Australia is well on its path to economic recovery after having effectively controlled the Covid-19 pandemic within the country.

The successful management of the Covid -19 pandemic within Australia is expected to accelerate resumption of the skilled migrant intake which as stated by the Australian government is crucial for advancement of Australian economy.

Covid-19 has certainly impacted the skilled migration intake in Australia however, looking at the latest immigration figures one can see that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

From Jul 2020 till date, a total of 1036 applicants have received invitations for State Nominated 190 Permanent Visas and Skilled Work Regional 491 (Family Sponsored) Visas. 

Also 990 applicants have been issued invitations for Skilled Independent Permanent 189 Visa. 

Nominations by State and Territory Governments for 190 and 491 Visas – Jul 2020 till date 

Invitations issued July 2020 till date for 189 Visas

Various states have given invitations to applicants whose occupations are considered as being on their priority lists.

For all general and trade occupations, individual states are expected to open their doors on a staggered basis. For instance, South Australian government has stated that it is currently in process of finalising allocations for skilled and business nomination visas (which includes 190 and 491 visas) and expects the process to be finalised by late November.

Some of the states have been restricting processing of all applications that are not related to ICT, Engineering and Health sector occupations. These restrictions are bound to be removed soon as Australian economy begins to recover after stage by stage removal of travel restrictions both between various Australian states and with Australia’s international partner countries.

Australia Opening Its Borders

The start of international flights with New Zealand as of 16^th October 2020 marked the opening of Australia’s international borders.

New Zealand citizens are now able to arrive in Australia and do not have to quarantine themselves for 14 days post arrival.

Australian government is also in talks with many Asian countries such as Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, China, South Korea and Fiji to resume international flights.

Within Australia, all states have now relaxed their internal border restrictions thereby allowing all interstate travel. Some restrictions on travel still apply for people travelling to and from Victoria and New South Wales but these going to be removed in a few days’ time.

In an announcement made on 13^th November 2020, the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison mentioned that by Christmas this year all Australian States and territories will open their borders with the exception of Western Australia.

What you should do ?

It is important to note that starting point of almost all Australian Visa applications for work or immigration purposes requires an applicant to undertake Skills Assessment.

Skills Assessment involves assessment of an applicant’s work experience and qualifications by relevant assessing authorities. 

Only once the assessing authorities deem the experience of a candidate as being equivalent to Australian standards then the candidate can proceed further with Australian migration process.

Applicants who carry out cost cutting or apply DIY approach can indeed save money for an application however, it is important to understand that Australian migration legislation changes regularly and small areas of information if overlooked by an applicant can prove to be detrimental to an application.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to engage professional and experience Australian Registered Migration Consultants like us to assess one’s options for Australian Migration.

Experienced Australian Registered Migration Consultants are familiar with Australian migration legislation that ultimately determines the success of a visa application.

How can we assist you?

We are fully aware of Skills Assessment requirements for variety of occupations and can assist you in assessing
your eligibility and can also lodge your Skills Assessment and visa application on your behalf.

We also recommend that you attend our next online webinar on 29^th November 2020 (Sunday). You may reserve a sport for yourself for this webinar by registering your interest through this link.

Contact us or book a consultation today with our Registered Migration Consultant Sunny Soni.