Navigating the intricate process of obtaining an Australian visa requires a deep understanding of various requirements. Among these, a fundamental step is the acquisition of a skills assessment. This pivotal procedure is designed to validate your qualifications and work experience, ensuring they align with the standards set by the Australian government. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the significance of skills assessments, explore the diverse types available, and shed light on why they are indispensable for a seamless Australian visa application.

Understanding Skills Assessment

Definition and Process: At its core, a skills assessment is a meticulous evaluation of your educational qualifications, work experience, and skills, conducted by designated assessing authorities in Australia. This assessment is tailored to match your expertise with the requirements of your nominated occupation in Australia. Understanding the nuances of this process is crucial, as it forms the foundation of your visa application.

Types of Skills Assessments: There are various types of skills assessments, each catering to specific visa categories. For instance, the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which includes Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas, demands a skills assessment from applicants. Additionally, employer-sponsored visas like Subclass 482, 494 and 186 have their unique assessment criteria. Familiarizing yourself with the specific type required for your visa is vital for a successful application.

Role of Assessing Authorities: Assessing authorities play a pivotal role in the skills assessment process. These entities are responsible for evaluating your credentials and determining if they meet the Australian standards for your nominated occupation. Different occupations are assessed by different authorities, each having its own set of guidelines and requirements. Researching and selecting the appropriate assessing authority is the initial step toward a successful assessment.

Importance of Skills Assessment for Australian Visa

Validation of Qualifications: A positive skills assessment acts as a robust validation of your qualifications. It provides assurance to the Department of Home Affairs that your educational background aligns with the Australian standards for your chosen occupation. This validation is a crucial determinant in the visa approval process.

Enhanced Visa Approval Chances: Possessing a positive skills assessment substantially enhances your chances of visa approval. It signifies to the immigration authorities that you possess the necessary skills and expertise required for your nominated occupation. Applicants with a positive skills assessment often receive preferential treatment during the visa selection process.

Streamlining the Immigration Process: A skills assessment not only validates your qualifications but also streamlines the immigration process. It ensures that your application meets the specified criteria, reducing the likelihood of delays or complications. A meticulously prepared skills assessment can pave the way for a smoother visa application journey.

How to Obtain a Skills Assessment

Step-by-Step Guide: Obtaining a skills assessment involves a series of well-defined steps. These steps typically include gathering essential documents such as academic transcripts, employment certificates, and language proficiency test results. Following a detailed, step-by-step guide provided by the assessing authority is crucial to preparing a comprehensive application.

Required Documents and Qualifications: Different assessing authorities have specific document requirements. Ensuring you provide accurate and complete documentation is imperative. These documents often include proof of academic qualifications, evidence of work experience, and language proficiency test results, such as IELTS or PTE scores. Meeting the minimum qualification standards set by the Australian government is essential.

Common Challenges Faced: Applicants often encounter challenges during the skills assessment process, such as document verification issues or ambiguity regarding qualification standards. Addressing these challenges proactively is vital. Seeking assistance from professional migration consultants or engaging with online forums where applicants share their experiences can provide valuable insights into overcoming common hurdles.

Tips for a Successful Application: Preparing a successful skills assessment application requires meticulous attention to detail. Ensuring all documents are accurate, complete, and well-organized is paramount. Additionally, staying updated with the latest guidelines and requirements from the assessing authority is crucial. Seeking guidance from experienced migration agents can provide you with valuable tips and strategies to enhance your application’s chances of success.

Navigating Skills Assessment for Different Visa Types

Skilled Independent Visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491): For skilled independent visas, applicants must undergo a skills assessment to demonstrate their qualifications and work experience in a nominated occupation. The assessment ensures that applicants possess the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the Australian workforce.

Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 186, 494): Employer-sponsored visas, such as Subclass 494 and Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, require a skills assessment tailored to the specific occupation. These assessments are designed to validate both the applicant’s qualifications and their relevance to the nominated position offered by an Australian employer.

Other Visa Categories: Skills assessments are not limited to skilled and employer-sponsored visas. temporary work visas, may require a skills assessment, depending on the nature of the course or occupation. Understanding the specific requirements for each visa category is crucial for a successful application.

Differences in Assessment Criteria: Each visa category has its unique assessment criteria. For example, skilled independent visas focus on the applicant’s ability to work independently, while employer-sponsored visas emphasize the applicant’s suitability for the nominated position within an Australian organization. Understanding these differences ensures that your skills assessment aligns seamlessly with your chosen visa category.

