The COVID pandemic has undoubtedly shaped Australia’s 2020-21 migration programme. Below, our migration agent Darren Chatt MARN:0211214 outlines some changes we have seen during the COVID pandemic.
Travel restrictions and mandatory quarantine requirements remain active in Australia. Consequently, most visa holders cannot currently enter Australia, including Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) and Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa holders. This may explain why the Department of Home Affairs is prioritising onshore applicants.
At Visa Go Australia we have been particularly busy with multiple requests and visa grants for our onshore partner visa clients. Some of our clients have received their visas in just half the processing time stated on the Department website.
In addition to faster processing, some onshore applicants have first access to state nomination. Those applying for state nominated skilled visas (subclass 190 and 491) may have noticed that their options are very limited or non-existent if applying offshore. Many states have only reopened to onshore applicants and those nominating PMSOL occupations.
Working in a ‘priority’ occupation
The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) identifies Australia’s current skill shortages; occupations which Australia needs to rebuild its economy post-COVID.
Those nominating PMSOL occupations are being priority processed by the Department. For example, we had a recent 190 visa grant for a client who applied as a qualified Midwife.
There are currently 18 occupations on the PMSOL, but these are subject to change and grow as Australia exits recession. Since the list was introduced in September, Social Worker (272511) has been added. The current list is made up of healthcare, IT and construction workers.
Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL):
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)
Social Worker (272511)
Maintenance Planner (312911)
The above list is subject to change – we recommend checking the Department website for the current PMSOL.
Visas are still being processed
In our offices we have seen an abundance of visa grants over the past few months! These include partner, parent and skilled visa clients. Our migration agent Darren Chatt explains,
“I am advising my skilled clients to complete their skills assessment and English test so they are first in the queue for an invitation when the states re-open. Fortunately, most skills assessments and English test are valid for 2-3 years. The demand for skilled visas far outweighs the number of visas available, and it requires real patience, commitment, and knowledge to successfully complete the process. In my 19 years of practicing as a registered migration agent, this is certainly the most challenging time for applicants to secure a visa. However, the fact remains that Australia will need skilled migrants to rebuild their post-COVID economy and applicants need to present the strongest applications for when opportunities arise.”
The best way to secure a visa is to seek professional advice, to ensure you submit a complete application. Australia’s migration program is extensive and dynamic, which is why using an experienced migration agent can give you the best chance of emigrating.
Government announcements in conjunction with the Federal Budget suggest that Australia’s partner visa program will undergo substantial changes in 2021. Below, we outline upcoming changes to the Australian partner visa and how this may impact future applications.
Currently, applicants applying for the partner visa (subclass 309) must be offshore at time of visa grant. However this legislation is proving problematic amid COVID travel restrictions, and a new bill is being debated in parliament. If passed, it will allow a temporary concession for those applicants who are in Australia and are not able to travel offshore to be granted their visa due to COVID-19 related border closures. More information is expected early 2021.
New English language requirement
From mid-2021, those applying for a permanent partner visa will need to prove their English language skillset. Both the applicant and sponsor must evidence functional English proficiency as part of this change. You can see further details on our partner visa webpage.
Change to sponsorship
Next year sponsorship must first be approved before an applicant can lodge their visa. This includes the sponsor providing character checks and personal information with the department and the applicant. Essentially, an applicant’s Australian spouse or de facto partner must be approved before they can lodge a partner visa application. This is a measure to help combat domestic violence in relationships.
To conclude
Implementation of the above changes is planned for 2021, however exact dates and specific details reman to be announced. You can monitor the latest visa news on our website. If you want to discuss emigrating to Australia you can arrange a consultation with our experienced migration agent.
https://i0.wp.com/visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/couple-2-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=117072560Kimberley Chatthttps://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.pngKimberley Chatt2020-12-11 12:04:592020-12-11 12:04:59Upcoming changes to Australian Partner Visa
A notable change is that Parent visa allocations have decreased by 39% to 4,500 for the migration year. With less spaces available the backlog of applications will continue to build, thus extending processing times.
