Are you thinking of bringing your parents to Australia? As an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, you can invite your parents to live with you for a limited or unlimited period. For this purpose, there are several Parent Visa options, with varying processing times and costs. There are two categories of parent visas in Australia: Parent Visa Categories It is a permanent visa and there are two ways of applying for Contributory Parent (Subclass 143) visa. You can apply for a Parent Visa (subclass 143) visa as a retiree or can be sponsored by their eligible children, a relative, or a community organization. As retiree, you are not required to meet the balance-of-family test, have an assurance of support and an eligible sponsor. With this visa you can You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa. If you are applying as a retiree, you must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when you apply. You can be in or outside Australia when your application is decided. It is a permanent visa to apply as a retiree and become eligible for the visa without meeting a balance of family test, having a sponsorship, or an assurance of support. Since it is a non-contributory visa, its approval process takes longer. With this visa you can: You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa. If you are applying as a retiree you must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when you apply. You can be in or outside Australia when your application is decided. It is a permanent visa to let your aged parent stay in Australia permanently. As the name suggests, the visa is granted to only aged parents eligible to receive the age pension in Australia (from 65-67 years). . With this visa you can: You must not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa. You must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when you apply for this visa. The requirements for the visa are the same as for the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804), but it is processed faster and is costly. With this visa you can: You can apply for the subclass 864 visa as a two-step process by first applying for a Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) (subclass 884) visa. Applying for the subclass 884 visa and then the subclass 864 visa allows you to spread the cost of the visas over a number of years. Also, you must not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa and must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when you apply for this visa. With this temporary visa you can live in Australia for up to 2 years and work and study in Australia (without government support) To apply for this visa, you must be sponsored by an approved sponsor who can be the applicant’s child or if the child is under 18, can be sponsored by an eligible relative or community organisation and must be eligible to receive the age pension in Australia. With this temporary visa you can live in Australia for up to 2 years and work and study in Australia (without government support It requires sponsorship by an approved sponsor who can be the applicant’s child or if the child is under 18, can be sponsored by an eligible relative or community organisation. You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa. Also, while applying for this visa, you must not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) The temporary parent visa comes with the advantage of living in Australia for 3 to 5 years and re-applying for further Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visas to visit up to a maximum period of 10 years in Australia. However, you cannot work in Australia while you hold this visa. To apply for this visa, you must have an approved Parent Sponsor. You must be outside Australia when you apply for this visa, unless you have Permission to Apply in Australia, but not in immigration clearance. You can be in or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when the application is decided. Non Contributory and contributory parent visas All non-contributory Parent Visas are subject to capping. Capping is the number of Visas set by the minister for a class for that program year. Once the cap has been reached, no further visas can be granted in that class in that program year. However, Contributory visas have more Visa places available each Migration Program year and have significantly shorter waiting periods for applications to be finalised. Visa applications in the contributory parent category are accorded a higher priority for processing. Non-contributory parent visas have a lower cost/longer wait option while the contributory parent visas have a higher cost/short wait option. McKkr’s Pty Ltd will update you with different types of parent visas to Australia through its blogs and newsletters. If you want an honest approach to your parent’s visa approval, McKkr’s dedicated experts will help you out. Reach us at (02) 4626 1002 or email us at admin@mckkrs.com.au to discuss your case.