Understanding Assessing Authorities in Australia

Overview of Assessing Authorities: Australia has several assessing authorities, each responsible for specific occupations. Engineers Australia, the Australian Computer Society, and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council are just a few examples. Each authority has a detailed list of occupations it assesses, and applicants must select the appropriate authority based on their nominated occupation.

Specific Requirements and Guidelines: Each assessing authority has its unique set of requirements and guidelines. These can range from minimum years of work experience to specific qualifications and even English language proficiency levels. Understanding these requirements in detail and aligning your application with them is crucial for a successful assessment outcome.

Challenges and Solutions in Skills Assessment

Common Challenges Faced by Applicants: Applicants often face challenges such as delays in document verification, unclear guidelines, or discrepancies in qualification recognition. These challenges can be stressful but are not insurmountable with the right approach and guidance.

Solutions and Strategies: Addressing challenges effectively requires a proactive approach. Staying organized, double-checking all documentation, and seeking clarification from the assessing authority when in doubt are essential strategies. Engaging with online communities and forums where applicants share their experiences can provide valuable solutions to common challenges.

Case Studies: Real-life case studies of individuals who successfully navigated the skills assessment process can offer valuable insights. These case studies can highlight the challenges faced, the strategies employed, and the eventual outcomes. Learning from the experiences of others can provide applicants with a roadmap for their own skills assessment journey.

Impact of Skills Assessment on Visa Approval

Influence on Points-Based Immigration System: Australia operates on a points-based immigration system, where points are allocated based on various factors such as age, qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency. A positive skills assessment significantly contributes to your points score, enhancing your eligibility for skilled migration visas.

Addressing Discrepancies and Concerns: In some cases, applicants may encounter discrepancies or concerns in their skills assessment report. Addressing these issues promptly and professionally is essential. This may involve providing additional documentation or clarification to the assessing authority. Ensuring that your skills assessment report is accurate and error-free is vital for a successful visa application.

Expert Advice and Resources

Importance of Professional Advice: Navigating the skills assessment process can be complex and daunting. Seeking professional advice from registered migration agents or consultants is highly recommended. These experts have in-depth knowledge of the assessment requirements, can guide you through the application process, and help you address any challenges that may arise.

Utilizing Online Resources: In addition to professional advice, applicants can benefit from utilizing online resources and official websites. These resources provide up-to-date information on assessment guidelines, required documentation, and frequently asked questions. Being well-informed and updated ensures that you are prepared for every stage of the skills assessment process.

Community Forums and FAQs: Engaging with online community forums and FAQs specific to your nominated occupation or assessing authority can provide a wealth of information. These platforms allow applicants to interact with others who have undergone similar assessments, share experiences, and seek advice. Learning from the collective knowledge of the community can be invaluable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a skills assessment is a pivotal step toward realizing your dream of living and working in Australia. By understanding the intricacies of the assessment process, preparing a meticulous application, and seeking expert guidance when needed, you can significantly enhance your chances of a successful Australian visa application. Remember, each applicant’s journey is unique, and challenges, if they arise, can be overcome with determination, patience, and the right support. As you embark on this transformative journey, equip yourself with knowledge, stay proactive, and embrace the possibilities that await you in the land Down Under. Your Australian dream is within reach – make it a reality with a successful skills assessment and a well-prepared visa application.

The post What Is a Skills Assessment, and Why You Need It for an Australian Visa appeared first on Nowak Migration.

If you need to consult Migration Agent follow this link to book a consultation.

South Australia state nomination requirements for August -September 2020

The Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs has provided a limited number of visa nomination places to the Government of South Australia up until the Federal Budget is delivered on 6 October 2020.

The state’s allocation of interim 491 and 190 visa nominations are intended to support South Australia’s economic recovery and the public health response.

If you meet the state-nomination requirements, you are invited to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect system.

If South Australia is satisfied with your EOI, you will be invited to submit an online application for state-nomination.

Please ensure your EOI is up to date before you lodge an application with the Government of South Australia.

