5) -TRA

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclasses.

Feb 25th, 2020:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

241111- Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher- Low Availability -Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 85 points required for offshore applicants -AITSL

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclasses.

Feb 24th, 2020:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

121221 -Vegetable Grower -Special Conditions Apply -Competent English; Provisional 491 visa only -VETASSESS

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclasses.

Feb 24th, 2020:

ACT State Sponsorship Update: Results of Invitation round for Canberra Matrix

ACT has invited the applicants to apply for state sponsorship. The following are the details of the Invitation Round that took place on 24/02/2020. Please note that in order to apply for the state sponsorship with ACT we need to first file the Canberra Matrix and get an invitation to apply for state sponsorship.

CANBERRA MATRIX – INVITATION ROUND

Invitation date: 24 February 2020

ACT 190 Nomination – invitations issued: 171

• All Matrix submitted: 110 to 75 points
• 70 point Matrix submitted on or before 30 November 2019

ACT 491 Nomination – invitations issued: 79

• All Matrix submitted: 95 to 70 points

lease note: ALL matrix expire 6 months after submission date if an invitation is not issued.

Previous Invitation Rounds Details:

Invitation date: 7 February 2020

ACT 190 Nomination – invitations issued: 83

• All Matrix submitted: 135 to 75 points
• 70 point Matrix submitted on or before 31 October 2019

ACT 491 Nomination – invitations issued: 82

• All Matrix submitted: 120 to 70 points

Invitation date: 23 January 2020

ACT 190 nomination:

• Invitations Issued: 251
• All Matrix submitted: 120 to 75 points

ACT 491 nomination: Invitations Issued: 161

• All Matrix submitted: 120 to 70 points

Invitation date: 9 January 2020

ACT 190 nomination:

• Invitations Issued: 200
• All Matrix submitted: 145 to 80 points

ACT 491 nomination:

• Invitations Issued: 75
• All Matrix submitted: 125 to 75 points

Invitation date: 19 December 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 54

• All Matrix submitted with 135 to 90 points

NEXT ROUND: The next invitation round will be held on or before 12th March 2020

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with ACT under 190 & 491 subclasses.

Feb 21st, 2020:

ACT State Sponsorship Update: COVID-19 TRAVEL BAN

Impact of COVID-19 (Corona) travel ban on applicants for ACT 491 / 190 nomination

As we are aware that all Canberra Residents for ACT nomination must meet the eligibility criteria of 3 months in case of 491 & 6 months in case of 190 subclass at the date of Matrix submission as per the guidelines. However, if an applicant’s return to Canberra is delayed due to the COVID-19 travel ban, they:

• will meet the ACT’s continuous residence’ eligibility criteria for the period of the travel ban and should include supporting documentation to evidence the impact of the delayed return (e.g. evidence of cancelled flights, employer agreement to accept the extended absence as unpaid leave, etc.).
• Applicants will still be required to meet the 3 or 6 months employment criteria (either before and/or after their return to Canberra) before the Matrix can be submitted.

Example:

A 491 applicant worked for 9 weeks in Canberra and went back to China for 2 weeks (on paid annual leave). Due to the travel ban, they are forced to take unpaid leave before returning to Canberra and resuming employment:

• They can submit a 491 Matrix after working another two weeks on their return to Canberra:  9 weeks work prior to departure  + 2 weeks paid leave + 2 weeks work on their return to Canberra =  13 weeks continuous employment  (the period of unpaid leave due to the travel ban will be ignored).

Feb 20th, 2020:

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

249214 -Music Teacher (Private Tuition) -Special Conditions Apply- Competent Plus English (or Proficient overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; Preparedness to self-employ; 75 points required for offshore applicants -VETASSESS

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Feb 20th, 2020:

Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Update: Planned Systems Maintenance

DHA has announced that the ImmiAccount will be unavailable between:

* 8:30pm Friday 28 February and 12pm Saturday 29 February 2020 AEDT

This update is applicable to all the applicants applying for a visa.

Feb 19th, 2020:

Feb 19th, 2020:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

222112 -Finance Broker- Special Conditions Apply -Competent Plus -English (or Proficient overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 85 points required for offshore applicants- VETASSESS

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Feb 17th, 2020:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

132511 -Research and Development Manager- Special Conditions Apply -Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 85 points required for chain migration category- VETASSESS

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Feb 14th, 2020:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

252411 -Occupational Therapist -Special Conditions Apply -Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); 3 years’ work experience in field; Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants- OTC

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass

Feb 13th, 2020:

Engineers Australia Skills Assessment Update: System Maintenance

Engineers Australia has announced that there will be System Maintenance.

MyPortal will not be available on Thursday, 13 Feb 2019 from 8:00 pm to Friday, 14 Feb 8:00 am (AEDT).

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for skills assessment with Engineers Australia.

Feb 11th, 2020:

NSW State Sponsorship 190 subclass Update: Change in the NSW Priority Skilled Occupations List

NSW has made the changes to the 190 subclass NSW Priority Skilled Occupation List.

