Australia Immigration News – Latest Visa Updates on Australian Immigration

7th December,2024

Australia’s New Skills in Demand Visa Could Open Doors for Indian Workers. Apply now!

 Australia's new Skill in Demand visa will replace the Temporary Skills Shortage visa on December 7, 2024. The new visa has three streams: Skills Pathway, Core Skills Pathway, and Essential Skills Pathway, covering around 465 occupations. Tech jobs are also included in the list, which applies to the permanent employer nominations scheme. This visa is also for the business stream.

6th December,2024

Australian Global Talent visa is replaced by new National Innovation visa

The National Innovation visa is a substitute for the Australia Global Talent visa (Subclass 858). Internationally recognized candidates with top awards will be in Priority Streams 1 and 2, after which Tiers 1 and 2 will be prioritized.  The National Innovation visa is a permanent visa for talented foreign nationals worldwide.  To apply for this visa, the applicant must:

• Have a nomination
• Apply form EOI
• Apply for the visa within 60 day

Key Changes

• Processing Cost

Here are the details of the processing cost:

•  English Language

English language proficiency can be proved either via IELTS band score of 5 or education in English as a medium of instruction. 

4th December,2024

Tasmania Migration updates the Skilled visa processing times and Nomination Status

Migration Tasmania updates the processing times and nomination status for subclass 190 and 491 visas.

Category	Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)	Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)
Processing Times	The oldest application lodged on 19 October 2024.	Same as subclass 190.
Nomination Places Used	679 of 2,100	224 of 760
Nomination Applications Lodged (Not Decided)	247	96
Invitations to Apply (Not Accepted)	58	33
Registrations of Interest (ROI) on Hand	359	334

Important changes 

Orange-Plus attribute

• Foreign skilled workers with at least an Orange-Plus attribute are prioritized and might receive an ITA in six months.
• For this year's program, Subclass 190 candidates with one Orange-Plus attribute will be invited.

Employment eligibility requirements

The job must be skilled to get the Orange-Plus attribute.

4th December,2024

ACT Nomination allocated places and application status as of November 28, 2024-2025

The Act Nomination fixed the places allocated each month for subclass visas, class 190 and 491 visas. Below are the allocation provide by November 28 for 2024-2025:

Category	Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)	Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)	Total
2024-2025 Nomination Places	1,000	800	1,800
Application Count (as of 28 Nov 2024)
- Total Approvals	238	178	416
- Total Refusals	18 (7%)	23 (12%)	41
Approvals by Residency Status
- ACT Residents			358 (86%)
- Overseas Residents			58 (12%)
Remaining Allocation	762	622	1,384

 

4th December,2024

Victoria government to priorities Construction Trade Occupation for Australian skilled visas

The Victoria government decided on November 29, 2024, to prioritize construction trade occupations for 2024-2025 in the skilled visa nomination program. The Skilled visa includes subclass 491 and subclass 190 visas to address the country's labor shortage.

ANZSCO Code	Occupation Name
331211	Carpenter and Joiner
331212	Carpenter
331213	Joiner
333111	Glazier
333211	Fibrous Plasterer
333212	Solid Plasterer
334111	Plumber (General)
334112	Air Conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
334115	Roof Plumber
341111	Electrician (General)
341112	Electrician (Special Class)
342211	Electrical Lines Worker
342411	Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)
394111	Cabinetmaker

 

3rd December,2024

Australia announced the New Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

On December 3, 2024, Australia declared the New Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL List). The new CSOL List will apply to the primary skills stream of the new skill-in-demand visa, which will replace the Temporary skill shortage visa on December 7. The New Core Skills Occupation List will also replace the Direct Entry Stream for the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 visa.  

Read more...

23rd November,2024

Western Australia issued invites for the State Migration Program

Western Australia issued invites for two visa categories for the State Migration Program. Below mentioned is the detail of the draw:

20th November,2024

Important Announcement: Northern Territory to change DAMA to DAMA III

From December 13, 2024, Northern Territory DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) will be invalid from December 13, 2024. NT DAMA III plans to establish a new 5-year agreement, including an expanded occupation list and a better application process.

New Changes

For New Application

• By December 6, 2024, all the applications must be submitted before the expiry date to receive the application on time

Last date of application submission

The last date to close the DAMA portal is December 13, 2024, and NT DAMA III will reopen mid to late January 2025.

