State Nomination Update July 2019

The Australian States and Territories have been slowly reopening their visa nomination schemes over the last month, with a number of interesting changes. The Government authorities have also been working through how to manage the upcoming closure of the 489 program (last date to issue invitations for a 489 is 10 September 2019).

Victoria

The Victorian government is due to launch their new online portal on Monday 29 July, and has changed the process from actively issuing invitations based on a lodged EOI, to allowing applicants to lodge an application for nomination with the state directly.

New South Wales

NSW introduced a handy online system to show the availability of occupations for nomination, which is frequently updated. This only gives an indication of the likely number of invitations, not an indication on the likelihood of being invited.

Additional requirements have also been applied to certain occupations on their Priority Skilled Occupation list, requiring applicants to be living in NSW, and to have been employed in NSW for at least one year in the nominated occupation.

South Australia

From 26 July South Australia has increased the 'high points' pathway score to 85 points, though some occupations have already been excluded from this pathway. Occupations on their State Nominated list have also be closing at a rapid pace, with some being filled within days of the new list being released.

Queensland

BSMQ has reopened their Business migration program, however, the Skilled migration program is still under review. We are advised that this should reopen shortly.

EDIT 29-Jul-2019 The Queensland Skilled migration program has now opened, with 489 EOI applications given priority until mid-August when this pathway is likely to close to allow time for processing prior to the September cut-off.

EDIT 31-Jul-2019 BSMQ has closed the Skilled program again due to a massive influx of EOIs. Those submitted before 5pm 30 July will be processed, with 489s given priority. The 489 program is unlikely to reopen, but the 190 program may open again in the following months.

Australian Capital Territory

The latest information from the ACT shows that 523 invitations were issued in July based on their updated 'Canberra Matrix'. This gives a higher preference to applicants who are living and working in Canberra, especially those who have been resident for a longer period of time.

Northern Territory

NT continues to operate as usual, however, processing times for offshore nomination applications are currently taking around 6 months. This does not bode well for potential Subclass 489 applicants who have limited time remaining before this pathway closes. The NT Government is aware of this, and is reviewing their processes in light of the impending closure.

Western Australia

The WASMOL remains restricted to medical occupations, while the Graduates list offers a wider range of occupations; particularly those who have completed PhD studies in the state.

Tasmania

The Tasmanian Government has announced a focus on Subclass 489 invitations prior to closure of this visa. They encourage all applicants for this stream to ensure they lodge their nomination by early August at the latest, and cannot guarantee that those lodged later than this will be processed before 10 September.

Contact Acacia

As always, Acacia is here to help you navigate through the Immigration 'minefield' and determine the best pathway for you. Our experienced Migration Consultants are available by appointment for advice on your options for a visa and state nomination. Book in today.