The following are the changes to the list:

Status of the following Occupations has been changed from LOW to LIMITED availability:

132111 Corporate Services Manager

132311 Human Resource Manager

133111 Construction Project Manager

134299 Health and Welfare Services Managers nec

141311 Hotel or Motel Manager

224113 Statistician

225311 Public Relations Professional

233214 Structural Engineer

233913 Biomedical Engineer

234611 Medical Laboratory Scientist

241411 Secondary School Teacher

262112 ICT Security Specialist

263213 ICT Systems Test Engineer

311213 Medical Laboratory Technician

312111 Architectural Draftsperson

322311 Metal Fabricator

323211 Fitter (General)

Status of the following Occupations has been changed from MEDIUM to LOW availability:

135112 ICT Project Manager

221111 Accountant (General)

225113 Marketing Specialist

232411 Graphic Designer

261311 Analyst Programmer

263212 ICT Support Engineer

Status of the following Occupations has been changed from HIGH to MEDIUM availability:

261112 Systems Analyst

272613 Welfare Worker

321211 Motor Mechanic (General)

341111 Electrician (General)

351411 Cook (excludes positions in Fast Food or Takeaway Food Service)

511112 Program or Project Administrator

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with NSW under 190 subclass.

Feb 11th, 2020:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

252511 -Physiotherapist -Low Availability -Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall);- 3 years’ work experience in field; Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants- APC

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Feb 07th, 2020:

ACT State Sponsorship Update: Results of Invitation round for Canberra Matrix:

ACT has invited the applicants to apply for state sponsorship. The following are the details of the Invitation Round that took place on 07/02/2020. Please note that in order to apply for the state sponsorship with ACT we need to first file the Canberra Matrix and get an invitation to apply for state sponsorship.

CANBERRA MATRIX – INVITATION ROUND

Invitation date: 7 February 2020

ACT 190 Nomination – invitations issued: 83

• All Matrix submitted: 135 to 75 points
• 70 point Matrix submitted on or before 31 October 2019

ACT 491 Nomination – invitations issued: 82

• All Matrix submitted: 120 to 70 points

Please note: ALL matrix expire 6 months after submission date if an invitation is not issued.

Previous Invitation Rounds Details:

Invitation date: 23 January 2020

ACT 190 nomination:

• Invitations Issued: 251
• All Matrix submitted: 120 to 75 points

ACT 491 nomination: Invitations Issued: 161

• All Matrix submitted: 120 to 70 points

Invitation date: 9 January 2020

ACT 190 nomination:

• Invitations Issued: 200
• All Matrix submitted: 145 to 80 points

ACT 491 nomination:

• Invitations Issued: 75
• All Matrix submitted: 125 to 75 points

Invitation date: 19 December 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 54

• All Matrix submitted with 135 to 90 points

NEXT ROUND: The next invitation round will be held on or before 24th February 2020

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with ACT under 190 & 491 subclass.

Feb 06th, 2020:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

351411 -Cook -Low Availability- Competent English; -Provisional 491 visa only; 75 points required for offshore applicants; See additional instructions- TRA

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Feb 06th, 2020:

Department of Home Affairs Update: Planned Systems Maintenance

DHA has announced that ImmiAccount will be unavailable between:

* 5 am and 8 am on Wednesday 12 February 2020 AEDT (GMT +11)

This update is applicable to all the applicants applying for a visa.

Feb 05th, 2020:

Feb 05th, 2020:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

251211 -Medical Diagnostic Radiographer- Low Availability -Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants- ASMIRT

313112- ICT Customer Support Officer- Low Availability -Competent Plus English (or Proficient overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants -TRA

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable to all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Feb 03rd, 2020:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

121221- Vegetable Grower- Low Availability- Competent English; Provisional 491 visa only -VETASSESS

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Feb 03rd, 2020:

Department of Home Affairs Update: Travel Restrictions

Alert:

Travel restrictions to Australia are currently in place – see the Department’s website prior to travel and for the latest information.

Important notice:

Applicants in mainland China should not apply for an eVisitor at this time due to strict new travel restrictions implemented on 1 February 2020 to minimise the potential spread of Novel Coronavirus.

If you are an immediate family member of either an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for a visa.

Feb 01st, 2020:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

121313 -Dairy Cattle Farmer -Special Conditions Apply -Competent English; Provisional 491 visa only -VETASSESS

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Dec 31st, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

222112- Finance Broker- Low Availability -Competent Plus English (or Proficient overall); -Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 85 points required for offshore applicants -VETASSESS

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable to all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Dec 30th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

254422 -Registered Nurse (Mental Health)- Low Availability -Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); 5 years’ work experience in field; Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants- ANMAC

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable to all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass visa.

Dec 24th, 2019:

Proposed Changes to the Skilled Migration Occupation Lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL) effective March 2020:

The following are the proposed changes to the occupation lists which will be consulted & discussed further with the stakeholders. These changes may take place in March 2020.

NOTE: The below changes may or may not take place. This is just a proposal that is being initiated by the Australian Government. Please don’t communicate & confirm with any of the clients unless they ask you specifically, as these changes are only at very initial stages. We have to wait for an update from DHA.