This will be disappointing given the already long waiting times for parent visas, however there is some good news.
Despite the COVID pandemic the department is still processing visas.
During the pandemic we have seen movement on our clients’ applications, most recently:
143 visa lodged December 2015 – granted September 2020
143 visa lodged February 2016 – final request received November 2020
Current Processing Times
Visas lodged before or on the below dates are currently being processed:
Onshore Contributory Parent (subclass 864) – January 2017
Offshore Contributory Parent (subclass 143) – May 2016
Processing times for parent visas can be lengthy
Discrepancies in processing times between offshore and onshore visas in Contributory Parent categories have been identified and are being corrected. Consequently, Onshore Contributory Parent (subclass 864) visas lodged after January 2017 are likely to take longer.
You can read more about queue release dates and processing times on the Government website.
An alternative parent visa – the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) – provides another pathway for applicants wishing for quicker processing times. Unlike the Contributory Parent visa, the 870 enables parents to live temporarily in Australia for either 3 or 5 years, and for no more than 10 years in total. You can read more about this on our website.
Migration Advice
For further information on parent visa processing times you can refer to the Government website.
If you would like to discuss in detail the best visa for you, why not book a consultation with our Migration Agent. Without over 18 years’ experience as a licensed migration agent, Darren Chatt is well informed to advise you on your visa options for Australia.
https://i0.wp.com/visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/100v180000014x42i6383_Z_640_10000.jpg?fit=640%2C426&ssl=1426640Kimberley Chatthttps://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.pngKimberley Chatt2020-11-12 12:25:442020-11-12 16:48:12Australian Parent Visa Update – Processing Times and Coronavirus
A look at the new English requirement for partner visas.
Those applying for a permanent partner visa will be required to prove their English proficiency.
Both the applicant and sponsor must provide evidence of functional English, typically by completing a recognised English Test. Alternatively, applicants can provide evidence of reasonable efforts to learn English – typically 500 hours of a recognised English Language Program.
While exact details are yet to be released, you can find more information about proving English ability on the Government website.
These new English language requirements are designed to enhance social cohesion and economic participation outcomes in Australia. By ensuring migrants can communicate in English, it is anticipated that new migrants will suffer less family violence as they’re able to seek help and speak with others. Moreover, migrants with good English ability have higher social and employability skills when living in Australia.
This requirement is expected to be implemented from mid-2021. Further details will follow.
https://i0.wp.com/visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/couple-2-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=117072560Kimberley Chatthttps://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.pngKimberley Chatt2020-10-22 15:13:542020-11-12 16:45:05New English requirement for Partner Visas
Australia’s highly anticipated Federal Budget was released on 6 October 2020, and it has created a lot of chatter around migration planning.
The budget details how Australia’s resources are allocated, with particular focus on job creation and retention for Australia following the Covid pandemic. The budget is important to migrants as it sets out how many visa allocations are permitted for the year. Lower immigration levels create more competition for migrants.
Key immigration facts from the budget
The planned ceiling for the Migration Program will remain at 160,000 places
There will be a maximum of 160, 000 visas issued for 2020-21. This allocation is split between skilled, family, special eligibility and child streams.
Partner visa allocations have hugely increased
The Government has increased the Partner Visa allocation by a massive 82% this migration year. Over the last few years, processing times have dramatically increased for partner applications as more people have been applying than there are spaces available. There is a backlog of over 90, 000 partner visa applications which has created mass media pressure as families are kept apart.
Onshore Partner visas will receive priority
It is expected that 75% of Partner visas will go to those already in Australia. Moreover, the Government will be prioritising onshore visa applicants and partner visa applicants where the relevant sponsor resides in a designated regional area.
