Stay informed about the latest updates in Australian immigration by frequently checking our news updates page. Staying updated on the most recent changes in Australian immigration will aid you in better preparing for your move to Australia, whether you plan to study in Australia or migrate to Australia.
17 July 2024
Victoria Allocates 5,000 Skilled Visa Nomination Places for 2024-25 Program
The Australian Government has allocated 5,000 skilled visa nomination places to Victoria for the 2024-25 program year. This allocation includes:
3,000 places for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
2,000 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Details on the 2024-25 program, including eligibility requirements and important dates, will be available on the Live in Melbourne website as soon as they are published.
16 July 2024
2024-25 Nomination Allocation for ACT
The Department of Home Affairs has announced the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)’s allocation for the 2024-25 financial year. The ACT Government will have 1,800 nomination places to address skills shortages and labour market needs. This allocation includes 1,000 places for the ACT permanent 190 nominations and 800 places for the ACT provisional 491 nominations, providing the flexibility to meet the Territory’s specific workforce requirements through the state/territory nominated stream of the Australian Migration Program.
The employment duration requirement for NSW Pathway 1, for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa, has been reduced from 12 to 6 months. This change aims to expand eligibility and encourage skilled migration to regional areas, supporting local economies and communities.
Authorisations based on resident status since the previous invitation cycle
ACT Resident: 96%, or 97, approvals
Foreign National: 4 authorisations (4%)
Note: The ACT is evaluating how to use the remaining nomination slots most effectively in light of the Department of Home Affairs’ lower allocation. The current invitation round has been postponed as a result. They will post details about future invitation rounds on their website.
Priority Processing Now Available for Subclass 491 Visa Applicants in Regional Queensland
Migration Queensland has opened registration for priority processing of onshore Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) applicants living in regional Queensland. Eligible individuals can submit their complete applications between February 23 and February 27, 2024. To qualify, applicants must currently reside and work full-time in regional Queensland and fulfill all other criteria for Queensland nomination. This special initiative is designed to expedite the review process for 491 nominations, highlighting the significance of preparedness and sincere interest.
Updated VETASSESS Criteria for Hospitality Management Roles: Key Features
Collaboration: Developed in consultation with the Australian Hotels Association (AHA).
Industry Focus: Addresses the growing trend of serviced apartments in the hospitality sector.
Comprehensive Management: Candidates must demonstrate capability in managing all operational aspects of serviced apartments.
Legislative Compliance: Includes interaction with body corporate legislation.
Owner Coordination: Requires experience in liaising with individual apartment owners.
Operational Management: Applicants must be responsible for managing divisions such as housekeeping, security, food and beverage, and financial activities.
Staff Planning: Facilitates efficient staff transfers for international accommodation chains.
Start Date: February 12, 2024, marks the day VETASSESS begins accepting new Pathway 1 applications for plumbers.
Qualification Update: From January 31, 2024, plumber applicants are assessed based on the CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing.
Assessment Process: The evaluation includes a practical assessment and a technical interview, essential for licensure in Australia.
For OTSR Holders: Migrant plumbers holding an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) will find that specific training requirements for Certificate III in Plumbing or full registration vary by state and territory, without a uniform Australian Minimum Context Gap Training package available.
As of January 22, 2024, the oldest unprocessed nomination application dates back to that day.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190):
Used Nominations: 424/600
Pending Decisions: 29 applications
Awaiting Acceptance: 18 invitations
Interest Registrations: 468
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491):
Used Nominations: 293/600
Pending Decisions: 47 applications
Awaiting Acceptance: 35 invitations
Interest Registrations: 453
Post-allocation, outcomes are typically shared within 10 days. Migration Tasmania issues about 30 invitations weekly, focusing on the most competitive Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for nomination.
The WA State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) for the 2023-24 year closed on February 2, 2024, due to reaching its application limit. Applications already in before the closure will be assessed, with nominations subject to availability. Applicants not considered for this cycle will be notified. Those nearing visa expiry should consult a Registered Migration Agent for advice. The State Government is seeking to adjust nomination quotas to better match local needs.
Update on Migration Tasmania – Update on Migration Tasmania and and Available Nomination Slots
Visa processing times in Australia are closely monitored. The oldest unallocated nomination application dates back to December 21, 2023, with a goal to provide outcomes within 10 days after allocation.
For the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) Visa, 387 out of 600 places have been allocated, with 40 nomination applications pending decisions. Similarly, for the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) Visa, 271 out of 600 places have been used, and 36 nomination applications are pending decisions. The selection process is competitive, with up to 30 invitations issued weekly, favoring the most competitive Registrations of Interest (ROIs).
On December 18, 2023, the Department of Home Affairs announced the latest round of skilled visa invitations. Here’s the essence:
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): 8,300 candidates were invited, with November 2023 as the decisive month for tie-breaking.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) – Family Sponsored: Saw 79 invitations, with December 2023 used for tie-breaking.
These figures highlight the number of potential migrants nominated by State and Territory Governments within the given timeframe, marking continued opportunities for skilled individuals aiming to migrate.
Migration Tasmania: An Update on Processing Times, Nominations, and More
The Department of Home Affairs released its skilled visa invitation data on December 18, 2023. Here’s a quick overview:
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): 8,300 invitations were sent out, with the tie break date set in November 2023.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) – Family Sponsored: Saw 79 invitations, with December 2023 as the tie break date.
State and Territory Nominations: Covered the period from July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.
This update underscores the Australian government’s commitment to skilled migration, with a notable number of invitations for Subclass 189 visas, indicating strong opportunities for skilled individuals. The Subclass 491 visa, though with fewer invites, highlights options for those with regional family ties. For skilled workers eyeing state or territory nominations, the latter half of 2023 remains a key window. Stay updated on visa processes to enhance your migration prospects.
3 January, 2024
Migration Tasmania: An Update on Processing Times, Nominations, and More
Oldest Pending Application: Still unallocated since December 5, 2023.
Processing Goal: Outcomes aimed within 10 days post-allocation.
Subclass 190 Visa (Skilled Nominated):
Used Nominations: 370 of 600 places.
Pending Applications: 39.
Awaiting Invitations: 17.
ROIs: 486.
Subclass 491 Visa (Skilled Work Regional):
Used Nominations: 261 of 600 places.
Pending Applications: 33.
Awaiting Invitations: 12.
ROIs: 408.
Selections and Invitations:
Weekly, up to 30 ROIs are selected based on competitiveness.
Key Takeaway: Stay informed on processing times and be responsive to invitations for a successful nomination under Migration Tasmania’s skilled visa categories.
AUS
Australia
IND
India
UAE
UAE
CA
Canada
SL
Srilanka