Occupations that will be MOVED From STSOL & ROL to MLTSSL: 

131112 Sales and Marketing Manager

135112 ICT Project Manager (includes Blockchain Planner/Manager)

224999 Information and Organisation Professionals nec

599612 Insurance Loss Adjuster

133612 Procurement Manager

231213 Ship’s Master

Occupations that will be ADDED to STSOL, currently they are not listed in any of the lists:

221212 Corporate Treasurer

423111 Aged or Disabled Carer

423312 Nursing Support Worker

423313 Personal Care Assistant

Occupations that will be REMOVED from all the lists:

272111 Careers Counsellor

324212 Vehicle Trimmer

342311 Business Machine Mechanic

361199 Animal Attendants and Trainers nec

362211 Gardener (General)

391111 Hairdresser

394213 Wood Machinist

411611 Massage Therapist

411711 Community Worker

452311 Diving Instructor (Open Water)

452312 Gymnastics Coach or Instructor

Occupations that will be MOVED to STSOL from MLTSSL & ROL

321111 Automotive Electrician

321213 Motorcycle Mechanic

323313 Locksmith

332211 Painting Trades Worker

333111 Glazier

333411 Wall and Floor Tiler

394111 Cabinetmaker

142115 Post Office Manager

312511 Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson

612115 Real Estate Representative

Occupations that will be MOVED to ROL from STSOL:

234411 Geologist

Dec 24th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

234412 -Geophysicist- Low Availability -Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants -VETASSESS

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable to all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Dec 23rd, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

• 139914 -Quality Assurance Manager- Special Conditions Apply- Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 85 points required for offshore applicants -VETASSESS
• 225499 -Technical Sales Representatives nec -Special Conditions Apply -Competent Plus English (or Proficient overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5) -VETASSESS

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Dec 20th, 2019:

NSW-491 subclass nomination requirements & the process: 

Applications for NSW nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) will OPEN in mid-January 2020.

Criteria for applicants living and working in regional NSW:

1) The nominated occupation should be listed in NSW Stream 1 Regional Skilled Occupation List AND

2) Working in the nominated occupation, for at least the last 12 months AND

3) Have been living in a regional area in NSW, for at least the last 12 months.

Criteria for Offshore applicants: 

1) The nominated occupation should be listed in NSW Stream 2 Regional Skilled Occupation List

2) Residing outside Australia, and;

a)  Have an offer for ongoing employment in a designated regional area in NSW,

OR

b)  Have at least five years of skilled employment in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation

OR

c) Have an immediate family member living in a designated regional area in NSW.

Criteria fo recently completed the study in regional NSW

1) The nominated occupation should be listed in NSW Stream 2 Regional Skilled Occupation List

2) Have studied within the last 12 months in a designated regional area in NSW, and the qualification is highly relevant.

Documents Required:

1) Application form

2) Passport

3) Qualification documents

4) Signed Reference letters on letterhead of the company

5) Payslips & Bank Statements

6) Skills Assessment letter

7) English Language Test report

8) EOI PDFs

9) Application fee receipt

10) Other documents

How to draft the e-mail to NSW Treasury:

The subject line for the email must be in the following format:

EOI number_SURNAME_Given name_DOB

For example: E0123456789_SMITH_John_01/01/1990

How to include the supporting Documents:

• Attach supporting documents in PDF format ONLY
• E-mail can include up to 50MB of supporting documents.
• If the sizes of supporting documents are greater than this, attach most important documents only.
• A case officer will contact if they require further information when assessing the application.

When to Expedite the Nomination Process under 491 subclass:

The nomination process is expedited only in case if the applicant’s skills assessment report expiry or English language report expiry or reduction in points due to age or other factors.

How to Request to Expedite the Nomination Process under 491 subclass:

• To request that application be expedited, please send an email to: skilled.migration@treasury.nsw.gov.au.
• The subject of the email must be in the format: Request to expedite – EOI number – visa subclass 491
• Email must include the EOI number, full name and evidence of visa expiry date, skills assessment expiry date, English language test expiry date or reduction in points score.

Dec 20th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

254412 -Registered Nurse (Aged Care)- Low Availability Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); -5 years’ work experience in field; Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants -ANMAC

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Dec 19th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

272115 -Student Counsellor -Low Availability Competent Plus English (or Proficient overall);- Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants -VETASSESS

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Dec 19th, 2019:

ACT State Sponsorship Update: Results of Invitation round for Canberra Matrix

ACT has invited the applicants to apply for state sponsorship. The following are the details of the Invitation Round that took place on 19/12/2019. Please note that in order to apply for the state sponsorship with ACT we need to first file the Canberra Matrix and get an invitation to apply for state sponsorship.

The nomination process for 491 subclass will start from 1 January 2020 and there is a new occupations list applicable from 1 January 2020.

CANBERRA MATRIX – INVITATION ROUND

Invitation date: 19 December 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 54

• All Matrix submitted with 135 to 90 points

Please note ALL matrix expire 6 months after submission date if an invitation is not issued.

