There have been some major updates and announcements with regards to Australian Immigration since the start of financial year 2019/2020.

We compiled below key details on these announcements.

Closure of Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS 187)

Any new applications for 187 Direct Entry (Nomination, Visa and Regional Certifying Body (RCB) applications) are required to be lodged before 16th November 2019.

Applicants who are transitional 457 (held or applied for visa on or before 16 April 2017 which was subsequently granted) and 482 (held or applied for a visa on 20 Mar 2019 which was subsequently granted) workers are still allowed to lodge a 187 Direct Entry Visa application even after 16th November 2019, as long as they lodge a Nomination and RCB application prior to the said date.

Beyond the 16th November 2019, 187 Visa application through Temporary Residence Transition Stream will still be an option for Transitional 457 and 482 Workers.

The new 494 Visa (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa) shall be introduced as a replacement of 187 Direct Entry program. This will essentially be a type of Regional Work Visa offering a pathway to permanent residency through employer sponsorship program.

This program is beneficial for both the sponsoring employer and the visa applicant. The employer can utilise it for sponsoring an applicant for a total of 5 years and the visa holder can also apply for Permanent Residency after having worked for the employer for a minimum of 3 year period with a salary equal to or more than $53,900 per year.

Closure of Skilled Regional Provisional Visa (489)

The 489-visa program will officially close on the 16th November 2019, making way for the new 491 Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa.

Applicants for the new 491 visa will benefit from the changes being introduced to the Points Tested Scheme (Schedule 6 D) based on which they can get additional points for variety of factors relevant to their application such as Marital Status, English competency and Skills Assessment of their dependant partner.

For a full comparison between the 491 and 494 visa programs please refer to our previous article.

Australian Skilled Occupation List To Be Reviewed

The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business under the leadership of Minister Michaelia Cash has announced that a review of Australia’s occupation list will be carried out in March 2020.

We recommend that if your occupation is currently listed on the skilled occupation list, then it would be best to undertake relevant skills assessment and lodge your visa application as soon as possible.

It is highly likely that this major announcement of occupation review, may eventually lead to removal of many occupations that may be deemed as not being in demand.

Working Holiday Visa

Australia’s working holiday visa has long been an important source of workers for Regional Areas of Australia. It is also a unique way to earn a living and enjoy Australia at the same time.

Previously the Working Holiday Program would allow a visa holder to continue staying and working Australia for a period of 2 years however, from July 2019 a holiday maker can now extend their stay in Australia for a 3rd year provided that the visa holder has worked in a Regional area for at least 6 months in the 2nd year of holding the Working Holiday Visa.

As of now Australia has reciprocal Working Holiday Visa Arrangements with over 35 countries and the Australian government is currently engaged in talks with India, Philippines, Mongolia, Brazil, Mexico, Croatia, Switzerland, Latvia, Lithuania, Monaco, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Andorra to start reciprocal working holiday maker visa arrangements.

How Can We Assist You?

We shall continue to cover changes in Australian Migration program as they are announced. For more information or to explore your options of moving to Australia contact us or book a consultation with our expert migration consultant Sunny Soni.