Labor Agreement Request and Nominations

Businesses endorsed by Migration NT can continue submitting the Labor agreement and nomination application by December 13, after the recent agreement expires. The approved endorsement will remain valid for 12 months.

Skills Assessment

Business applications can continue to apply. By December 6, 2024, applications will still be accepted.

Change to NT DAMA III:

• The guidelines and process will be shared once the NT DAMA III is implemented.
• The current agreement business can continue submitting the existing portal but must also apply for a new endorsement for NT DAMA III.

20th November,2024

Updated policies to asses Skilled Employment by Migration Tasmania

Migration Tasmania updated the process to assess Skilled Employment by certain factors such as:

• Experience, Qualification, and Pay Requirement: According to Migration Tasmania, skills, qualifications, and salary must be equivalent to the ANZSCO skill level 1-3.
• Pay Scale: The salary must be above $73,150. Jobs paid less or at the National Minimum Wage will not be considered Skilled employment. 
• Industry Awards and Agreements: Migration Tasmania might assess through industry awards or agreements to evaluate whether the job role and salary match the ANZSCO requirements. 

20th November,2024

Australia Physiotherapist Council updated the eligibility and requirements for applying as a physiotherapist

The Australia Physiotherapy Council has changed the requirements and eligibility for working as a physiotherapist in the country.

Eligibility

• Language Eligibility: Physiotherapists must qualify with Ahpra's English Language Skills Registration Standard

Requirements

Any one of the following requirements must be fulfilled:

• If studied in Australia, one must study from an approved Australian study board, which is included in the Physiotherapy Board of Australia's Approved Programs of Study List under the profession "Physiotherapist."
• Holder of Final Australia Physiotherapy Council certificate
• Certificate of an Australian Physiotherapy Council of equivalence qualification
• Must have a recent and unconditional Annual Practising Certificate issued  by the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand with work experience of at least 2 years as a Physiotherapist
• If studied in New Zealand must have a physiotherapy qualification from an accredited Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand and have a current and unconditional certificate issued by the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand.

20th November,2024

Western Australia issued invites via the State Nomination migration Program 

Western Australia issued invites for eligible candidates under the State Nomination migration Program 2024-25: 

Intending visa subclass	General stream	General stream	Graduate stream	Graduate stream
	WASMOL schedule 1	WASMOL schedule 2	Higher education	Vocational education and training
Subclass 190 Visa	200	400	150	48
Subclass 491 Visa	200	400	150	51

*Want to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis help you with the process.

16th November,2024

Occupations in South Australia's 2024-2025 Skilled Migration Receive an Increasing Demand! 

There is an increasing growth in occupations such as chefs, motor mechanics (General), and enrolled nurses listed in South Australia's 2024-2025 Skilled Migration program. The program received more applications than the usual annual quota. The Skilled & Business Migration (SBM) will continue to issue invitations for those looking to live and work in Australia and suggest applicants explore other options like DAMA. 

*Want to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis help you with the process.

7th November,2024

Important Announcement: SkillSelect invitation round held on 7 November 2024

Australia announced the Skillselect Invitation round on 7 November 2024. The number of invitations issued was 15,000 for Subclass 189 visas. Invitations were issued for IT professionals, professional engineers, trade occupations, a few general occupations, and healthcare professionals. To date, 4535 invitations have been given by state and territory. 