Previous Invitation Rounds Details:

Invitation date: 25 November 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 114

Matrix score range:

• All Matrix submitted with 130 to 75 points

Invitation date: 8 November 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 70

Matrix score range:

• All Matrix submitted with 115 to 75 points

Invitation date: 24 October 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 528

Matrix score range:

• All Matrix submitted with 115 to 65 points
• 60 point matrix submitted on or after 24 April 2019 and on or before 10 June 2019

Invitation date: 14 October 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 402

Matrix score range:

All Matrix submitted with 115 to 65 points

60 point matrix submitted on or after 14 April 2019 and on or before 30 April 2019

Invitation date: 9 October 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 220

Matrix score range:

1. All Matrix submitted with 130 to 70 points
2. 65 point matrix submitted on or before 31 July 2019

Invitation date: 27 September 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 124

Matrix score range:

• All Matrix submitted with 120 to 70 points
• 65 point matrix submitted on or before 1 July 2019

Invitation date: 17 September 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 106

Matrix score range: All Matrix submitted with 130 to 70 points

Invitation date: 2 September 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 111

Matrix score range: All Matrix submitted with 130 to 70 points

Invitation date: 15 August 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 152

Matrix score range:

• All Matrix submitted with 130 to 70 points
• 65 point matrix submitted on or before 29 June 2019

Invitation date: 30 July 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 320

Matrix score range:

• All Matrix submitted with 130 to 70 points
• 65 point matrix submitted on or before 28 June 2019

Invitation date: 22 July 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 329

Matrix score range:

• All Matrix submitted with 125 to 70 points
• 65 point matrix submitted on or before 15 June 2019

Invitation date: 5 July 2019

Number of Invitations Issued: 194

Matrix score range:

All Matrix submitted with 125 to 75 points

NEXT ROUND: The next invitation round will be held on or before 16th January 2020

HOLIDAY CLOSURE PERIOD

The ACT Skilled Migration office is closed from Tuesday 24 December 2019 until Monday 6 January 2020.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with ACT under 190 & 491 subclass.

Dec 19th, 2019:

Skillselect Update: Results of invitation round  11/12/2019

Please find attached the reports published for the invitation round that took place on 11/12/2019. It gives you the complete picture as to how many invitations have been given and what all states have contributed. Also, find attached the current status of the ceilings for all the occupations.

The following occupations which are popular and the ceilings for these occupations are reaching faster:

• 2211 Accountants* out of 2746 – 280 already invited
• 2212 Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers out of 1552 – 159 already invited
• 2247 Management Consultant – 5269 – only 11 already invited
• 2321Architects and Landscape Architects – 2171 – 228 already invited
• 2331 Chemical and Materials Engineers – 1000 – 39 already invited
• 2332 Civil Engineering Professionals – 3772 – 223 already invited
• 2333 Electrical Engineers – 1000 – 146 already invited
• 2334 Electronics Engineers out of 1000 – 90 already invited
•  2335 Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers out of 1600 – 164 already invited
•  2339 Other Engineering Professionals – 1000 – 100 already invited
•  2611 ICT Business and Systems Analysts out of 2587 – 255 already invited
•  2613 Software and Applications Programmers out of 8748 – 858 already invited
•  2621 Database and Systems Administrators and ICT Security Specialists out of 2887 – 131 already invited
•  2631 Computer Network Professionals out of 2553 – 254 already invited
•  2633 Telecommunications Engineering Professionals out of 1000 – 134 already invited

This update is applicable to all the applicants applying for a visa.

Dec 19th, 2019:

Northern Territory State Sponsorship Update: Changes to the Occupations List

The following are the changes that have been made to the Occupations List for State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses.

The following occupations REMOVED from the list:

233911 Aeronautical Engineer

234111 Agricultural Consultant

312212 Civil Engineering Technician

262111 Database Administrator

221213 External Auditor

132211 Finance Manager

332111 Floor Finisher

234113 Forester

225212 ICT Business Development Manager

313112 ICT Customer Support Officer

313199 ICT Support Technicians nec

121399 Livestock Farmers nec

224711 Management Consultant

121411 Mixed Crop And Livestock Farmer

134213 Primary Health Organisation Manager

272612 Recreation Officer

452321 Sports Development Officer

221113 Taxation Accountant

241111* Teacher, Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School)

241512* Teacher of the Hearing Impaired

241599* Teacher, Special Education nec

313113 Web Administrator

232414 Web Designer

261212Web Developer

The following occupations ADDED to the list:

