by Shakenovsky & Associates | Nov 26, 2019 | Blog
The Australian Government is increasing the total number of regional places from 23,000 to 25,000 in 2019 – 2020. So, there are now thousands of Regional Migration visas available due to the unprecedented growth (124%) in the number of regional visas granted.
As we mentioned in a previous blog post, Perth and the Gold Coast are now classified as regional zones, not major cities. This helps to ensure they are attractive locations for skilled migrants and international students.
Regional Incentives Include:
- Access to the dedicated 25,000 regional places.
- Priority processing on regional visas.
- Access to the Regional Occupations List – more jobs compared to non-regional lists.
- International students studying at regional universities will be eligible to access an additional year in Australia on a post-study work visa.
- Another exciting update is that international university graduates living in these locations will be eligible to apply for more time in Australia on a post-study work visa.
Major cities: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Cities and major regional centres that receive regional incentives: Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast Canberra Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong and Hobart.
Regional centres and other regional areas: All other locations
- Access to the dedicated 25,000 regional places.
- Priority processing on regional visas.
- Access to the Regional Occupations List – more jobs compared to non-regional lists.
- International students studying at regional universities will be eligible to access an additional 2 years in Australia on a post-study work visa.
- Priority in negotiating region-specific Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs).
WHAT TO DO NEXT AND HOW TO APPLY
If you are searching for help with Regional Migration visas (subclass 491 or subclass 494) contact us today.
- Direct call on (+61) 2 9299 0255
- Send us an email richard@rslawyers.com.au
We will assess your situation on an individual basis and provide you with the best advice. Learn more about Regional Migration here.
by Shakenovsky & Associates | Nov 26, 2019 | Blog
The new 5 year visa for skilled regional workers commenced 16 November 2019 which opens up new opportunities for thousands of migrants looking to live and work in Australia. The new Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia and can then apply for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) once they meet the requirements needed. You can also now submit an Expression of Interest for the new subclass 491 visa. This five year visa for skilled regional workers also brings in some changes.
CHANGES TO THE POINTS TEST
Other changes commenced on 16 November 2019, including changes to the points test for General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas which will apply to all unassessed GSM visa applications before 16 November 2019.
CHANGES TO PARTNER POINTS
If you do not have a spouse or de facto partner you are eligible to claim 10 points.
If you have a spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident you are eligible to claim 10 points.
If you have a skilled spouse or de facto partner (increased from 5 to 10 points) :
- will be included in the visa application for the same subclass of visa
- is not an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident;
- is under 45 years of age;
- has nominated a skilled occupation;
- has a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation and the assessment was not for a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa
- has at least ‘Competent English’ are eligible to claim 10 points.
A spouse or de facto partner who has ‘Competent English’ who is not an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident and who will be included in the visa application for the same visa subclass are eligible to claim 5 points.
OTHER CHANGES TO THE POINTS TEST
Those who claim a specialist education qualification are eligible to claim 10 points (increased from 5 points). If you want to apply for a visa subclass 491 nomination from a State or Territory, or you are sponsored by an eligible family member you can claim 15 points (previously 10 points).
WHAT TO DO NEXT AND HOW TO APPLY
Getting the right advice upfront is essential so contact our team. We are ready and waiting to assist you in applying for your five year visa for skilled regional workers today.
- Direct call on (+61) 2 9299 0255
- Send us an email richard@rslawyers.com.au
We will assess your situation on an individual basis and provide you with the best advice to make your stay in Australia hassle-free. More information on the points test is available: visit the subclass 491 points-table.
by Shakenovsky & Associates | Nov 22, 2019 | Blog
Are you on the MLTSSL list for permanent residency? The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MTLSSL) includes a set of skilled occupations determined by the Department of Education and Training (DET) and the Department of Home Affairs (formerly DIBP).
In order to qualify for skilled migration to Australia, you must nominate an occupation from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Please note that all occupations used for immigration purposes are from the ANZSCO (Australia and New Zealand Skilled Classification of Occupations).
The combined list specifies:
- the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code for each occupation. The ANZSCO provides information on the skill level of jobs, qualifications and/or experience needed to work in occupations
- caveats which exclude the use of the occupation in certain circumstances (applies to the ENS and TSS visas only)
- whether the occupation is included on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), the Regional Occupation List (ROL) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) ROL List.
- the assessing authority for skills assessments
Removed occupations
Pending nomination and/or visa applications will not be adversely impacted by the subsequent removal of any occupation from the skilled occupation lists.
If you already hold a skilled visa, you will not be impacted by these removed occupations unless there are changes in your circumstances which require the lodgement of a new nomination application – in which case you may then be impacted. This impact may occur if you are changing your occupation or employer, and your occupation is no longer on the combined list of eligible skilled occupations.
Our team of highly skilled immigration lawyers can help you determine if you are on the list. Learn more about our team here and contact us today!
Scroll down to browse the list — Updated 07/11/2019
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