Australian Skilled Migration Changes 2018
The 1 July 2018 saw the beginning of a new migration year in Australia. Over the last 6 weeks there have been an abundance of changes to the skilled migration process. These changes are outlined below:
1) Minimum points required for skilled migration increase to 65
Applicants applying for a Skilled Visa for Australia must achieve a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). This change applies to all applicants on 60 points who have not yet received an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.
Achieving the new minimum point score of 65 does not assure you an invitation to apply for a visa. As per previous invitation rounds, applicants currently need a minimum of 70 points to apply for a Skilled Independent 189 Visa.
Completing a recognised English Language Test or securing State Sponsorship are the two primary ways in which to increase your points score. Most Australian states have reopened their nomination programmes to new applicants.
2) SkillSelect rounds now occur monthly
As of 11 August 2018, SkillSelect invitation rounds will take place monthly. The number of invitations issued monthly will remain the same; however this is subject to change in accordance with the department’s processing capacity and pipeline.
Once submitted, an Expression of Interest is valid for 2 years.
3) Visa application charges have increased
As of 1 July 2018, the new visa application charges for General Skilled Migration (subclass 189, 190 and 489) are as follows:
| Base application charge | $3755.00 |
| Additional applicant aged 18+ | $1875.00 |
| Additional applicant under 18 | $940.00 |
The Department of Home Affairs charge a card fee on payments of 1.32% (Visa and Mastercard) and 1.40% (AMEX).
If you are interested in migration to Australia you can complete our free online assessment.