Minimum nomination requirements

1. Applicants must meet Home Affairs minimum requirements for age, English levels and Points, and
2. Applicants must nominate an occupation eligible for a 190 or 491 nomination on

the Skilled Migration Occupation List and have a valid and positive Skills Assessment for that occupation, and

3. Applicants must be currently working in South Australia for at least the last 3 months in their nominated or closely related occupation, for at least 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight. The work experience must be undertaken post-qualification completion and paid at the appropriate rate for the skill
4. The following applicants do not have to meet the work experience requirement listed above:
   1. International graduates of South Australian education institutions who have completed a PhD or Masters by

Preferred requirements

In addition to the mandatory requirements listed above, applicants who meet the following conditions will have a better chance of being invited to submit an application.

5. Applicants with Proficient English overall or higher
6. Applicants with at least 90 Points in your Expression of Interest (including state- nomination points)
7. Applicants who are currently working in South Australia for at least the last 12 months in their nominated or closely related occupation and claiming Points for Australian work experience
8. Applicants who are currently living and working in outer regional South Australia
9. Applicants who meet the critical skills listed here for Commonwealth Government’s Travel Exemption
   

   Important information

   South Australia’s 190 and 491 visa nominations are subject to a quota. South Australia reserves the right to revise nomination eligibility criteria for these visa subclasses without notice.

   The Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs has identified critical sectors to

   support Australia’s COVID-19 public health response and economic recovery. Applicants who are nominating occupations in these sectors will be prioritised. This list of priority critical sectors may change over time.

   If you meet the requirements listed above, please lodge your Expression of

   Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. If you have a current EOI in SkillSelect, please ensure it is updated. All EOIs must be submission ready.

   It is preferred that applicants choose ‘South Australia’ only as their nominating state. Applicants selecting ‘ANY’ state or territory or multiple states and territories (including South Australia) will be considered for nomination.

   If you are living and working in outer regional South Australia, please

   email: gsm.sa@sa.gov.au to advise that your EOI has been lodged. Please include your full name, EOI ID number and the postcode where you are residing and/or working.

   Your EOI will be reviewed by the Government of South Australia. If you are identified as an applicant who meets the Commonwealth and State Government critical skills, we

   will send you an invitation to submit an application for state nomination.

   If you are invited to submit an application, you will receive an email with a weblink which will enable you to log into your unique application form. You will have 10 business days to complete your state nomination application from the date you are invited to apply.

   For South Australia to approve your online application and make a nomination

   in SkillSelect you need to meet the Department of Home Affairs criteria and South Australia’s requirements. Please note:

   • Your personal details in your South Australian online application must be the same as your EOI. Any discrepancies will result in nomination refusal.
   • Your nominated occupation in your South Australian online application must match your nominated occupation in your
   • Your South Australian online application must contain evidence of your EOI points claim, and evidence of your South Australian work experience. Please refer to the document checklist for more information. (Link)
   • Missing or incorrect documentation may result in your South Australian application being refused.
   • Additional documentation after submission of your South Australian application will not be accepted, unless
   • Any information edited in your EOI that had not been provided/included at time of submission of your South Australian application and affects your points, will not be accepted.

   Your application will be assessed by South Australia within 6 to 8 weeks. Priority processing is not available, however if you have an imminent visa expiry we will make every endeavour to assess your application before your visa expiry.

   South Australia reserves the right to offer a 491 provisional visa nomination for applicants otherwise eligible for a 190 visa nomination. If applying for 190 nomination, please ensure you have both visa subclasses selected in your EOI.

   Prospective applicants who meet the requirements listed above and lodge an EOI are not guaranteed to be invited to submit an application. Applying for nomination does not guarantee you will receive nomination by South Australia or be granted an Australian visa. Invitation to submit an application and nomination is determined at the discretion of the Government of South Australia and is subject to quotas and Commonwealth and State priorities.

   Business Innovation & Investment Program

    

   2020/21 Interim BIIP State Nomination Requirements – Round 1

   The Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs has provided a limited number of visa nomination places to the Government of South Australia up until the Federal Budget is delivered on 6 October 2020.

   The allocation of interim 188 and 132 visa nominations provided to the Department for Innovation and Skills is intended to support the following high-level outcome of the State’s Business Innovation & Investment Program:

   High quality business owners and entrepreneurs have created genuine and sustainable business opportunities in South Australia that benefits the State’s economy, local businesses and the workforce.