Lower allocations for Skilled and Parent visas
Skilled visas (subclass 189, 190 and 491) have seen a significant decline in places, which is perhaps unsurprising given the post-covid economic uncertainty ahead. We anticipate occupations on the PMSOL and onshore applicants will receive priority.
Parent visas allocations have decreased by 39% to 4,500 for the migration year. This is disappointing given the already long waiting times.
Australia’s Migration Program runs from 1 July to 30 June of each year and is reviewed annually to ensure it is fit for purpose.
The size and composition of each program is set as part of Australia’s budget process.
The purpose of the program is to “attract highly skilled migrants who support Australian values, do not displace Australian workers and support development in regional and low growth metropolitan areas.” (2019 – 20 Migration Program Report) Australia’s security, economy and social cohesion are major considerations when setting allocations.
How visas are distributed
Australia’s Migration Program is designed to enhance the socioeconomic wellbeing of the country. It is made up of four streams:
The Skill stream – to improve the economy and fill skill shortages
The Family stream – to enable Australian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with family members from overseas
The Special Eligibility stream – for those in special circumstances that do not fit into the other streams
The Child stream – demand driven and does not have a ceiling
A look into Australia’s Migration Program 2019-20
At 140,366 visas, the 2019-20 Migration Program was the smallest since 2004-05 and well below the allocated ceiling of 160,000.
Australia’s skilled stream accounted for nearly 70% of the total 2019-20 program. The family stream – primarily comprised of partner and parent visas – accounted for 30% of the program.
The top three source citizenship countries were India, China and the UK.
New South Wales took the top spot for applicants’ intended state of residence, with Victoria and Queensland following.
The top three occupation groups of primary applicants in skilled stream included professionals (59.6%), technicians and trade workers (17%); and managers (9%).
The report shows a slight decline in partner visa grants, with a large backlog of partner visas remaining. The total partner backlog is now over 100,000 as a media storm continues to brew.
You can read the full 2019 – 20 Migration Program Report on the Department website.
The PMSOL identifies Australia’s current critical skills needs, using data from the National Skills Commission and Commonwealth departments. This list is temporary and may change as Australia’s economy recovers from COVID-19.
About the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List
The purpose of the PMSOL is to support Australian businesses recover from the Coronavirus pandemic. These 17 occupations consist of healthcare, IT and construction.
The Federal Government has highlighted the importance of protecting Australians’ jobs, while also ensuring there are no critical skill shortages. ‘“Our priority is getting Australians back into work but we also need key health workers to help fight the virus and skilled migrants who are going to be job multipliers, to help the economy recover,”’ (Media release 02/09/2020)
The majority of the PMSOL occupations are in healthcare
Employer sponsored nomination and visa applications with an occupation on the PMSOL will receive priority processing. All other skilled occupation lists will remain active, however the PMSOL occupations will take priority.
The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List
The PMSOL consists of the below occupations:
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)
Australia’s strict border restrictions means temporary visa holders must obtain a travel exemption before travelling to Australia. You can refer to the Department’s website for further details.
If you are applying for a skilled visa this will be much welcomed news – Australia’s state nominations are reopening!
States and Territories have received a very small number of allocations under the 491/190 visa programmes. These allocations will cover the period until the Federal Budget is released on 6 October 2020.
State Nominations Reopen
The 491/190 state nominations are currently limited to those occupations providing critical skills. The Department determine critical skills as those required to maintain the supply of essential goods and services to Australia. This also includes those supporting the delivery of services in sectors critical to Australia’s economic recovery.
Australia’s critical skill sectors
Critical skills include those:
Providing critical or specialist medical services, including air ambulance, medical evacuations and delivering critical medical supplies
With critical skills required to maintain the supply of essential goods and services (such as in medical technology, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, engineering and mining, supply chain logistics, agricultural technology, food production, and the maritime industry)
Delivering services in sectors critical to Australia’s economic recovery (such as financial technology, large scale manufacturing, film and television production and emerging technology), where no Australian worker is available
Applications are expected to open at the end of August 2020. You can monitor our website for details or check State Government and Territory websites.