Occupation	Subclass 189
	Minimum scored
Accountant (General)	95
Actuary	85
Aeronautical Engineer	85
Agricultural Consultant	85
Agricultural Engineer	90
Agricultural Scientist	90
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber	70
Analyst Programmer	85
Architect	70
Arts Administrator or Manager	90
Audiologist	75
Biochemist	90
Biomedical Engineer	85
Biotechnologist	85
Boat Builder and Repairer	90
Bricklayer	65
Cabinetmaker	65
Cardiothoracic Surgeon	85
Carpenter	65
Carpenter and Joiner	65
Chef	85
Chemical Engineer	85
Chemist	90
Child Care Centre Manager	75
Chiropractor	75
Civil Engineer	85
Civil Engineering Draftsperson	70
Civil Engineering Technician	70
Clinical Psychologist	75
Computer Network and Systems Engineer	95
Construction Project Manager	70
Dancer or Choreographer	90
Dermatologist	75
Developer Programmer	95
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist	80
Diesel Motor Mechanic	95
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher	70
Economist	90
Educational psychologist	75
Electrical Engineer	85
Electrical Engineering Draftsperson	90
Electrical Engineering Technician	90
Electrician (General)	65
Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class)	90
Electronics Engineer	95
Emergency Medicine Specialist	75
Engineering Manager	90
Engineering Professionals nec	85
Engineering Technologist	85
Environmental Consultant	90
Environmental Engineer	85
Environmental Manager	90
Environmental Research Scientist	90
Environmental Scientists nec	90
External Auditor	85
Fibrous Plasterer	65
Food Technologist	90
Forester	90
General Practitioner	75
Geophysicist	90
Geotechnical Engineer	70
Hydrogeologist	90
ICT Business Analyst	95
ICT Security Specialist	95
Industrial Engineer	85
Intensive Care Specialist	75
Internal Auditor	90
Landscape Architect	70
Life Scientist (General)	90
Life Scientists nec	90
Lift Mechanic	65
Management Accountant	95
Management Consultant	85
Marine Biologist	90
Materials Engineer	85
Mechanical Engineer	85
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer	75
Medical Laboratory Scientist	75
Medical Practitioners nec	75
Medical Radiation Therapist+	75
Metal Fabricator	75
Metal Machinist (First Class)	90
Metallurgist	90
Meteorologist	90
Microbiologist	90
Midwife	70
Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)	90
Motor Mechanic (General)	85
Multimedia Specialist	85
Music Director	90
Musician (Instrumental)	90
Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec	90
Naval Architect	90
Neurologist	75
Nuclear Medicine Technologist	75
Nurse Practitioner	80
Nursing Clinical Director	115
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist	90
Occupational Therapist	75
Optometrist	75
Orthopaedic Surgeon	75
Orthotist or Prosthetist	75
Osteopath	75
Other Spatial Scientist	90
Paediatrician	75
Painting Trades Worker	65
Pathologist	75
Petroleum Engineer	85
Physicist	90
Physiotherapist	75
Plumber (General)	65
Podiatrist	75
Primary Health Organisation Manager	95
Production or Plant Engineer	85
Psychiatrist	75
Psychologists nec	75
Quantity Surveyor	70
Registered Nurse (Aged Care)	70
Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)	75
Registered Nurse (Community Health)	75
Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)	70
Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability)	75
Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation)	75
Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)	75
Registered Nurse (Medical)	70
Registered Nurse (Mental Health)	75
Registered Nurse (Paediatrics)	70
Registered Nurse (Perioperative)	75
Registered Nurse (Surgical)	75
Registered Nurses nec	70
Secondary School Teacher	70
Sheetmetal Trades Worker	70
Social Worker	70
Software and Applications Programmers nec	85
Software Engineer	95
Solicitor	85
Solid Plasterer	70
Sonographer	75
Special Education Teachers nec	75
Special Needs Teacher	70
Specialist Physician (General Medicine)	75
Specialist Physicians nec	75
Speech Pathologist	75
Statistician	90
Structural Engineer	70
Surveyor	90
Systems Analyst	95
Taxation Accountant	85
Telecommunications Engineer	85
Telecommunications Field Engineer	85
Telecommunications Network Engineer	85
Telecommunications Network Planner	90
Telecommunications Technical Officer or Technologist	90
Thoracic Medicine Specialist	75
Transport Engineer	70
University Lecturer	90
Valuer	90
Veterinarian	85
Wall and Floor Tiler	65
Welder (First Class)	70
Zoologist	90

*Want to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis help you with the process.

 

24th October,2024

The latest ACT Canberra Matrix Invitation Round issued 227 Invitations

The latest Canberra Matrix Invitation Round was conducted on October 24, 2024. The complete information about the draw is given in the below table: 

Category	Stream	Visa Subclass	Invitations Issued	Minimum Matrix Score
Canberra Residents	Small Business Owners	190	1	130
	Small Business Owners	491	3	120
	457 / 482 Visa Holders	190	14	N/A
	457 / 482 Visa Holders	491	2	N/A
	Critical Skill Occupations	190	79	N/A
	Critical Skill Occupations	491	97	N/A
Overseas Applicants	Critical Skill Occupations	190	1	N/A
	Critical Skill Occupations	491	30	N/A

*Want to migrate to Australia? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process. 