   To be considered for Round 1 you must have completed the following by Friday 4 September (11:59pm ACST):

   1. Submit an Intention to Apply and complete the second step email response for additional information
   2. Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home

   Affairs SkillSelect system, and provide this EOI reference in your Intention to Apply

    

   • If you have previously submitted an Intention to Apply, you are able to submit another one if your situation has changed or you did not include an EOI
   • Please ensure your EOI is up to date and contains consistent information to your Intention to

    

   Your Intention to Apply and EOI will be considered for nomination based on the following objectives:

   • Attract significant investment into the South Australian economy
   • Increase employment in South Australia through the direct creation of jobs
   • Drive innovation to make South Australia more productive and competitive

    

   If you have selected the Subclass 132 Significant Business History stream or Subclass 188 Business Innovation stream, you must have previously completed a physical exploratory visit to South Australia that meets the pre-July 2020 requirements below.

   Exploratory Visit

   Evidence must be provided at time of application for State nomination. Information to be collected is the date and duration of the visit, where in SA you have visited and the nature of your visit. The accepted evidence must include one of the following:

   • Meeting with Immigration SA (email confirmation of meeting)
   • Airline boarding passes – tickets are not accepted as they do not confirm the flight was taken
   • Receipts for accommodation in SA

   If the above evidence is not available other submitted evidence maybe accepted, such as emails to confirm the meeting with SA companies. Photos are not required and will not be assessed.

   Your application needs to include an exploratory visit itinerary and details on the outcome from your visit. This information is being collected to help understand how your visit has benefited your understanding of business and lifestyle opportunities.

    

   If the Department for Innovation and Skills is satisfied with your Intention to Apply and your EOI, you may be invited to submit an online application for state -nomination. These will be issued from Monday 7 September to Friday 18 September. You will have 10 business days from the date notified to apply for state nomination.

   For South Australia to approve your online application and make a nomination

   in SkillSelect you need to meet the Department of Home Affairs criteria and South Australia’s requirements. Please note:

   • Your personal details in your South Australian online application must be the same as your EOI. Any discrepancies will result in nomination
   • Missing or incorrect documentation may result in your South Australian application being refused.
   • Additional documentation after submission of your South Australian application will not be accepted, unless

    

   Your application will be assessed by the Department for Innovation and Skills within an indicative 4-week period. Priority processing is not available.

   If you are not invited to submit a state nomination application in Round 1, your Intention to Apply will remain eligible for any subsequent rounds, which is subject to the confirmation of future program settings, expected to be announced in the Federal Budget

   on 6 October 2020. Thereafter, further information will be announced

   regarding the application process or subsequent Rounds for the remainder of the 2020/21 program year. Please do not contact the Department for Innovation and Skills regarding the status of your Intention to Apply unless you have been requested to provide further information.

   Prospective applicants who meet the requirements listed above and lodge an EOI are not guaranteed to be invited to submit an application. Applying for nomination does not guarantee you will receive nomination by South Australia or be granted an Australian visa. Invitation to submit an application and nomination is granted at the discretion of South Australia and is subject to quotas and Commonwealth and State priorities.

   If you are granted an Australian visa, the business proposal you put forward during this interim period will be scrutinised at the subsequent Subclass 132 Review stage and Subclass 888 stage, where the Government of South Australia has a direct role.

   Please refer to the Terms and Conditions for more information.

The post South Australia – interim nominations for 190 and 491 (Aug – Sep 2020) appeared first on Nowak Migration.

154 invitations went to Registered Nurses, the other 46 invitations went very likely to the other medical professionals listed in the table below.

Invitations issued on 11 August 2020

The table below shows the number of invitations issued in the SkillSelect invitation round on 11 August 2020.

Invitation process and cut offs

The highest ranked clients by points score are invited to apply for the relevant visa. For clients who have equal points scores, the time at which they reached their points score for that subclass (referred to as the date of effect) determines their order of invitation. Expressions of Interest with earlier dates of effect are invited before later dates.

Point scores and the dates of effect cut off for the pro rata occupations in the 11 August 2020 invitation round.

Due to high levels of demand, and in keeping with previous program years, the below occupation groups will be subject to pro rata arrangements to ensure availability of invitations across the program year.

SkillSelect first allocates available places to Skilled – Independent visas (subclass 189), and thereafter the remaining to Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored . If all places are taken up by subclass 189 visas then there will be no invitations issued for subclass 491 visas in these occupations.

Invitations issued during 2020-21 program year

The above figures do not include invitations issued for State and Territory Government nominated visa subclasses. State and Territory Governments nominate throughout the month for specific points tested skilled migration and business innovation and investment visas.