253211 Anaesthetist   Subclass 491 only

261311 Analyst Programmer    – Subclass 491 only

312111 Architectural Draftsperson

252711 Audiologist

399512 Camera Operator (Film, Television or Video)

141211 Caravan Park and Camping Ground Manager – Subclass 491 only

253312 Cardiologist

331211 Carpenter and Joiner

134111 Child Care Centre Manager

252111 Chiropractor

233211 Civil Engineer

312211 Civil Engineering Draftsperson

599915 Clinical Coder –          Subclass 491 only

272611 Community Arts Worker    –    Subclass 491 only

312114 Construction Estimator       –   Subclass 491 only

511111 Contract Administrator

252311 Dental Specialist

411213 Dental Technician

411214 Dental Therapist   –     Subclass 491 only

252312 Dentist    –        Subclass 491 only

253911 Dermatologist

253917 Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist

451211 Driving Instructor  –     Subclass 491 only

241111 Early Childhood (Pre Primary School) Teacher

249111 Education Adviser

134499 Education Managers (nec)

233311 Electrical Engineer

312312 Electrical Engineering Technician

253912 Emergency Medicine Specialist

233999 Engineering Professionals (nec)

234312 Environmental Consultant

234313 Environmental Research Scientist

272113 Family and Marriage Counsellor

451815 First Aid Trainer     –    Subclass 491 only

399212 Gas or Petroleum Operator  – Subclass 491 only

234411 Geologist

234412 Geophysicist

233212 Geotechnical Engineer

232411 Graphic Designer

251911 Health Promotion Officer

251511 Hospital Pharmacist

132311 Human Resource Manager

263212 ICT Support Engineer

263213 ICT Systems Test Engineer

611211 Insurance Agent

253317 Intensive Care Specialist

232511 Interior Designer

272412 Interpreter

331213Joiner

312511 Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson    –      Subclass 491 only

251211 Medical Diagnostic Radiographer

253314 Medical Oncologist

312912 Metallurgical or Materials Technician

234912 Metallurgist

241311 Middle School Teacher (AUS) / Intermediate School Teacher (NZ)

254111Midwife

312913 Mine Deputy

233611 Mining Engineer (Excluding Petroleum)

253318 Neurologist

253513 Neurosurgeon

253913 Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

251312 Occupational Health and Safety Adviser

253914 Ophthalmologist

251411 Optometrist

224712 Organisation and Methods Analyst

253514 Orthopaedic Surgeon

232214 Other Spatial Scientist

253515 Otorhinolaryngologist

253321 Paediatrician

351112 Pastrycook

253915 Pathologist

233612 Petroleum Engineer

322312 Pressure Welder

241213 Primary School Teacher

133511 Production Manager (Forestry)

133513 Production Manager (Mining)

253411 Psychiatrist

272399 Psychologists (nec)

139914 Quality Assurance Manager

223112 Recruitment Consultant

253322 Renal Medicine Specialist

253112 Resident Medical Officer

272499 Social Professionals (nec)

271311 Solicitor

251214 Sonographer

241599 Special Education Teachers (nec)

139999 Specialist Managers (nec) except:

(a) Ambassador; or

(b) Archbishop; or

(c) Bishop

253311 Specialist Physician (General Medicine)

253399 Specialist Physicians (nec)

272115 Student Counsellor

253511 Surgeon (General)

312116 Surveying or Spatial Science Technician    –   Subclass 491 only

249311* Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages

241512* Teacher of the Hearing Impaired

212317 Technical Director

263311 Telecommunications Engineer

263312 Telecommunications Network Engineer

253324 Thoracic Medicine Specialist

224512 Valuer

223113 Workplace Relations Adviser – Subclass 491 only

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with NT under 190 & 491 subclass.

Dec 18th, 2019:

Vetassess Skills Assessment Update: Change in Criteria for few occupations

The following are the changes relating to various occupations that assessed by Vetassess:

There will be a change in the criteria for a few of the occupations.

Revised Criteria for the following General Occupations effective 7th January 2020:

361199 Animal Attendants and Trainers nec – Moved from Group D to F

411211 Dental Hygienist – Moved from Group E to A

411214 Dental Therapist – Moved from Group E to A

452312 Gymnastics Coach or Instructor – Moved from Group D to F

411112 Intensive Care Ambulance Paramedic – Moved from Group C to A

232511 Interior Designer – Moved from Group B to C

452317 Other Sports Coach or Instructor – Moved from Group D to F

311214 Operating Theatre Technician – Moved from Group E to D

361113 Pet Groomer – Moved from Group D to F

211311 Photographer – Moved from Group B to C

399915 Photographer’s Assistant – Moved from Group D to F

452316 Tennis Coach – Moved from Group D to F

452315 Swimming Coach or Instructor – Moved from Group D to F

Priority Processing Refund:

Vetassess has announced that the Terms of Service for the Priority Processing Refund will change on 2 January 2020.

General Occupations Update:

They are currently updating the VETASSESS website’s resources with more information about skills assessment requirements for professional occupations.

As part of this process, they will add information about the specific documentation requirements for many of the professional occupations on the VETASSESS website. This includes information about qualification relevance for different occupations, as well as factors to consider, that differentiate one occupation from another, which may be helpful before you nominate an occupation for skills assessment.

DAMA Update:

Please note that VETASSESS will no longer provide DAMA Skills Assessment Services for the occupations: 231212 Ship’s Engineer and 421111 Child Care Worker.

The occupations will now be assessed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and you can direct your enquiries and assessment requirements to these relevant bodies.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for skills assessment with Vetassess.

Dec 17th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship Update: Christmas & New Year Closure

South Australia has announced that the Immigration SA office will close at 3:00 pm on Friday, 20 December 2019 for the holiday period.

