SkillSelect Update July 2019
The first round of the new financial year has started what is sure to be a trend for the rest of the SkillSelect program until June 2020. Only
1000 subclass 189 visa invitations were sent, due to the decrease in places in the Skilled Migration stream. Surprisingly though,
100 Subclass 489 family sponsored invitations were issued, likely due to the impending closure of the 489 program in November (see our previous article on the closure
here).
Point scores for non-pro rata occupations has remained steady:
The points score for non-pro rata 189 has remained at 80 points, with a waiting time of around two months.
Points score for the 489 Family Sponsored visa has decreased:
The lowest score for an invitation this round was 80 points, with a 6 month wait for an invitation.
Pro-rata occupations:
Pro-rata occupations are classified as those for which there is more demand for places than there are places available. These occupations usually have a point score higher than the non-pro rata occupations.
11 July 2019 Invitation Rounds scores for pro-rata occupations are:
| Occupation ID | Description | Minimum Points Score | Latest date of EOI |
| 2211 | Accountants | 85 | 14/12/2018 12:46pm |
| 2212 | Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers | 85 | 9/03/2019 11:46pm |
| 2334 | Electronics Engineer | 80 | 5/05/2019 7:01pm |
| 2335 | Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers | 80 | 10/05/2019 2:51pm |
| 2339 | Other Engineering Professionals | 80 | 1/04/2019 4:39pm |
| 2611 | ICT Business and System Analysts | 80 | 12/04/2019 11:53pm |
| 2613 | Software and Applications Programmers | 80 | 13/05/2019 7:10am |
| 2631 | Computer Network Professionals | 80 | 13/05/2019 7:32am |
Occupation Ceilings
Half of the invitations issued were to four main occupation groups: Software and Applications Programmers (264), Architects and Landscape Architects (124), Accountants (83), and ICT Business and Systems Analysts (79). Three of these fall into the pro-rata scheme as per the table above, meaning these are likely to fill very quickly and competition for these will be very high.
Our Advice
The first step would be to see whether there is any way of scoring higher on the points test. This could be through Partner Skill points, higher English, or additional work experience.
Secondly, you may need to consider state sponsorship for a 190 visa or a regional 489 visa (noting that the
final 489 invitations will be issued on 10 September).
Finally, seek professional advice on your options. A Migration Agent can thoroughly assess your case and explore your visa options, so you are not left waiting for an invitation that is unlikely to come.
Book in for a consultation
today. It could be the best money you have ever spent.