The post Skillselect round of invitations 11 Aug 2020 appeared first on Nowak Migration.

The table below shows the occupation ceilings for the 2020-2021 program year for each occupation on the list of eligible skilled occupations by the four-digit ANZSCO code unit group.

Occupation ceiling values are based on a percentage of stock employment figures for each occupation. Employment figures are provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and represent the number of people employed in Australia in each occupation.

Occupation ceilings do not apply to State or Territory Nominated, Employer Sponsored or Business Innovation and Investment visa subclasses.

Occupation ceilings for the 2020-21 program year.

The post Occupation ceilings for the 2020-21 program year appeared first on Nowak Migration.

SkillSelect invitation rounds for the financial year 2019-2020

The information has been copied from the Home Affairs website on 26 July 2020 for future reference.

Overview

The post SkillSelect invitation round 11 June 2020 appeared first on Nowak Migration.

Australian Migration Program 2020 – 2021. Planning and Delivery

1. What impact has COVID-19 had on the delivery of the Migration Program?

• Migration continues to make substantial contributions to Australia’s economic prosperity, national wellbeing and social cohesion.
• The Australian Government is closely monitoring migration and visa settings to ensure they are consistent with public health measures, are flexible and do not displace job opportunities for Australians so that Australia can deal with the immediate and post-recovery impacts of COVID-19.
• COVID-19 has had significant impacts on the Department of Home Affairs’
  • Health restrictions implemented in Australia and many other countries have disrupted the Department’s visa processing services; and
  • Travel bans implemented around the world to manage health risks limit arrivals of temporary and permanent migrants to
• Australia’s migration settings are designed to be flexible and respond to changing circumstances, such as COVID-19.
  • The ongoing impacts of the pandemic worldwide, both medically, socially, and economically, will have a significant influence on the shape of Australia’s Migration Program going forward.
• Migration policies must be carefully calibrated to provide employment opportunities for Australians, support critical industries, and position Australia’s economic
• COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the Migration
  • The Government must ensure that migration settings support Australia post recovery from the impacts of COVID-19, and in doing so, the livelihood of Australians who become unemployed as the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis deepen also needs to be prioritized.

2. What impact has COVID-19 had on Net Overseas Migration? 

• Border closures have had a significant impact on net overseas
• In comparison to net overseas migration (NOM) for the 2018-19 year, NOM is expected to fall by 30 percent in 2019-20 and even further in 2020-21.
• The Migration Program can change to respond to changing

3. What is the Government doing to ensure the visa system supports COVID-19 response and economic recovery?

• Protecting the health of Australians during the global pandemic is the Australian Government’s priority. Borders will only re-open at a time and in a manner that is safe, guided by health advice, and with secure border arrangements in
• A carefully calibrated migration program is an important part of Australia’s economic recovery and will create jobs and bring investment to help Australia rebound from COVID-19.
  • Migration will be a key component of Australia’s economic
• To date, the Government has shown a commitment to protecting the health of Australians, supporting businesses and jobs, and securing food supply while we combat COVID-19.
• The Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs has made a series of announcements in relation to:
  • temporary visa holders;
  • visa options to support the agriculture sector; and
  • student visa work conditions.
• Information is available at https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/staying-australia
• The Government is closely monitoring migration and visa settings to ensure they continue to support public health measures and critical
• Carefully targeted migration for skilled workers who create jobs will help in Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

4. When will the Government announce the size and the composition for the 2020-21 Migration Program? 

• In the COVID-19 recovery period, migration will be a key component of Australia’s economic recovery.
• The Australian Government is considering how best to shape the Migration Program to drive economic growth and support job creation during this post recovery
  • This will take into consideration the economic conditions in Australia, future skill needs, changes in the labour market and the population objectives of states and
• Until otherwise advised, the existing 2019-20 Migration Program settings will continue to remain in place. This means the 2020-21 planning ceiling will be retained at 160,000 places, the level set for the 2019-20 Migration
• This includes:
  • 108,682 places for the Skill
  • 47,732 places for the Family
  • 236 places for the Special Eligibility
  • 3,350 places for Child visas

5. Will States and Territories be given any nominations in the 2020-21 Migration Program, or are the State/Territory skilled nominated programs and Business Innovation and Investment Program closed indefinitely?