A complete family usually comprises spouses, parents, children, and siblings. Family members are important because they can offer support and a sense of security with unconditional love. Looking at the importance of family members in one’s life, Australia offers parent visas to parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens. They can invite their parents to Australia to live with them permanently or temporarily. In this article, we discuss Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa (subclass 143) and Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173) to analyse how they differ from each other. Primary Differences Visa Duration The Subclass 143 is a permanent parent visa to let a parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian Permanent resident or an Eligible New Zealand citizen stay in Australia indefinitely. With this visa, parents can sponsor their family members to come to Australia and if eligible, can apply for Australian citizenship. The Subclass 173 is a temporary parent visa to let a parent of an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent resident and Eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia for up to 2 years. This visa is only valid for a period of two years and cannot be extended or renewed. Eligible parents can work and study in the country but will not receive financial support from the Australian government. This visa is a gateway to apply for the Permanent Parent Visa 143. In other words, both permanent and temporary parent visas are related to each other. Visa Cost Another noticeable difference between these two is their cost. The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa is relatively cheaper than the Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa. At present the cost of Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa (subclass 143) starts from AUD47,955 whereas the cost of applying for a Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173) starts from AUD32, 065.. Also, you can divide the cost of the Contributory Parent (subclass 143) visa over a few years by following two steps which involves applying for the temporary Contributory Parent (Temporary Subclass 173) visa first and then applying for the permanent Contributory Parent (Subclass 143) visa. The net costs of the two-stage process are broadly similar to the option of applying directly for a permanent Contributory Parent category Visa except that the costs are staggered across two applications. The Application Process There are two ways of applying for Contributory Parent (Subclass 143) visa. You can apply for a subclass 143 visa as a retiree or can be sponsored by their eligible children, a relative, or a community organization. As retiree, you are not required to meet the balance-of-family test, have an assurance of support and an eligible sponsor. On the contrary, if you want to apply for a Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173, you have only one option that is to be sponsored by an eligible child, an eligible relative or a community organization.. Assurance of Support If you are applying for contributory parent visa (subclass 143) you must have an Assurance of Support (unless you are applying for the Retirement Pathway) but in case of Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173) assurance of support is not required. An Assurance of Support is a legal agreement between an Australian resident or organisation (the assurer) and the Australian Government. The assurer agrees to support the migrant (the assuree) in Australia so that the assuree does not need to rely on government payments. Each Assurance of Support can cover up to 2 adults and an unlimited number of their dependent children. If you want to know more about this visa or are seeking assistance for migrating to Australia, contact us on (+61) (02) 4626 1002 or email us at admin@mckkrs.com.au. Our experts will provide you with the best migration support services.
Good news for migrants waiting for skilled migration opportunity in Australia. Under South Australia Skilled and Business Migration Program, South Australia is going to nominate offshore applicants for over 470 occupations. Isn’t it exciting? South Australia is a state in the southern part of the country. Adelaide, Gawler, Mount Gambier, and Mount Barker are some major cities of the state. Every year, it generates multiple job opportunities for locals and offshore candidates. South Australian Skilled and Business Program South Australia has opened its skilled migration program for the financial year 2022-23 and has started getting positive response from offshore and onshore applicants. The South Australian Government has released a revised occupation list to give work opportunity in several sectors facing shortage of workers. Only skilled migrants will get priority who have work experience in in-demand industries, such as Engineering, Health, Trades, Agribusinesses and growing industries. How to Look Forward to Grab the Opportunity Applicants who are currently living offshore and seeking to move to South Australia can use SkillSelect to create an Expression of Interest or EOI. As your EOI will be reviewed by the South Australian Government, you may get invitation for state nomination for Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa, permanent) or Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa, provisional). Applicants get the invitations based on their merits- After nomination, you get 14 days to submit your application. At the time of invitation, make sure that all the information in your SkillSelect EOI is up to date. Some Common Requirements for Nominations are- Factor Requirements Residency Applicants living in South Australia may apply for almost all streams in the program Applicants who live in Australia but not in South Australia can apply through the “Talent & Innovator Employment Stream” Offshore applicants can take a close look at the South Australian’s Skilled list Age Your age must not be above 45 Occupation The occupation must be listed on the South Australian’s Occupation list Skills Assessment Necessary to have a positive skill assessment Work Experience Depends on the type of occupation or it might be waived in some circumstances English Depends on the occupation you have applied for, however the minimum requirement is Competent English Points Although the minimum point set by the Department of Home Affairs of Australia is 65, higher point-score will increase the chances of invitation Other pathways are also opened to live and work in Australia. If you are a highly skilled migrant living offshore and ready to contribute to South Australia, you can directly register through the Highly Skilled and Talented Stream. If you want to discuss about the stream and other requirements/ criteria or wish to apply for EoI or visa application, feel free to contact us at +612 4626 1002 during business hours (9am to 6pm AEST – Sydney Time). You may also write to us at admin@mckkrs.com.au
