Notable Changes From Nov 16 Influencing Australian Skilled Migration

12 Nov 2019

The Australian Home Affairs Department (DHA) implements many changes to visas underway and some very interesting changes to the points examination as well.

Taking affect from 16 Nov 2019, the Skilled Regional (provisional) (subclass 489) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (R.S.M.S) (subclass 187) visas are closing and welcome new (substitute) regional visas:

• Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) (provisional) Visa
• Skilled Work Regional (provisional) (subclass 491) Visa

Points Test

Currently, below listed are the principal categories beneath which one is assessed for points:

• English language proficiency
• Age
• Skilled employment
• Educational Qualifications
• Study in Australia
• Specialist education qualification
• Nomination (by state or relative) – only suitable for specific visas
• Other:
• Study in Australian regional area or low populated metropolitan area
• Community language skills
• Partner’s skill eligibilities
• The professional year program (P.Y.P) in Australia

Additional Points

The latest points system grants additional points on specific factors:

• A total of 15 points ( Additional 5 Points) for nomination by Territory or State government or sponsorship by a family member living in Australian regional area
• 10 points (Additional 5 Points) for S.T.E.M qualifications
• 10 points (Additional 5 Points) for partner’s skilled abilities or just no partner at all!

You can either claim the entire 10 points for having a proficient spouse or partner or 5 points for having a spouse or partner with competent English language, but not both.

It is necessary to show competent English language ability of a partner or spouse through an authorized English language examination.

Focus on Australian Regional Areas

There are a number of reforms happening to the Australian regional visas and that below the new points test system, those applicants who are sponsored by a state or territory or by the family member to live & work in the Australian regional area will now receive a tremendous 15 points.

The Home Affairs Department states that the advantages under these new visas comprise:

• Preference processing of regional appeals
• Incentives for migrants to live in the regional areas for a long term tenure as they build strong links with workforce and participation in community
• Can apply for Australia PR without a second nomination step, if eligible, by the Skilled Work Regional (provisional) (subclass 491) Visa (starts on 16 November 2022)
• More points possible to subclass 491 visa appellants
• A broader range of professions available than non-regional immigration pathways
• Expanded and compatible classification of Australian regional areas

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