17th October,2024

Western Australia updated the Invitation round for State nomination migration program

Western Australia announced the recent invitation round for the State nomination migration program on 17th October,2024. Below is the detail of the latest invitation round:

Intending visa subclass	General stream	General stream	Graduate stream	Graduate stream
	WASMOL schedule 1	WASMOL schedule 2	Higher education	Vocational education and training
Visa subclass 190	125	150	75	50
Visa subclass 491	125	150	75	50

 

11th October,2024

Update on NSW State Migration Program application of 2024-25 

Skilled foreign nationals can apply for the NSW state migration program 2024-25 as it introduced new updates to facilitate the process and expand opportunities.

Key elements are 

NSW priority sectors:

This program concentrates on skill shortages sectors and structural transformations, including:

• Construction (infrastructure and housing)
• Renewables (net zero and clean energy)
• Care Economy (aged care, disability services, early childhood care)
• Digital and Cyber (across industries)
• Education (teachers)
• Agriculture and Agri-Food
• Advanced Manufacturing

Skill List

The ANZSCO unit group published the skill list for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).

Here is the eligibility that must be fulfilled before pursuing a skills assessment:

For Subclass 190 and 491 visa 

Invitation rounds 

For Subclass 190 visa 

The invitation for a subclass 190 visa will be allocated soon.

*Note: Ensure your SkillSelect EOI is up-to-date with valid evidence. 

For Subclass 491 visa 

• The subclass 491 visa Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 will open soon.
• A new Regional NSW Graduate Pathway is introduced for recent graduates and is open to candidates from regional NSW institutions under Pathway 3.

TSMIT Concession (Pathway 1 - Subclass 491): 

Candidates in select occupations may benefit from a 10% reduction in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).

Skilled Employment Criteria:

NSW is aligned with Home Affairs for skilled occupation; it has simplified the eligibility for EOI submissions.

Application Fee

The application fee is now A$315 (plus GST if applying from Australia).

11th October,2024

Fees Update for VETASSESS Professional and General Occupations

From November 20, the application fees for assessments of professional and general occupations will rise. This change does not apply to assessments of trade occupations.

• The fee for Priority Processing will remain unchanged.
• Applications submitted before November 20 will be processed at the current rates.

26th September,2024

Registration for  Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa ballots open on 1st  October 2024 for India 

 The first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa ballots for India registration date will open on 1st  October 2024.

Here are the details of the open and closed dates for the program year 2024-25 ballot registration. This means all the applications are to be submitted between the below-mentioned dates.

Registration Open Date	01-10-2024
Registration Close Date	31-10-2024

Below are the ballot selection open and close dates for the program year 2024-25:

Selection Open Date	14-10-2024
Selection Close Date	30-04-2025

Note: During the open selection period, the branch will conduct one or more selections for a country ballot and extend the open period date. All registrations for that ballot will no longer be valid after the open selection period ends.

Requirements to register from your country

Candidates must complete the following to register from their country:

• Have an ImmiAccount
• Aged under 30 years 
• Must be issued by an eligible ballot participating country as a Valid passport holder
• Registered and issued from an eligible ballot participating country a valid national identity card(PAN card for Indian passport holders).
• Have an email address (valid and verified)
• Conform to the registration form’s declarations.
• Settle the registration fee (AUD25).

Note: Candidates have 28 days to file the visa upon selection through ballot.

24th September,2024

Vetassess is processing the top 10 occupations under the general occupation category

Below are the details of 10 occupations that Vetassess processes as per the given general occupations:

• Marketing Specialist.
• University Lecturer
• Cafe of Restaurant Manager
• Information and Organization Professional (NEC)
• Human Resource Adviser
• Recruitment Consultant.
• Management Consultant
• Organization and Methods Analyst
• Program or Project Administrators
• Private Tutors and Teachers (NEC)

Note: The applicant should provide a letter and evidence of two payments. If the roles are not offered on letterhead, proceed only with the self-statutory declaration.

24th September,2024

Canberra Matrix Invitation Round

The Canberra Matrix Invitation draw was held on  September 19, 2024. Here is the detail of the invitation rounds of the draw:

Category	Subclass 190 Invitations	Subclass 491 Invitations
Canberra Residents
Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	Not considered	Not considered
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	12	1
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	43	29
Overseas Applicants
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	13	32

Note: The next draw will be held before 8 November 2024.