• The State and Territory nominated visa programs will play an important part in Australia’s economic recovery and continue to be a part of the Migration
• The Australian Government is considering how best to shape the Migration Program into the future to drive economic growth and support job
• Nominations will be made available to States and Territories in line with these considerations, in the following categories:
  • Skilled – Nominated (subclass 190).
  • Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491).
  • Business Innovation and Investment

6. What invitation rounds for Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Family Sponsored) (subclass 491) continue to be run each month?

• The Government is closely monitoring migration and visa settings to ensure they are consistent with public health measures, are flexible and do not displace job opportunities for Australians so that Australia can deal with the immediate and post recovery impacts of COVID-19.
• Targeted invitation rounds have continued each month and prioritise skills which are in critical need and will aid Australia’s economic

7. What changes will be made to the Migration Program in 2020-21? 

• Until otherwise advised, the existing 2019-20 Migration Program settings, including the program size and composition, will remain in
• The Government’s current focus is dealing with the immediate health and economic impacts of COVID-19.

8. Why did the Government decide to retain the 2019-20 Migration Program settings?

• The Migration Program is generally announced each year as part of the Federal Budget in
  • Due to the Government’s focus on responding to the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, the 2020-21 Budget was deferred for consideration until October 2020

9. Will stakeholders be consulted ahead of any potential changes to the 2020-21 Migration Program? 

• The Department plans to proceed with engagement with State and Territory governments regarding their nomination allocations for the 2020-21 Migration
• Relevant stakeholders will be advised if any further decisions are made regarding program settings for the 2020-21 Migration

10. Are migrants allowed entry to Australia during this time? If so, how is the health and safety of Australians being protected?

• Decisions by the ABF Commissioner to grant exemptions for travel for compassionate and compelling circumstances must be balanced against the Government’s intent for imposing the travel ban and the health risks posed to the Australian community by international travellers.
• All travellers arriving in Australia by air or sea must be isolated in mandatory quarantine accommodation for 14 days from their arrival, with few
  • For more information see: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/
• Travellers who have a compassionate or compelling reason to travel to Australia will need to have an exemption from the Australian Border Force
  • Each case is unique and is considered individually based on the information provided in the application, and supporting evidence must be
  • All applications need to be completed in full, translated in English if necessary, with valid and readable documentation attached. Incomplete applications will be returned and this will delay the
  • Each application is considered on its own merit and applicants are informed if further information is required, or why the exemption has been
  • Applications for exemptions must be made at least 48 hours prior to any planned
  • Applications for exemptions are considered according to the date of the planned travel, with priority given to those needing to travel
  • To limit the spread of COVID-19 in the Australian community, from 20 March 2020 all foreign nationals who do not meet the travel exemptions will not be allowed to enter
  • Temporary visa holders currently outside Australia will still need to apply for an exemption to travel to Australia. Those without a valid visa will not be considered for a travel exemption.
• The current travel restrictions have been implemented on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).
• These decisions are not taken lightly, but the Government’s priority is to protect the Australian community against the COVID-19
• Only Australian citizens, a permanent residents, immediate family members of an Australian citizen or permanent resident or New Zealand citizens usually resident in Australia can travel to
  • For more information see: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/
• Immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents who hold a temporary visa will need to provide evidence of their

The post Australia – migration planning levels for 2020-2021 appeared first on Nowak Migration.

BSMQ may open a skilled program in July 2020 with limited quota (TBC by Home Affairs).

Home Affairs’ total nomination allocation for FY20-21 will be announced in October 2020.

Subclass 491 program is still open to onshore applicants and offshore medical professionals. There are still quite a few 491 nominations available. If you’re waiting for 190 to open – you may need to reconsider as chances are 190 visa programm will not be opened before October.

BSMQ is taking a more flexible approach to those who have been stood down, providing they can show a letter of support from an employer to evidence a job will still be available once restrictions ease further.

The 491 SBO program is still open (May 2020).

QSOL’s (Queensland Skilled List of Occupation) are currently being reviewed. No detailed information available now, but significant changes are possible.

New month by month Quota Management System will be introduced in FY 20/21

Home Affairs will release quotas for states in October. QLD may have some limited quota allocated in July – yet to be confirmed.

