Every year, the month of July marks the start of new financial year in Australia and all Australian states publish list of occupations that are in demand for which they might be able to grant a State Nomination.
Getting a State Nomination can make a big difference for applicants who need additional points to meet the requirements of General Skilled Migration Scheme.
Australian immigration has now reduced the number of visas to be granted this financial year from 190,000 to 160,000.
In other words, 30,000 less visas will be granted in this year and it is now resulting in a huge influx of applications and is increasing the competition amongst individual applicants.

Impact on State Nominations
Currently Australian State Sponsored Visas such as the 489 – Skilled Regional (Provisional) and 190 – Skilled Nominated are in huge demand.
Increased competition has resulted in the closure of Queensland Skilled Occupation List within a day of its opening.
The state of South Australia which is now hugely popular amongst applicants has also made changes to occupational availability by adding additional requirements to occupations in demand within a month of publishing the new occupation list.
To counter increased number of applications, regions of New South Wales such as Far South Coast which had traditionally required only “Competent Level” of English proficiency, have now increased the English proficiency requirements to “Proficient Level”.

What you should do?
We anticipate this trend of increased number of applications to continue with the introduction of upcoming 491 visa – Skilled Work Regional especially because it grants additional 15 pts for receiving a State Nomination and 10 pts if an applicant is single.
To secure your chance of migrating to Australia it is important to start preparing your application from now itself.

Start process of Skills Assessment
First and foremost, if your occupation is in demand and if you meet the requirements, then it is important to complete a Skills Assessment application as soon as possible.
With increased number of applications, we anticipate the Skills Assessing bodies will take longer than anticipated to make decision on Skills Assessment application.
Applicants who undertake Skills Assessment application concurrently with an English Language proficiency test, stand a better chance of lodging their application rather than those who prioritise one over the other.
Applicants who only prioritise on undertaking an English Language proficiency test and giving secondary importance to Skills Assessment will most likely not be able to lodge their applications this year.

How can we assist you?
Navigation through the requirements of Skills Assessment, State Nomination and Visa application can be quite complex. We can assess your eligibility and assist you through all the stages of the application process. For further information, book a consultation with us today.