They will reopen in the New Year at 9:00 am on Thursday, 2 January 2020.

Application submissions and online inquiries will remain OPEN during this time.

This update is applicable to all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Dec 17th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

Dec 16th, 2019:

Vetassess Skills Assessment Update: Maintenance notice

Vetassess Skills Assessment Authority has announced Planned outage for system maintenance scheduled Monday, 16 December 2019 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Australian Eastern Daylight Time), during this time the service will be unavailable.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for skills assessment with Vetassess.

Dec 16th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

313199 -ICT Support Technicians nec -Special Conditions Apply -Competent Plus English (or Proficient overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants -TRA

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Dec 13th, 2019:

Dec 12th, 2019:

Dec 12th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

233215- Transport Engineer -Low Availability- Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); 3 years’ work experience in field; Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants -Engineers Australia

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Dec 12th, 2019:

Queensland State Sponsorship Update: Small Business Owners Category

Queensland has announced that the 491 Small Business Owners (SBO) Pathway is now OPEN as of 11 December 2019. 

This option can be used to reward small business owners in regional Queensland for investing in the local business community and provides employment opportunities for local residents.

NOTE: This pathway is only available to onshore applicants only i.e., applicants living in Regional Queensland. 

The following are the requirements: 

• have an occupation on DHA’s list & should have a positive skills assessment
• have prior business experience or qualifications to successfully run the business (or have previously been involved in a family-run business)
• be on a visa that allows full-time work and operation of the business for a minimum of 35 hours per week
• have purchased an existing business in regional Queensland (Note: not available for start-ups or home-based businesses)
• paid a minimum of $100,000 for the business
• have 100% ownership of the business (partnerships or joint ventures not eligible)
• be trading in the business for 6 months prior to application
• employ one (1) employee who is an Australian resident working a minimum of 20 hours per week
• provide evidence of sufficient settlement funds.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with Queensland under 491 subclass visa.

Dec 11th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

334111- Plumber (General)- Low Availability -Competent English; Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5)- TRA

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass visa.

Dec 10th, 2019:

Northern Territory State Sponsorship Update: Offshore Applicants

Northern Territory authorities have confirmed that offshore applicants are eligible to apply for state sponsorship only under a 491 subclass visa. Currently, they are NOT eligible to apply under 190 subclass.

Dec 10th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

313111 -Hardware Technician -Low Availability -Competent Plus English (or Proficient overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants- TRA

411411 -Enrolled Nurse -Special Conditions Apply- Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); Provisional 491 visa only; 75 points required for offshore applicants; See additional instructions -ANMAC

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable to all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Dec 10th, 2019:

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) Skills Assessment Authority Update: Christmas shutdown 2019

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) has announced that it will be closed for the Christmas/New year period.

The TRA telephone enquiry line and email enquiry services will close at 4 pm, Monday 23 December 2019 and will reopen at 10 am Monday, 6 January 2020.

Please do not send enquiries to TRA during this period. Enquiries received during this period will not be actioned.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for skills assessment with TRA.

Dec 9th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

135199- ICT Managers nec -Special Conditions Apply -Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 85 points required for offshore applicants- ACS

254424 -Registered Nurse (Surgical)- Special Conditions Apply -Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); 5 years’ work experience in field; Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants -ANMAC

272511- Social Worker -Special Conditions Apply- Competent Plus English (or Proficient overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants- AASW

323214 -Metal Machinist (First Class) -Low Availability- Competent English; Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants -TRA

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclass visa.

Dec 9th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

135199- ICT Managers nec -Special Conditions Apply -Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 85 points required for offshore applicants- ACS

254424 -Registered Nurse (Surgical)- Special Conditions Apply -Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); 5 years’ work experience in field; Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants -ANMAC

272511- Social Worker -Special Conditions Apply- Competent Plus English (or Proficient overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants- AASW

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass visa.

Dec 9th, 2019:

Western Australia State Sponsorship Update: Refreshed the Occupations Lists

As we know that there are the following Occupations Lists for Western Australia State Sponsorship to apply for nomination under 190 & 491 subclass visa.

1) 2019/20 Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List​ (WASMOL)

2) 2019/20 Graduate Occupation List (GOL)

NOTE: There is NO change in the list of occupations

From December 2019, the Graduate stream has been extended to include VET graduates who complete a qualification in Western Australia at Certificate III level or above.

There is NO change in the requirements for Western Australia State Sponsorship:

The following are the requirements to be met by the offshore applicants to apply under 190 & 491 subclass visa: 

1) Have an occupation on Western Australian skilled migration occupation list

2) Meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements

3) Meet English requirements

4) Meet work experience requirement

5) Have an offer of employment from Western Australia Employer.

6) Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds

There is NO change in the application process & the fee.

This update is applicable to all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with Western Australia under 190 & 491 subclasses.

Dec 9th, 2019:

NSW State Sponsorship Update: 491 subclass nomination process

NSW has announced that applications for NSW nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) will OPEN in mid-January 2020.

The 491 visas will be managed entirely within the NSW Government and applications can be made directly to NSW Treasury.