20th September,2024

Victoria Extends Chances for International Student Graduates 

The Victorian Government plans to expand opportunities for international student graduates by reserving at least 500 nomination places for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) in the 2024-25 program year. This change will prioritise  Victorian educational institution graduates, allowing them to contribute to regional communities. Besides, graduates residing and working in Melbourne can now submit an ROI, offering a pathway to relocate and develop their careers in regional Victoria.

19th September,2024

Latest SkillSelect Invitation rounds declared  result 

The latest Skill Select invitation round published its result of issued Expressions of Interest (EOIs) on 5 September 2024, and the tie-break date for the SkillSelect invitation round was held. 

Below is the list of Invitations issued by occupation, and the minimum score invited:

Visa subclass	Total EOIs Invited	Tie break date - month and year
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)	7,973	Sep-22

16th September,2024

Western Australia Invitation Round program for the FY 2024-25 is open now

Here are the details of Western Australia Invitation Round program for the FY 2024-25:

Intending visa subclass	General stream	General stream	Graduate stream	Graduate stream
	WASMOL schedule 1	WASMOL schedule 2	Higher education	Vocational education and training
Visa subclass 190	100	100	125	46
Visa subclass 491	100	100	125	100

 

16th September,2024

DHA has released results of the 1st Invitation round for the FY 2024-25

The DHA has announced the results of the 1st invitation round for FY 2024-25, which was held on September 5, 2024. 7,973 invitations were issued to Subclass 189 with a minimum points requirement of 65. IT professionals, trades occupations, social workers, professional engineers, health care professionals, and few other general occupations received invitations. 

The below table has the list of total points assigned for each occupation that received an invitation: 

Occupation	Subclass 189 visa
	Minimum scored
Accountant (General)	95
Actuary	90
Aeronautical Engineer	90
Agricultural Consultant	95
Agricultural Engineer	95
Agricultural Scientist	95
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber	65
Analyst Programmer	90
Architect	75
Audiologist	75
Biochemist	95
Biomedical Engineer	90
Biotechnologist	90
Bricklayer	65
Cabinetmaker	65
Carpenter	65
Carpenter and Joiner	65
Chef	90
Chemical Engineer	90
Chemist	90
Child Care Centre Manager	80
Civil Engineer	90
Civil Engineering Draftsperson	75
Civil Engineering Technician	75
Computer Network and Systems Engineer	100
Construction Project Manager	75
Developer Programmer	100
Diesel Motor Mechanic	90
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher	75
Economist	90
Electrical Engineer	90
Electrician (General)	65
Electrician (Special Class)	70
Electronics Engineer	90
Engineering Manager	95
Engineering Professionals nec	90
Engineering Technologist	90
Environmental Consultant	90
Environmental Engineer	95
Environmental Manager	95
Environmental Research Scientist	95
External Auditor	90
Food Technologist	90
Geophysicist	100
Geotechnical Engineer	75
ICT Business Analyst	95
ICT Security Specialist	95
Industrial Engineer	90
Internal Auditor	95
Landscape Architect	75
Life Scientist (General)	90
Life Scientists nec	95
Management Accountant	95
Management Consultant	90
Materials Engineer	90
Mechanical Engineer	90
Medical Laboratory Scientist	75
Microbiologist	90
Motor Mechanic (General)	90
Multimedia Specialist	90
Other Spatial Scientist	100
Pathologist	85
Petroleum Engineer	95
Primary Health Organisation Manager	95
Production or Plant Engineer	90
Quantity Surveyor	75
Secondary School Teacher	75
Sheetmetal Trades Worker	75
Social Worker	75
Software and Applications Programmers nec	90
Software Engineer	100
Special Education Teachers nec	80
Special Needs Teacher	80
Statistician	90
Structural Engineer	75
Surveyor	95
Systems Analyst	95
Taxation Accountant	90
Telecommunications Engineer	90
Telecommunications Field Engineer	95
Telecommunications Network Engineer	90
Transport Engineer	75
University Lecturer	90
Welder (First Class)	75
Zoologist	90

The below table has the total invitations granted by the states from July 1, 2024 to date.

Visa subclass	ACT	NSW	NT	QLD	SA	TAS	VIC	WA	Total
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)	56	21	41	5	112	186	64	49	534
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) State and Territory Nominated	31	22	48	5	27	57	70	21	281
Total	87	43	89	10	139	243	134	70	815

*Looking for assistance with Australian immigration? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process. 