Recently, the Government has announced certain measures to protect Australians, securing the borders, and providing resources to recover from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic. Amongst other things, the plan focuses on immigration and social cohesion by supporting migrants to learn English language and enable them to have the best chance to make a life and succeed in Australia. Being Australia’s national language, the following approaches taken by the Government shed some light on the importance of English language in Australia. Partner Visa Changes Partner visas allow Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their married and de-facto partners through the partner visa and fiancés who are outside Australia through Prospective Marriage visa. There are different types of partner visas: Prospective Marriage visa – Subclass 300 Partner visa (Onshore) – Subclass 820 (Temporary) and Subclass 801 (Permanent) Partner visa (Offshore) – Subclass 309 (Temporary) and Subclass 100 (Permanent) Currently, none of the partner visas have the requirement of English language as an eligibility criteria. However, the Government has indicated introduction of a new requirement to learn English language for partner visa applicants and their sponsors from late 2021, to maximise job prospects in Australia, and enhance social cohesion. If legislative changes are made to this effect, new partner visa applicants and their sponsors will be required to meet functional English requirements or demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to learn English by various means, such as completing 500 hours of free English language classes through the Adult Migration English Program (AMEP). It is important to know that this requirement will apply at time of the permanent visa application stage only and not the provisional/temporary visa stage. The changes are aimed towards protecting partner visa applicants against family violence by enabling them to have an established support network in Australia, where they can know how and where to seek assistance if any such situations arise. Expanding Access to English Tuition Bill The Parliament has introduced a new bill, Immigration (Education) Amendment (Expanding Access to English Tuition) Bill 2020, which would amend the Immigration (Education) Act 1971 with an aim towards supporting migrants to learn English. The Bill proposes to expand eligibility for migrants to access English tuition to bridge the gap for migrants who have either exhausted their tuition hours without reaching the level of vocational English, or are ineligible for the program. The Bill proposes to amend the upper limit for eligibility to access English tuition to the higher level of vocational English, which is currently functional English, along with removal of 510 hours limit on person’s entitlement to English tuition under the AMEP. These reforms may be seen as one of the most significant reforms to the AMEP and is only the first step of the Government’s plan to make “English tuition more accessible, ensure better quality outcomes and encourage greater participation”. The AMEP is delivered nationally across 58 regions by Registered Training Organisations (RTO). English Language Requirements IELTS TOEFL PTE CAE OET Vocational English 5 for each of the 4 test components 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking 36 for each of the 4 test components 154 in each of the 4 test components B for each of the 4 test components Functional English 4.5 based on the 4 test components 32 based on the 4 test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening 30 for each of the 4 test components 147 in each of the 4 test components – You may be able to prove your level of English competency if you have undertaken your education or have completed a degree in English for certain number of years, or are a holder of valid passport issued by any of the specified countries. The changes discussed in this blog have not been formalized yet and thus, are not in effect currently. These are proposed changes that reflect the Government’s approach to strengthen the Australian community by upskilling the language ability. If you want to know more about English requirements or want to discuss any other migration issue, Contact Us or call us on (02) 4626 100 to speak to one of our Registered Migration Agents.