SKILLED REGIONAL (PROVISIONAL) VISA (SUBCLASS 491)

• State-nominated provisional residency visa
• Pathway to permanent residency – 191
• Live and work full-time in a regional area for 3 years to be eligible for permanent residency
• Receive 15 additional points for state nomination
• Same requirements as subclass 190 nomination (minimum 65 points, under 45 years, positive skills assessment, competent English)
• Onshore requirements: need 3 months’ employment in the nominated occupation in a regional area and 1-year job offer
• Offshore – min. 2 years’ work experience (unless otherwise indicated)
• List of occupations available on BSMQ website

491 – SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS (SBO) PATHWAY

• Use of existing 491 program (must meet 491 requirements).
• Investment of a minimum of 100K in regional business, cost of purchasing a business, but other start-up costs, asset costs, marketing costs can also be included in that $100k.
• It must be a pre-existing business, can’t be a start-up.
• A visa applicant must run the business after purchase for at least 6 months prior to lodging EOI.
• Employ 1 Australian resident. Could be a temporary resident – a minimum of 20 hrs per week. Can be employed any time – it’s OK as long as they’re working at the time of EOI
• Negates the need to be an employee elsewhere
• $100,000 investment – the cost of purchasing a business, but other startup costs, asset costs, marketing costs can also be included in that $100k.

Any questions – book a consultation with our migration agent.

The post Queensland 190 and 491 visa update May 2020 appeared first on Nowak Migration.

“There’s also been, we’ve heard today, a significant fall expected in net overseas migration, which is expected to fall by about a third this year, financial year, and by 85 per cent off its peak, or off it’s previous year, in the following year in ‘21, sorry 2021, sorry ‘21/’22.”

What is Net Overseas Migration – keep reading?

Source: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/press-conference-australian-parliament-house-act-1may20

Check this video for details

What is Net Overseas Migration (NOM)?

Net Overseas Migration is based on the actual historical data. What prospective migrants seem to be panicking about is Migration Intake, which is a planned limit of Permanent Residency visa grants for a financial year. There is no direct correlation between NOM and Migration Intake as far as I am aware.

NOM is calculated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and is based on the actual data –  number of international people coming to Australia, staying over here and leaving Australia. It was 232100 between Oct 2018 and Sep 2019.

Migration Intake is a planned level for PR visa grants for a financial year. It is set on 160000 for FY1920

Let’s get into details.

NOM is ‘based on an international travelers’ duration of stay being in or out of Australia for 12 months or more over the 16 month period (12/16 month rule), and is the difference between:

• the number of incoming international travelers who stay in Australia for 12 months or more within 16 months, who are not currently counted within the population, and are then added to the population (NOM arrivals)
• the number of outgoing international travelers (Australian residents and long-term visitors to Australia) who leave Australia for 12 months or more within 16 months, who are currently counted within the population, and are then subtracted from the population (NOM departures)

NOM is the net gain or loss of population through immigration to Australia and emigration from Australia. Migration flows impact on issues such as Australia’s labor supply; national income; housing availability; cultural diversity; and social cohesion. Variations in the volume and characteristics of travelers to and from Australia impact on policy decisions and future planning at all levels of government.

Source: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/research-and-statistics/statistics/visa-statistics/live/net-overseas-migration

Where to find information about NOM?

ABS website:

https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/3101.0Sep%202019?OpenDocument

Total NOM from Oct 2018 to Sep 2019 is 232100

Is NOM part of the permanent visa program?

Not directly.

The Migration program is designed to achieve a range of economic and social outcomes. The program is set annually, with the total places available capped at a ceiling of 160,000 for 2019-20.

Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels

Is NOM decline good for PR visa aspirants?

It may sound odd, but if you are already in Australia working towards your PR you might be actually in a better position – fewer people coming to Australia, less competition for skilled visas…

If you need to discuss your situation give us a call or book a consultation with our migration agent.

The post Expected 85% decline in Net Overseas Migration to Australia appeared first on Nowak Migration.

This information is only for holders of one of the following Skilled visas

• Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
• Skilled Regional (subclass 489)
• Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)

If you were outside Australia when you were granted one of the above Skilled visas then your visa grant will be subject to visa Condition 8504 which provides that:
The holder must enter Australia as the holder of the visa to which the condition applies before a date specified by the Minister.

