Skilled Migration Visas
1. If I have state nomination is my visa guarantee?
No, only state nomination does not guarantee visa grant. You must fulfil all other requirements for a valid application to the Department of Home Affairs. After nomination, state or territory governments have no further involvement in the visa process.
2. Can I seek assistance of state governments if my visa is refused by the Department of Home Affairs?
No.
3. Is it possible to know if an occupation is close to its planning level?
No, government does not release individual occupation planning levels. The colour coded system on the State Nominated Occupation Lists indicates the number of state nomination places left for that occupation. Occupations are listed as available (green), low availability (blue) or special conditions (red).
4. What is a program year?
A program year relates to the financial year which is from 1 July to 30 June.
5. Can I include my volunteer work experience to meet skilled work experience requirement?
No, volunteer work experience is not considered to be skilled work experience. Only paid skilled work experience of at least 20 hours per week is considered.
6. Can I appeal a refused decision on my application?
Yes, department may review your application if you can demonstrate that an administrative error has been made. However, review cannot be initiated if there is inadequate documentation, not meeting state nomination requirements, unclear information, typing errors or inadvertent omission of information/documents.
7. How can I apply for permanent residency if am a state nominated Subclass 489 visa holder?
You can apply for a permanent Skilled Regional visa (Subclass 887) if you meet other requirements for grant of this visa. Before applying, you must have lived in a regional area of Australia for two years and working full-time for at least one year (in a regional area).
8. How can I apply for permanent residency if I am a state nominated Subclass 491 visa holder?
You can apply for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191) if you meet other requirements for grant of this visa. Before applying, you must have lived in a designated regional area of Australia for at least three years and have a taxable income above a specific income threshold for at least three years.
9. Can I apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) if I receive invitation from the government while I have an outstanding application for State nomination?
Yes, you can apply for Subclass 189 visa. In such cases, your application for State nomination will be automatically declined. However, the application fee will not be refunded.
10. Can I submit another application if I have already been nominated by state government?
No.