Spaces will be extremely competitive, as those applying will far outweigh the number of spaces available. Moreover, we anticipate that onshore applicants will be given priority as strict travel bans and international flight caps remain in place.
We recommend moving forward with your skills assessment and English test in preparation for states reopening. You can also draft your EOI and collect all relevant documents to ensure you are ‘application-ready’.
The partner visa category accounts for around 25% of Australia’s migration program, making it the largest category in the family stream. As with many visa types, partner visa processing times have continued to increase year-on-year.
Current Processing Times
The Department of Home Affairs publishes visa processing times on their website, updating it monthly to reflect any changes. This provides applicants with an indicative timeframe of how long their visa will take to process.
The latest partner visa processing times (from visa lodgement) are:
Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820) – 19-24 months
Offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309) – 16-22 months
These figures are only an estimate and there are occasions when visas can take much longer (or shorter!) to process. Consequently, we always advise our clients do not make any irreversible decisions until their visas have been granted. This includes purchasing travel tickets, selling houses and leaving jobs.
Why processing times are increasing
The demand exceeds the available places for partner visas in the annual migration program, thus creating a backlog of applications and longer processing times. You can read further details in our recent news item.
Partner visa processing times have increased
Travelling to Australia before visa grant
As an immediate family member of an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, you are currently permitted to enter Australia.
The non-Australian will need to apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) and provide evidence of their relationship to the Australian (for example marriage certificate).
The Department of Home Affairs is experiencing high levels of demand for exemptions and there is no guarantee of either the timing of a decision or the outcome. You should make your application at least four weeks but not more than three months in advance of travel and provide full supporting documentation. We highly recommend you have the visa and exemption in place before making travel arrangements.
Please note that all travellers arriving in Australia must undertake a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated facilities (for example, a hotel), in their port of arrival. Most states have started charging for this, with costs starting at $2,500.00 AU.
https://i0.wp.com/visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/couple-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=117072560Kimberley Chatthttps://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.pngKimberley Chatt2020-07-27 15:33:192020-07-27 15:33:19Australian Partner Visa Processing Times
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It's a busy time in our offices as states reopen their sponsorship programs (visa subclasses 190 and 491). If you're a client, please regularly check your emails for updates. New blogs and social content coming soon! ... See MoreSee Less
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Australian Immigration, Travel and COVID
Australia, Covid-19 (Coronavirus), NewsAustralian Immigration and COVID
The COVID pandemic has undoubtedly shaped Australia’s 2020-21 migration programme. Below, our migration agent Darren Chatt MARN:0211214 outlines some changes we have seen during the COVID pandemic.
If you need advice on Australian Immigration and COVID, you can complete our online visa assessment or book a consultation with Darren.
Applying onshore is an advantage
Travel restrictions and mandatory quarantine requirements remain active in Australia. Consequently, most visa holders cannot currently enter Australia, including Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) and Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa holders. This may explain why the Department of Home Affairs is prioritising onshore applicants.
At Visa Go Australia we have been particularly busy with multiple requests and visa grants for our onshore partner visa clients. Some of our clients have received their visas in just half the processing time stated on the Department website.
In addition to faster processing, some onshore applicants have first access to state nomination. Those applying for state nominated skilled visas (subclass 190 and 491) may have noticed that their options are very limited or non-existent if applying offshore. Many states have only reopened to onshore applicants and those nominating PMSOL occupations.
Working in a ‘priority’ occupation
The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) identifies Australia’s current skill shortages; occupations which Australia needs to rebuild its economy post-COVID.
Those nominating PMSOL occupations are being priority processed by the Department. For example, we had a recent 190 visa grant for a client who applied as a qualified Midwife.
There are currently 18 occupations on the PMSOL, but these are subject to change and grow as Australia exits recession. Since the list was introduced in September, Social Worker (272511) has been added. The current list is made up of healthcare, IT and construction workers.
Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL):
The above list is subject to change – we recommend checking the Department website for the current PMSOL.
Visas are still being processed
In our offices we have seen an abundance of visa grants over the past few months! These include partner, parent and skilled visa clients. Our migration agent Darren Chatt explains,
The best way to secure a visa is to seek professional advice, to ensure you submit a complete application. Australia’s migration program is extensive and dynamic, which is why using an experienced migration agent can give you the best chance of emigrating.
Book a visa consultation today.
COVID is impacting Australian Visas and Travel
Upcoming changes to Australian Partner Visa
Australia, Partner VisaChanges to Australian Partner Visa
Government announcements in conjunction with the Federal Budget suggest that Australia’s partner visa program will undergo substantial changes in 2021. Below, we outline upcoming changes to the Australian partner visa and how this may impact future applications.
If you need visa advice you can complete our free online assessment or arrange a consultation with our migration agent.
Onshore applicants visa grants
Currently, applicants applying for the partner visa (subclass 309) must be offshore at time of visa grant. However this legislation is proving problematic amid COVID travel restrictions, and a new bill is being debated in parliament. If passed, it will allow a temporary concession for those applicants who are in Australia and are not able to travel offshore to be granted their visa due to COVID-19 related border closures. More information is expected early 2021.
New English language requirement
From mid-2021, those applying for a permanent partner visa will need to prove their English language skillset. Both the applicant and sponsor must evidence functional English proficiency as part of this change. You can see further details on our partner visa webpage.
Change to sponsorship
Next year sponsorship must first be approved before an applicant can lodge their visa. This includes the sponsor providing character checks and personal information with the department and the applicant. Essentially, an applicant’s Australian spouse or de facto partner must be approved before they can lodge a partner visa application. This is a measure to help combat domestic violence in relationships.
To conclude
Implementation of the above changes is planned for 2021, however exact dates and specific details reman to be announced. You can monitor the latest visa news on our website. If you want to discuss emigrating to Australia you can arrange a consultation with our experienced migration agent.
See if you qualify for an Australian partner visa
Australian Parent Visa Update – Processing Times and Coronavirus
Australia, News, Parent VisaAn Australian Parent Visa update, including current timeframes and Coronavirus processing.
Speak with a licensed migration agent today!
Release of the Federal Budget 2020-21
The Australian Federal Budget was released last month.
A notable change is that Parent visa allocations have decreased by 39% to 4,500 for the migration year. With less spaces available the backlog of applications will continue to build, thus extending processing times.
This will be disappointing given the already long waiting times for parent visas, however there is some good news.
Despite the COVID pandemic the department is still processing visas.
During the pandemic we have seen movement on our clients’ applications, most recently:
Current Processing Times
Visas lodged before or on the below dates are currently being processed:
Processing times for parent visas can be lengthy
Discrepancies in processing times between offshore and onshore visas in Contributory Parent categories have been identified and are being corrected. Consequently, Onshore Contributory Parent (subclass 864) visas lodged after January 2017 are likely to take longer.
You can read more about queue release dates and processing times on the Government website.
An alternative parent visa – the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) – provides another pathway for applicants wishing for quicker processing times. Unlike the Contributory Parent visa, the 870 enables parents to live temporarily in Australia for either 3 or 5 years, and for no more than 10 years in total. You can read more about this on our website.
Migration Advice
For further information on parent visa processing times you can refer to the Government website.
If you would like to discuss in detail the best visa for you, why not book a consultation with our Migration Agent. Without over 18 years’ experience as a licensed migration agent, Darren Chatt is well informed to advise you on your visa options for Australia.
Speak with a licensed migration agent today!
New English requirement for Partner Visas
Australia, Partner VisaA look at the new English requirement for partner visas.
Those applying for a permanent partner visa will be required to prove their English proficiency.
Both the applicant and sponsor must provide evidence of functional English, typically by completing a recognised English Test. Alternatively, applicants can provide evidence of reasonable efforts to learn English – typically 500 hours of a recognised English Language Program.
