SkillSelect Update June 2018

By Natalya Khodan

Tuesday, 19 June 2018

It is needless to say that previous SkillSelect invitation rounds have been very different to this program year 2017-2018.

In the last year we saw a lower number of invitations issued by the Australian Government whilst the points score required to receive an invitation continued to increase, ultimately resulting in a high number of undecided SkillSelect applications.

As 2017-2018 comes to an end we will see the quote for the Skilled Migration program being unfulfilled for a second year in a row.

Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visas and Family Sponsored 489 Visas

Whilst the pass mark remains at 60 points, applicants trying to secure an invitation to apply for the Skilled Independent subclass 189 visa should be trying to build up a minimum score of 75 points, an increase from 70 points in recent months. This applies to all non-pro rata occupations meaning that all occupations that traditionally were invited at 60 points, now require 75 points.

This also applies to Registered Nurses, Managements Consultants, trade occupations and all other non-pro rata occupations sitting on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Family Sponsored Subclass 489 Visas

Similarly, Family Sponsored subclass 489 applicants are expected to reach 80 points before being considered for an invitation.

Despite the fact that these points necessary are very high, invitations are very slow. . On average, up to 5 invitations are being issued per round.

Pro Rata Occupations

Below is a summary of points required for pro rata occupations by occupational category:

• Accountants: 80
• Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers: 80
• ICT Business and System Analysts: 75
• Software and Applications Programmers: 75
• Electronics Engineer: 75
• Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers: 75
• Other Engineering Professionals: 75
• Computer Network Professionals: 75

Accountants and Auditors

Whilst the occupation ceiling has increased significantly for accountants in the 2017-2018 year, those sitting on 80 points are the ones successful in getting invitations. It is possible that this will continue into the 2018-2019 program year.

With 2768 places left before 1 July 2018, the waiting times from the date of lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the date of receiving an invitation have increased. For example, accountants will wait over 21 weeks and auditors over 18 weeks with a score of 80.

IT Professionals

Currently, IT professionals do well in obtaining invitations when scoring a minimum of 75 points however, waiting times vary:

• Computer Network Professionals on 75 points: at least 8 weeks
• Engineers and Software, Applications Programmers: approximately 12 weeks
• ICT Business and System Analysts: just a little more than 17

Popular occupations point may remain high next financial year as well.

Engineers

Other Engineering Professionals on 75 points are waiting roughly 11 weeks, while Electronics Engineer, Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers are waiting just a little more than 4 weeks.

Based on the current data we hope to see a decrease in the points score facilitating invitations.

Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa

It is still possible to be invited for the Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa with only 60 points. These are great options for those struggling to meet the point score of 75 however, requires the nominated occupation to be on the chosen State's occupation list and additional criteria to be met as prescribed by each State.

Many States and Regions are closing and won't re-open until the new program year, 1 July 2018.

It is important to be ready when the States re-open as some have previously closed in the first few weeks of each new program year.

Current trends

ACT: A large number of 190 nominations were approved however, invitations from the ACT is slowing down and is expected to re-open after 1 July 2018.

There is no 489 option for ACT.

NSW: 489 Regional NSW have increased their requiremnts so we will see a smaller number of invitations issued compare to 190 NSW.

Some regions are not approving further applications until after July 2018, however will continue to receive application to fill the pipeline for the next program year.

190 NSW has filled its quota for the 2017-2018 program year and for all of this year has required higher points that other states and regions to be considered for invitation.

Northern Territory: NT issues more invitations under 489 stream.

Queensland: is presently closed and is expected to re-open after July 2018

South Australia: SA has complex requirements with their policies changing frequently.

A larger number of 489 nominations are being issued in comparison to 190 nominations.

Tasmania: Equally sponsoring 489 and 190 applicants at the moment. With occupation, study and residence requirements favourable to many applicants .

Victoria: VIC issued large number of 190 nomination invitations but, are now suspended until after July 2018.

Very few 489 nominations issued so far.

Western Australia: No state nominations issued for 190 or 489.

Conclusion

The point scores facilitating invitations to apply for a visa have remained very high and there is no indication they will be reduced after 1 July 2018.

With the end of the migration year approaching, the best way to make sure you will qualify for your permanent visa is to be prepared.

State nomination remains the most popular option for onshore clients as well as for overseas residence.

If you would like advice about General Skilled Migration, please book a consultation with one of our advisors. The advisor will be able to provide information including the required points for your occupation, as well as ways to increase your points score and improve your eligibility for State nomination.