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) are formal agreements between the Australian Government, represented by the Department of Home Affairs, and the State or Territory Governments, known as the Head Agreement, to supplement the workforce strategies of States, Territories and regions, to support employers in designated areas and help them adjust to changing economic conditions. DAMA is a two-tier framework and requires individual labour agreements with employers operating in designated areas upon the execution of the Head Agreement. DAMA focuses on providing flexibility to employers based on their specific economic and labour market conditions. Once executed, individual DAMAs are generally in effect for five years and allows employers to bring overseas skilled and semi-skilled workers to work for them. Currently, there are seven Head Agreements in place in defined regions of Northern Territory, The Goldfields WA, Great South Coast VIC, Adelaide City and Regional SA, Orana NSW and Far North Queensland. This blog is focusing on DAMAs in South Australia. South Australian Government, represented by the Department for Innovation and Skills, has two DAMAs with the Australian Government: Adelaide Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement – to fill skills shortage in metropolitan Adelaide’s high-tech growth industries including defense, space, technology and advanced manufacturing industries; and South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement – to fill skills shortage in South Australia’s regional high growth industries including agribusiness, forestry, health and social services, tourism and hospitality, construction and mining. Recent changes announced by Skilled & Business Migration in October 2020 After the annual review, the Commonwealth Government has agreed to certain significant changes in South Australia’s DAMA, including: Adding new occupations to focus on health care, manufacturing, high-tech sectors, agribusiness, and food production. South Australia’s DAMA Occupation List is provided below. Granting additional English language and age concessions to visa applicants, offering a pathway to permanent residency through the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 494) visa. Approving South Australian Government as a skills assessment authority for occupations that require a skills assessment and have no alternative skills assessment authority. DAMA Occupation List Metro Occupations Advancement Manager Advancement Professional Clinical Researcher Data and Analytics Manager Digital Artist Digital Producer Digital Production Manager Digital Supervisor Senior Digital Artist Chief Executive or Managing Director Corporate General Manager Public Relations Manager Corporate Services Manager Policy and Planning Manager Research and Development Manager Importer or Exporter Chief Information Officer Laboratory Manager Quality Assurance Manager Specialist Manager nec Dancer or Choreographer Actors, Dancers and Other Entertainers nec Artistic Director Film and Video Editor Training and Development Professional Mathematician Statistician Librarian Other Spatial Scientist Graphic Designer Illustrator Multimedia Designer Web Designer Naval Architect Chemist Environmental research Scientist Environmental Scientists nec Geophysicist Hydrogeologist Life Scientist (General) Biochemist Biotechnologist Botanist Marine Biologist Microbiologist Zoologist Life Scientists nec Meteorologist Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec Dance teacher (Private Tutor) Multimedia Specialist Web Developer Analyst Programmer Developer Programmer Medical Laboratory Technician Chemistry Technician Earth Science Technician Life Science Technician Regional Occupations Care Supervisor Cold Store Manager Cold Store Operator Cook (ethnic cuisine) Dairy Cattle Farm Operator Electrical Motor Repairer or Winder Irrigation Technician Poultry Farm Supervisor Poultry Stockperson Production Horticultural Supervisor Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker Senior Piggery Stockperson Skilled Horticultural Worker Vineyard Manager Vineyard Supervisor Welding Engineer Welding Inspector Welding Specialist Supervisor Welding Technologist Aquaculture Farmer Fruit or Nut Grower Grape Grower Mixed Crop Farmer Vegetable Grower Beef Cattle Farmer Dairy Cattle Farmer Mixed Livestock Farmer Pig Farmer Poultry Farmer Mixed crop and Livestock Farmer Sales and Marketing Manager Construction Project Manager Engineering Manager Manufacturer Production Manager (Forestry) Production Manager (Manufacturing) Production Manager (Mining) Supply and Distribution Manager Procurement Manager Child Care Centre Manager Facilities Manager Civil Engineer Structural Engineer Transport Engineer Electrical Engineer Electronics Engineer Industrial Engineer Mechanical Engineer Production or Plant Engineer Engineering Technologist Agricultural Consultant Agricultural Scientist Food Technologist Wine Maker Exercise Physiologist Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher Special Needs Teacher Teacher of the Hearing Impaired Teacher of the Sight Impaired Special Education Teachers nec Dietician Sonographer Optometrist Orthoptist Orthotist or Prosthetist Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals nec Chiropractor Osteopath Dental Specialist Dentist Occupational Therapist Physiotherapist Podiatrist Audiologist Speech Pathologist Registered Nurse (Aged Care) Registered Nurses nec Rehabilitation Counsellor Counsellors nec Clinical Psychologist Educational Psychologist Organizational Psychologist Psychotherapists Psychologists nec Interpreter Social Worker Welfare Worker Agricultural Technician Meat inspector Primary Products Inspectors nec Civil Engineering Draftsperson Electrical Engineering Draftsperson Electrical Engineering Technician Electronic Engineering Draftsperson Electronic Engineering Technician Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson Mechanical Engineering Technician Sheetmetal Trades Worker Metal Fabricator Pressure Welder Welder (First Class) Fitter (General) Fitter and Turner Fitter-Welder Metal Machinist (First Class) Metal Fitters and Machinists nec Vehicle Body Builder Vehicle Trimmer Vehicle Painter Stonemason Veterinary Nurse Nurseryperson Plastics Technician Dental Hygienist Dental technician Dental Therapist Diversional Therapist Enrolled Nurse Community Worker Disabilities Services Officer Family Support Worker Residential Care Officer Youth Worker Aged or Disabled Carer Dental Assistant Nursing Support Worker Personal Care Assistant Therapy Aide Driller Miner Shot Firer Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator Backhoe Operator Meat Boner and Slicer Slaughterer Fishing Hand If you want to know more DAMA occupations, skilled migration or are looking for other options to migrate to Australia, Contact Us or call us on (02) 4626 100 to speak to one of our Registered Migration Agents.
Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa is for international students who have recently finished their studies. The is a temporary visa that allows eligible students to live, study and work in Australia after completion of studies for up to 4 years. Students are eligible to apply for Subclass 485 visa once as a primary applicant. Further, this visa does not require any sponsorship from an Australian employer or an Australian relative or a nominating State or Territory. COVID-19 Concessions To provide assistance to temporary and provisional visa holders, who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to travel restrictions, the Migration Amendment (COVID-19 Concessions) Regulations 2020 dated 17 September 2020 [“the Instrument”] was passed to amend the provisions related to Subclass 485 visa. The following changes are brought by the Instrument, effective from 19 September 2020: Subclass 485 visa applicants may apply while within or outside Australia Concession for visa applicants from holding student visa within the six month period Study requirements extended from 6 months to 12 months for visa applicants Grant of Subclass 485 visa to applicants outside Australia This visa has 2 streams: Graduate Work stream and Post-study Work stream, for qualifications completed outside or within Australia, respectively. Both streams have slightly different eligibility requirements. Eligibility for Graduate Work stream You must: Be under 50 years of age Meet Australian study requirements Meet English Requirements Nominate one occupation on the Medium and Long-term Occupation list that is closely related to that occupation Have positive skills assessment Meet health and character requirement Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused Visas granted under this stream, allow the applicants to stay in Australia for up to 18 months. Eligibility for Post-Study Work stream You must: Meet Australian study requirement Hold an eligible qualification at a degree-level or above Have studied with an Australian education provider Meet health and character requirement Meet English Requirements Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused Unlike applicants in the Graduate Work stream, applicants in the Post-Study Work stream are not required to nominate an occupation Visas granted under this stream, allow the applicants to stay in Australia for up to 4 years. Under special arrangement for Hong Kong passport holders, they may be eligible to stay for 5 years under both visa streams. Advantages of Subclass 485 visa Study and work in Australia Live in Australia Travel to and from Australia Bring eligible dependents to Australia If you facing any migration issues or want to know more this visa, Contact Us or call us on (02) 4626 100 to speak to one of our Registered Migration Agents in Sydney who can help you.
Skilled Regional visa (Subclass 887) allows people who have lived and worked in specified areas of regional Australia to live anywhere in Australia permanently. To provide assistance to temporary and provisional visa holders, who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to travel restrictions, the Migration Amendment (COVID-19 Concessions) Regulations 2020 dated 17 September 2020 [“the Instrument”] was passed to amend the Migration Regulations 1994 and accordingly, Part 2 of the Instrument amended provisions regarding Subclass 887 visa. COVID-19 concessions From 19 September 2020, COVID-19 concessions apply to lodgement and eligibility requirements for eligible prospective applicants for Subclass 887 visa. The following changes are applicable: Visa holders and former visa holders (Subclass 489, Subclass 475, Subclass 487, Subclass 495 or Subclass 496), whose visas expired during the Concession Period, may apply for Subclass 887 visa while outside Australia Grant of Subclass 887 visa to applicants outside Australia Concession for visa holders and former visa holders, whose visas expired during the Concession Period, from the requirement to live in a specified regional area for two years Full-time work requirement in a specified regional area reduced from 12 months to 9 months For this purpose, the Instrument defines Concession Period as ‘the initial concession period’ commencing from 01 February 2020, being the date when first travel restriction was announced in response to COVID-19 by the Australian Government. Eligibility for Subclass 887 Visa You must: Have a previous eligible visa Have complied with conditions of your eligible visa Meet residence requirement Meet work requirement Meet health and character requirements Meet English Language requirements Not have had visa cancellation or a previous visa application refusal Currently, the Department is assessing applications submitted before 19 September 2020. If you lodged your visa application before 19 September 2020, you must be in Australia when the visa is granted. However, if your application was lodged on or after 19 September 2020, you can be in or outside Australia when the Department makes a decision on your application. Advantages of Subclass 887 Visa Live, work and study in Australia Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible Enrol in Medicare Bring eligible relatives to Australia permanently If you want to know more about this visa or are seeking assistance for migrating to Australia, Contact Us or call us on (+61) (02) 4626 100 to speak to one of our Registered Migration Agents in Sydney to discuss your options.