While exact details are yet to be released, you can find more information about proving English ability on the Government website.
These new English language requirements are designed to enhance social cohesion and economic participation outcomes in Australia. By ensuring migrants can communicate in English, it is anticipated that new migrants will suffer less family violence as they’re able to seek help and speak with others. Moreover, migrants with good English ability have higher social and employability skills when living in Australia.
This requirement is expected to be implemented from mid-2021. Further details will follow.
See if you qualify for a partner visa
Four key facts from Australia’s Federal Budget 2020-21
NewsRelease of the 2020-21 Budget
Australia’s highly anticipated Federal Budget was released on 6 October 2020, and it has created a lot of chatter around migration planning.
The budget details how Australia’s resources are allocated, with particular focus on job creation and retention for Australia following the Covid pandemic. The budget is important to migrants as it sets out how many visa allocations are permitted for the year. Lower immigration levels create more competition for migrants.
Key immigration facts from the budget
There will be a maximum of 160, 000 visas issued for 2020-21. This allocation is split between skilled, family, special eligibility and child streams.
The Government has increased the Partner Visa allocation by a massive 82% this migration year. Over the last few years, processing times have dramatically increased for partner applications as more people have been applying than there are spaces available. There is a backlog of over 90, 000 partner visa applications which has created mass media pressure as families are kept apart.
It is expected that 75% of Partner visas will go to those already in Australia. Moreover, the Government will be prioritising onshore visa applicants and partner visa applicants where the relevant sponsor resides in a designated regional area.
Skilled visas (subclass 189, 190 and 491) have seen a significant decline in places, which is perhaps unsurprising given the post-covid economic uncertainty ahead. We anticipate occupations on the PMSOL and onshore applicants will receive priority.
Parent visas allocations have decreased by 39% to 4,500 for the migration year. This is disappointing given the already long waiting times.
Source https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels
Speak with a Registered Migration Agent today by booking a consultation
Australia’s Migration Program 2019-20
Australia, Covid-19 (Coronavirus), NewsWhat is Australia’s Migration Program?
Australia’s Migration Program runs from 1 July to 30 June of each year and is reviewed annually to ensure it is fit for purpose.
The size and composition of each program is set as part of Australia’s budget process.
The purpose of the program is to “attract highly skilled migrants who support Australian values, do not displace Australian workers and support development in regional and low growth metropolitan areas.” (2019 – 20 Migration Program Report) Australia’s security, economy and social cohesion are major considerations when setting allocations.
How visas are distributed
Australia’s Migration Program is designed to enhance the socioeconomic wellbeing of the country. It is made up of four streams:
A look into Australia’s Migration Program 2019-20
At 140,366 visas, the 2019-20 Migration Program was the smallest since 2004-05 and well below the allocated ceiling of 160,000.
Australia’s skilled stream accounted for nearly 70% of the total 2019-20 program. The family stream – primarily comprised of partner and parent visas – accounted for 30% of the program.
The top three source citizenship countries were India, China and the UK.
New South Wales took the top spot for applicants’ intended state of residence, with Victoria and Queensland following.
The top three occupation groups of primary applicants in skilled stream included professionals (59.6%), technicians and trade workers (17%); and managers (9%).
The report shows a slight decline in partner visa grants, with a large backlog of partner visas remaining. The total partner backlog is now over 100,000 as a media storm continues to brew.
You can read the full 2019 – 20 Migration Program Report on the Department website.
Speak with a Registered Migration Agent today by booking a consultation
Australia announces the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List
Australia, Covid-19 (Coronavirus), Skilled VisaAustralia’s new skills list
Australia has released a new skills list; the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).
The PMSOL identifies Australia’s current critical skills needs, using data from the National Skills Commission and Commonwealth departments. This list is temporary and may change as Australia’s economy recovers from COVID-19.