This condition requires that each visa holder must make their first entry into Australia before the “For first entry, arrive by” date specified in the “Grant Notification” letter. Under the Migration Act 1958, failure to comply with visa conditions can render a visa liable for cancellation.
Skilled Migration is aware there will be circumstances when you and/or family members (who were granted a visa as part of your application) may not be able to comply with this condition, for example, due to global travel restrictions.
Generally, we will not seek to cancel a Skilled Migration visa where the only reason for doing so would be breach of Condition 8504.

Visa Validity Period
If you are not able to make your first entry into Australia before the “For first entry, arrive by” date you can use this notice when you travel to Australia during the period for which you hold a valid visa. Information about your visa validity period is specified in the “Grant Notification” letter, as the “Must not arrive after date”.
We cannot extend the validity period of your visa, and if your Skilled Migration visa ceases for any reason then you cannot use this notice to enter Australia as the holder of this visa.

Traveling to Australia
When you travel to Australia within the visa validity period you should present this notice to travel providers. This notice should be sufficient evidence for a travel provider to be satisfied that the visa holder can enter Australia as the holder of a Skilled Migration visa. Visa holder(s) may wish to carry a copy of this notice to present to the airline when checking in at the airport and on arrival into Australia. Please note that some delays may be encountered upon arrival into Australia while visa validity is verified.

Comment from Migration Agent – I’d suggest to contact Home Affairs and ask them for formal confirmation that 1st date of entry has been extended. An airline might not let you board the plane in case of any doubts if you’ll be allowed to enter Australia.

Any questions – we’re here to help.

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Dependant on the type of visa, you might be required to provide different documents. Below is the list of documents which very likely will be needed for permanent residency in Australia.

Documents required for any permanent visa

• Application form.
• Passport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least half a year after the expected date of a visa grant. If you have changed your passport before or after the visa grant, it is paramount to update the department of immigration through an immi account with details of a new passport, otherwise, you may get in trouble at an airport.
• Birth Certificates. Especially for kids. It’s proof that you and your spouse are parents. If the kid has another parent than your current spouse, you will have to provide consent from the other parent that the visa for a child could be granted. There is a special form preferred by the department to be used in such a situation.
• Marriage certificate. If you are married and your spouse is migrating with you. If you are not married to your spouse (you are in a de-facto relationship) it’s becoming tricky as you will have to provide with a lot of different documents to convince case officer about your relationship.
• Health examination. All the members of your immediate family, even those who are not migrating, will have to undergo medical examinations. The visit must be scheduled with one of the doctors designated by the department of immigration, it can’t be any doctor.
• Police clearance certificate from any country you and your immediate family members over 16 years of age have visited within the last 10 years.
• Payment. Most of the applications are being lodged online nowadays, so after an online form is being finalized you’ll be requested to proceed with the payment. Visa will not be considered as lodged until payment for the right amount of money would be accepted by DIBP. Bear that in mind if not much time is left.

Documents required for skilled visas (189 / 190 /489)

• Skills assessment report provided by relevant skills assessment authority. The report must be done by the authority designated by the department of immigration and for a skilled visa. Report for 485 or 457 visa can not be used for skilled visas.
• English test score. Unless you are from UK, USA, Ireland, Canada or New Zealand you will have to sit a test and score on the relevant level to be eligible for a visa
• Work history. References from employers, payslips, work certificates, are just a few documents which might be considered by case officer as proof of your work experience
• Education. You will have to provide a diploma from your school shoving clearly the date when you have completed a course of study.

Documents required for sponsored work permanent visa (ENS, RSMS)

• Nomination for a position. This is a document that must be arranged by your employer in cooperation with the department of immigration.
• English test score. Unless you are from UK, USA, Ireland, Canada or New Zealand you will have to sit a test and score on a relevant level to be eligible for a visa
• Work history. References from employers, payslips, work certificates, are just a few documents which might be considered by case officer as proof of your work experience
• Education. You will have to provide a diploma from your school shoving clearly the date when you have completed a course of study.
• Skills assessment report. Necessary only for ENS direct entry.

The above are only the most common requirements. Apart from above documents, there could be other ones required for a visa application. It’s always a good idea to consult with a migration agent integrity and relevance of all the documents which you are going to provide with an application. Sometimes one documents too many may jeopardize the whole application.

All the documents must be in English, If originals are in another language than English, must be translated by a person sworn in the country of origin to provide with translation services or registered by NAATI in Australia.

If you require further clarification about any of the above documents do not hesitate to book a consultation with our migration agent or give us a call for a discussion about your case. Alternatively, you may contact us through the form on a website.

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