Earlier we used to apply with the respective region for 489 subclass nominations.

NSW nomination requirements

Criteria for applicants living and working in regional NSW:

1) The nominated occupation should be listed in NSW Stream 1 Regional Skilled Occupation List AND

2) Working in the nominated occupation, for at least the last 12 months AND

3) Have been living in a designated regional area in NSW, for at least the last 12 months.

Criteria for Offshore applicants: 

1) The nominated occupation should be listed in NSW Stream 2 Regional Skilled Occupation List

2) Residing outside Australia, and;

a)  Have an offer for ongoing employment in a designated regional area in NSW,

OR

b)  Have at least five years of skilled employment in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation*

OR

c) Have an immediate family member living in a designated regional area in NSW.

Criteria fo recently completed the study in regional NSW

1) The nominated occupation should be listed in NSW Stream 2 Regional Skilled Occupation List

2) Have studied within the last 12 months in a designated regional area in NSW, and the qualification is highly relevant.

POPULAR Occupations listed in Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – NSW Stream 2 – Offshore applicants

132111Corporate Services Manager

133111Construction Project Manager

132511Research and Development Manager

133211Engineering Manager

135112ICT Project Manager

139914Quality Assurance Manager

141111Cafe or Restaurant Manager***

141311Hotel or Motel Manager

149212Customer Service Manager

149913Facilities Manager

149914Financial Institution Branch Manager

222112Finance Broker

222113Insurance Broker

222311Financial Investment Adviser

223111Human Resource Adviser

223112Recruitment Consultant

223211ICT Trainer

224113Statistician

224711Management Consultant

224712Organisation and Methods Analyst

224999Information and Organisation Professionals nec

225111Advertising Specialist

225112Market Research Analyst

225213ICT Sales Representative

232111Architect

232311Fashion Designer

232411Graphic Designer

232414Web Designer

233211Civil Engineer

233213Quantity Surveyor

234211Chemist

241411Secondary Schoolÿ Teacher

241213Primary School Teacher

351112Pastrycook

Dec 9th, 2019:

Northern Territory State Sponsorship Update: Nomination Process now open

Northern Territory state has announced that the online application system for the Northern Territory nomination under subclass 491 and subclass 190 are now OPEN.

There is no change in the occupations list.

An online application process and an application fee of AUD300+GST is applicable.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with NT under 190 & 491 subclass visa.

Dec 9th, 2019:

Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Update: Planned Systems Maintenance

DHA has announced that ImmiAccount will be unavailable between:

* 05:00am to 08:00am on Wednesday 11 December 2019 AEDT (GMT +11)

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for a visa.

Dec 6th, 2019:

NSW-491 subclass Regional Authorities – Riverina & Northern Rivers Update: 

Riverina Update: 

Riverina which is one of the Regional Authorities that has participated earlier in sponsoring the 489 subclass visa has announced that RDA Riverina no longer process the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa subclass 491.

As per the above, we need to wait for an update from NSW as to how it is planning the nomination process for a 491 subclass visa.

Northern Rivers Update: 

Northern Rivers which is one of the Regional Authorities that has participated earlier in sponsoring the 489 subclass visa has announced that RDA Northern Rivers will not be assessing the new Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) Visa.

All Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) Visa applications will be lodged directly with the NSW Government when open.

Dec 6th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

• 313199- ICT Support Technicians nec- Low Availability -Competent Plus English (or Proficient overall); -Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants -TRA
• 323211- Fitter (General) -Low Availability- Competent English; Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5) -TRA
• 351112 -Pastry Cook- Low Availability- Competent English; Provisional 491 visa only -TRA

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclasses.

Dec 05th, 2019:

Engineers Australia: Registration of Engineers on National Engineering Register (NER)

Dec 05th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

South Australia has changed the status of the following occupation(s) to its Skilled Occupation List :

Current Status of the occupation(s):

We cannot apply for state sponsorship with South Australia for occupations where special conditions apply unless the client meets the special requirements.

234599- Life Scientists nec- Special Conditions Apply- Proficient English (or Proficient Plus overall); Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5); See additional instructions; 75 points required for offshore applicants -VETASSESS

323412 -Toolmaker -Low Availability- Competent English; Provisional 491 visa only – 190 nomination offered to applicants under specific circumstances only (see 3.5) -TRA

NOTE:

• In the case of South Australia, we can apply under the high points category (95 Points) if the occupation is available in Supplementary List or special conditions apply.

Please note that occupations under Available/Low Availability status can close at any point in time.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclasses.

Dec 04th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship under 190 & 491 subclasses Update: Occupations Current Status

Dec 04th, 2019:

ACS Skills Assessment Update: Christmas Holidays

ACS has announced that its office will be closed from 21 December 2019 and will re-open on Monday 6 January 2020.  During this time applicants will still be able to submit a migration skills assessment application through the online portal. Emails received during this closure period will be responded to as soon as possible after they re-open.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for skills assessment with ACS.

Dec 04th, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship Update: Change in State Sponsorship Requirements

Immigration SA has announced that the application system for 491 and 190 state nominations is now open on the Immigration SA Apply website.