About the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List
The purpose of the PMSOL is to support Australian businesses recover from the Coronavirus pandemic. These 17 occupations consist of healthcare, IT and construction.
The Federal Government has highlighted the importance of protecting Australians’ jobs, while also ensuring there are no critical skill shortages. ‘“Our priority is getting Australians back into work but we also need key health workers to help fight the virus and skilled migrants who are going to be job multipliers, to help the economy recover,”’ (Media release 02/09/2020)
The majority of the PMSOL occupations are in healthcare
Employer sponsored nomination and visa applications with an occupation on the PMSOL will receive priority processing. All other skilled occupation lists will remain active, however the PMSOL occupations will take priority.
The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List
The PMSOL consists of the below occupations:
Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/pmsol
Australia’s strict border restrictions means temporary visa holders must obtain a travel exemption before travelling to Australia. You can refer to the Department’s website for further details.
Complete our free visa assessment to discover your options.
If you need visa advice you can book a consultation with our Licensed Migration Agent.
Australian Skilled Visas – State Nominations Reopen
Australia, Skilled VisaIf you are applying for a skilled visa this will be much welcomed news – Australia’s state nominations are reopening!
States and Territories have received a very small number of allocations under the 491/190 visa programmes. These allocations will cover the period until the Federal Budget is released on 6 October 2020.
State Nominations Reopen
The 491/190 state nominations are currently limited to those occupations providing critical skills. The Department determine critical skills as those required to maintain the supply of essential goods and services to Australia. This also includes those supporting the delivery of services in sectors critical to Australia’s economic recovery.
Australia’s critical skill sectors
Critical skills include those:
Source: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/critical-skills-and-sectors
When to apply
Applications are expected to open at the end of August 2020. You can monitor our website for details or check State Government and Territory websites.
Spaces will be extremely competitive, as those applying will far outweigh the number of spaces available. Moreover, we anticipate that onshore applicants will be given priority as strict travel bans and international flight caps remain in place.
We recommend moving forward with your skills assessment and English test in preparation for states reopening. You can also draft your EOI and collect all relevant documents to ensure you are ‘application-ready’.
If you wish to discuss your visa options you can book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent.
Visa processing during COVID
Australia, Covid-19 (Coronavirus), Skilled VisaAustralian Partner Visa Processing Times
Australia, NewsThe partner visa category accounts for around 25% of Australia’s migration program, making it the largest category in the family stream. As with many visa types, partner visa processing times have continued to increase year-on-year.
Current Processing Times
The Department of Home Affairs publishes visa processing times on their website, updating it monthly to reflect any changes. This provides applicants with an indicative timeframe of how long their visa will take to process.
The latest partner visa processing times (from visa lodgement) are:
These figures are only an estimate and there are occasions when visas can take much longer (or shorter!) to process. Consequently, we always advise our clients do not make any irreversible decisions until their visas have been granted. This includes purchasing travel tickets, selling houses and leaving jobs.
Why processing times are increasing
The demand exceeds the available places for partner visas in the annual migration program, thus creating a backlog of applications and longer processing times. You can read further details in our recent news item.
Partner visa processing times have increased
Travelling to Australia before visa grant
As an immediate family member of an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, you are currently permitted to enter Australia.
The non-Australian will need to apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) and provide evidence of their relationship to the Australian (for example marriage certificate).
The Department of Home Affairs is experiencing high levels of demand for exemptions and there is no guarantee of either the timing of a decision or the outcome. You should make your application at least four weeks but not more than three months in advance of travel and provide full supporting documentation. We highly recommend you have the visa and exemption in place before making travel arrangements.
Please note that all travellers arriving in Australia must undertake a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated facilities (for example, a hotel), in their port of arrival. Most states have started charging for this, with costs starting at $2,500.00 AU.
For information on the exemption categories, application form and documentation required, see the Department of Home Affairs website.
See if you qualify for a Partner Visa by completing our free online assessment.