The Australian Migration program is finally gearing up for the financial year 2020-2021 with individual states and territories slowly releasing their migration intake plans one after the other.

The Australian Capital Territory

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) of Canberra like other Australian States and Territories is allocated a set number of nominations for 491 and 190 visas every year. As long as the candidates meet the Home Affairs points test (currently 65 points), then they can lodge an application for ACT nomination.

ACT has now released its critical skills list which is aimed at supporting Australia’s economic and public health response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. There are more than 80 different occupation on this list with a heavy emphasis this time for IT and Accounts related occupations as these have been allocated the highest number of places and a monthly cap has been put on the various categories of occupations.

ACT (Canberra) occupation list is mentioned below:

South Australia

The state of South Australia has announced that it will publish its State Nomination requirements by 27^th August 2020. 

By the 30^th August, the South Australian Government will commence reviewing Expression of Interest applications and will send invitation to submit online applications.

This will constitute the intake of applications in the interim until October 2020 when final budget is revealed.

Victoria

The Australian state of Victoria has also been provided with a limited number of visa nomination places up until the delivery of Australian Federal Budget which will be on 6^th October 2020.

It has also been announced by the Victorian State government that the migration program for the state will re-open with new policies and nomination criteria to support the state’s economic recovery and public health response.

The government has also advised applicants to prepare their Expression of Interest (EOI) in advance so that they are ready once further information becomes available. 

What should applicants do? 

Australia remains a desirable place for people to migrate to despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The economic stimulus package offered by the Australian government showcases the resilience and strength of Australia in these challenging times.

Benefits of moving to Australia include access to subsidised education for children below 18 years of age, government funded student loans, access to subsidised government welfare programs, social security and medicare programs and pathway to becoming an Australian citizen.

Becoming an Australian Citizen also gives access to the right to live and work in New Zealand.

This financial year, the competition for Australian migration process will be high amongst applicants and it is important to take action now so one may be able to reap the rewards sooner.

Therefore, we strongly urge applicants to prepare and lodge their Skills Assessment applications as it forms the basis of their future visa application.

Also, due to the Covid-19 pandemic the skills assessing authorities especially those that are responsible for Trade occupations are allowing applicants to undertake the technical interview (which happens after the applicant passes the initial stage) directly online from the comfort of their homes.

Should you already have a positive outcome then, we recommend lodging an expression of interest as soon as possible.

How Can We Assist You ?

We have assisted many candidates to successfully migrate to Australia on various types of Australian visas and will be able to assist you through all the stages of lodging a successful visa application including the Skills Assessment.

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