The following are the changes to the state sponsorship requirements: 

1) Changes to the points requirement for specific occupations and categories 

• Many occupations now require either 75 or 85 points (including state nomination points).  Applicants who meet all requirements under the International Graduate of South Australia category or the currently working for the last 12 months in a skilled occupation in the South Australia category are still only required to have 65 points on the points test. 
• Most trade occupations are still only required to have 65 points.
• High Points Category: Now required to have 95 points (including state nomination points). A provisional 491 visa pathway is available for high points applicants. A permanent 190 visa pathway is available for high points applicants who have Superior English and at least 8 years of work experience in their nominated occupation.
• Chain Migration Category: The points requirement has increased to 75 points (including state nomination points).

2) Changes to requirements to access state nomination for a permanent 190 visa   

• Few occupations listed as “Provisional 491 visa only” 190 nominations offered to applicants under specific circumstances only if one of the following criteria below is met
  • ​​​​​​​High Points
  • Worked in a skilled occupation in South Australia for the last 12 months
  • High Performing Graduate who has continued to reside in South Australia post-graduation
  • International graduate of South Australia

3) Application fee has been increased to AUD220

4) Changes to the Occupations List: 

They have NOT added any new occupations to the list. However, the following are the changes when compared with the previous list:

The following occupations status has been changed to low or available:

225499 Technical Sales Representatives nec Low Availability

132511 Research and Development Manager Low Availability

323214 Metal Machinist (First Class) Available

The following occupations status has been changed to Special Conditions: 

233212 Geotechnical Engineer Special Conditions Apply

233611 Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) Special Conditions Apply

253999 Medical Practitioners nec Special Conditions Apply

313113 Web Administrator Special Conditions Apply

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclass.

Dec 04th, 2019:

Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Update: Website outage – Saturday 7 December to Sunday 8 December 2019

DHA has announced that the following websites will be unavailable between 2 pm Saturday 7 December and 9 am Sunday 8 December 2019 (AEDT):

• https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au
• https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au
• https://www.disasterassist.gov.au/
• https://www.livingsafetogether.gov.au/
• https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/
• https://www.triplezero.gov.au/
• https://news.cicentre.gov.au/
• https://www.dvs.gov.au/
• https://www.organisationalresilience.gov.au/
• https://www.tisn.gov.au/
• https://www.abf.gov.au/
• https://emergency.homeaffairs.gov.au/
• https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/
• https://osb.homeaffairs.gov.au
• https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/davidlittleproud/
• https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/davidcoleman
• https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/jasonwood/
• https://www.harmony.gov.au/
• https://cybersecuritystrategy.homeaffairs.gov.au/

During the outage, you can still access ImmiAccount, VEVO, and TRS by going directly to their webpage. In addition, VEVO and TRS users are encouraged to download the relevant mobile app.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for a visa.

Dec 03rd, 2019:

Vetassess Skills Assessment Update:  Priority Processing 

Priority Processing Service Availability prior to Christmas Break Closedown

In order to meet our service standards for the Priority Processing service, Priority Processing applications to VETASSESS for 2019 is CLOSED. The service will resume on 2 January 2020.

Priority Processing Update

VETASSESS will be limiting the number of Priority Processing applications to be received on a daily basis. Once this daily limit is reached, no further Priority Processing applications can be received until the following day. The quota will be subject to change on a monthly basis.

Dec 03rd, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship Update: Re-opening the application process 

South Australia has announced that the forms will be released on Wednesday 4th December and a news item will be posted when the application system is open.

Immigration SA is introducing some changes to its General Skilled Migration (GSM) state nomination policies:

1) The occupations which were of “special conditions” prior to the closure of the 489 and 190 state nomination applications, will remain with the same condition. Occupations that were not available for “high points” or “chain migration” nomination prior to the closure remain closed for these categories.

2) Changes to the points requirement for specific occupations and categories like chain migration 85 points are required from now.

3) The minimum points requirement on the EOI has increased for some occupations and categories like additional points 75 or 85 are required for a few occupations

4) Few occupations are restricted only for 491 subclass

5) Due to a limited number of places available for permanent 190 visa nomination, additional eligibility criteria now apply

6) Change in application fee to AUD220

Please note: There will be NO additions to the State Nominated Occupation Lists when the application system opens tomorrow.

Dec 02nd, 2019:

AITSL Skills Assessment Update: Office Closure 

Australian Institute for Teaching & School Leadership (AITSL) has announced that the Office will be closed from midday 24 December and re-opening on 2 January 2020 for the holidays. They have stated that assessments may take longer than the estimated 10 weeks due to the increasing number of applications and the holiday closure.

Dec 02nd, 2019:

South Australia State Sponsorship Update: Release of the Occupations List

South Australia as announced earlier has released its list for 190 & 491 subclasses after a temporary closure.

Please go through the website and check for the list.

This update is applicable for all the applicants applying for state sponsorship with South Australia under 190 & 491 subclasses.

For further details, please Talk to Y-Axis Consultants or you can e-mail us on info@.y-axis.com. One of our representatives will get back to you at the earliest.