Australia has put in place strict international border measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 within Australian community. While non-citizens, international visitors and other temporary visa holders may still be able to leave Australia where possible to do so, the Government has imposed overseas travel restrictions on Australian citizens and permanent residents. Accordingly, temporary visa holders do not need an exemption from the Commissioner of Australian Border Force (ABF) to depart Australia, if there are no border restrictions in their home country and flights are available. Automatic outbound travel exemptions also apply in certain cases and no prior travel exemption is needed for persons who are: Ordinarily resident in another country Airline, maritime crew or associated safety workers New Zealand citizens holding a Subclass 444 visa Engaged in the day-to-day conduct of outbound freight Associated with essential work at Australian offshore facilities Travelling on official Government business Further, Australian citizens and permanent residents may be allowed to leave Australia only if they obtain an exemption from the ABF Commissioner for travel falling under below mentioned categories: Responding to the COVID-19 outbreak; To conducting business; To receive urgent medical treatment (not available in Australia); To travel outside Australia for three months or longer; To serve the national interest; For compassionate or humanitarian grounds. You should apply for an exemption at least at least two weeks, but not more than three months before your planned travel. Without the exemption, you will not be allowed to travel and thus, you must take evidence of the exemption to the airport. If you are seeking assistance for travel exemption or are facing any migration issues, call us on (02) 4626 100 to speak to one of our Registered Migration Agents.
According to information released by the Department of Home Affairs on 11 September 2020, under Freedom of Information request (FOI), the interim nomination allocations or States and Territories for Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491), Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 489) and Business Innovation and Investment Program for 2020-21 Program Year is as follows. 2020-21 Interim Allocation Subclass 190 State/Territory Skilled Nominated Subclass 491 and 489 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Business Innovation and Investment Program Australian Capital Territory 250 45 4 New South Wales 550 150 200 Victoria 600 200 400 Queensland 200 200 160 Northern Territory 80 80 5 Western Australia 200 40 70 South Australia 300 600 180 Tasmania 250 400 5 Total 2,430 1,715 1,024 Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982, there is a general right of access to information held by Commonwealth Departments and Authorities. If you have any questions or are seeking more information, Get In Touch with us or call us on (02) 4626 100 to speak to one of our Registered Migration Agents in Sydney who can help you.
The Department of Home Affairs runs invitation rounds every month for Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored Stream. The number of invitation issued in each round may vary depending on the number of applications that are being processed by the Department. It is important to know that the Departmental invitation rounds do not impact the State or Territory Government nominations for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). The dates for the invitation rounds are subject to change and as such, are not fixed monthly. During the Covid-19 pandemic, like everything else, the Department invitation rounds are also running, rather, unusually. The Department has adopted the approach of conducting targeted invitation rounds as have occurred since May 2020 until August 2020, with a view to monitoring migration and visa pathways closely and ensuring that the approach is consistent with public health measures adopted in Australia. The focus is to ensure that migration is undertaken to respond to the immediate and subsequent impacts of pandemic effectively, but not at the cost of job opportunities for Australians. In this financial year’s program, the Department has issued the following number of invitations so far: Month Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored Stream July 2020 500 100 August 2020 110 90 Total 610 190 Due to high levels of demand, certain occupation groups are subject to pro rata arrangements to maintain availability of invitations across those occupations the program year. Some of these occupations are Accountants, Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers, Electronics Engineer, Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers, and Engineering Professionals. In terms of process, the places are first allocated to Subclass 189 visa and the remaining places to Subclass 491. This means that if all places are allocated under Subclass 189 visas, no invitations are issued for Subclass 491 visas in the particular occupations. If you have any questions or need more information on Invitation Rounds/SkillSelect, Contact Us or call us on (02) 4626 100 to speak to one of our Registered Migration Agents in Sydney to discuss your visa pathway.