12th September,2024

Registration for Queensland migration program FY 2024-25 is open now

 The Queensland migration program for the FY 2024-25 is open.Below is the criteria for offshore applicants for subclass 190 and 491.

Requirement	Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190)	Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Points	Have a points test result of 65 or higher	Have a points test result of 65 or higher
Occupation	Have an occupation on the offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List	Have an occupation on the offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List
English	Have Proficient English or higher	Have Proficient English or higher
Work experience	Have at least 5 years skilled employment experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation.	Have at least 5 years skilled employment experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation.
	Only work experience declared as related to your nominated occupation on your EOI will be considered.	Only work experience declared as related to your nominated occupation on your EOI will be considered.
Commitment to living in Queensland	Must commit to living and working in Queensland for 2 years from date your visa is granted	Must commit to living and working in Queensland for 3 years from date your visa is granted

 

There is a new category added called Priority processing for Energy Workers. The below are the requirements to apply for this stream:

Requirement	Details
Occupation	Have a positive skills assessment for a priority occupation to support the energy sector.
Work experience	Have been working in your nominated occupation, or a closely related occupation, for at least 3 years in the energy sector.
	This experience can be counted towards the standard minimum 5 years' work experience requirement.

Note: There are Vetassess general, trades, professional engineers, teachers and medical occupations in the list and NO IT Occupations except ICT security specialist.

10th September,2024

Australia Working Holiday Visa updates

On 16 September 2024, the Australian government intends to open the Australia Working Holiday Visa ballot process. Three countries under the Ballot procedure are listed: India, China, and Vietnam. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria to apply for a ballot process. Applied candidates will be randomly selected and invited to apply for the visa.

Currently, India is allotted 1000 places for the current year.

Eligibility requirements of Work and Holiday Program(Subclass 462) - India

• Be an Indian citizen
• When applying for the visa, the applicant must be aged between 18 and 30 years(when applying for a visa)
• Previously not a holder of  a Work holiday visa earlier
• Must be residing outside Australia.
• A minimum of two years of study and proof of university degrees, diplomas, and other graduate certificates (above the post-secondary level) will be accepted. 
• Applicants cannot bring their family members with the Working Holiday visa

Proof of English Language requirement is not required if:

1. Be a valid passport holder in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.
2. Completed English language test or assessment ( with a band score of 4.5 including all four components in IELTS general or if PTE 30 )
3. Acquire educational qualifications: from primary English medium school and have three years of experience in English. 

Requirements for Working Holiday Visa

• Proof of sufficient funds: approximately AUD5,000.
• Health Insurance 
• Provide certificates of character and police clearance
• Complete Australian Government debts (if any)

Working Holiday visa validity:12 months

Application Cost:

• Ballot cost: AUD25; 
• Visa application cost: AUD 635.00

Options for Visa extension

• Applicants can apply for a second work holiday visa for more than 12 months if they meet the specified work for at least three months.

Industries and areas that are approved for the Working Holiday visa 

Below are the mentioned industries that are approved for the Working Holiday visa:

Industries	Area permitted for the industries
Tourism and Hospitality	Northern or remote and very remote Australia
Plant and Animal cultivation	Northern Australia and other specified areas of regional Australia
Fishing and Pearling	Only in Northern Australia
Tree farming	Northern Australia
Construction	Northern Australia and other specified areas of regional Australia
Bushfire recovery work	Only in bushfire-affected areas after 31 July 2019
Recovery work in natural disaster	Affected areas after 31 December 2021

 

9th September,2024

'Right to Disconnect' law for Australian Employees will be effective from today!

Australia's new 'Right to Disconnect' law is effective today, September 9, 2024.This 'Right to Disconnect' law allows employers to ignore work-related texts and emails outside work hours without fearing punishment.The 'Right to Disconnect' law rule regulation was introduced in Australia among other twenty countries, including Europe and Latin America.

Read more… 

30th August,2024

Australia plans to welcome 185,000 PRs in 2025. Apply now!

The Australian government announced the planning level of the permanent Migration Program of 2024-25 on May 14, 2024. The Australia Permanent Migration Program will be set at 85,000 places.The Permanent Migration Program of 2024-25 will invite immigrants from the Skill stream and Family stream.The Special Eligibility stream is estimated for 300 places in 2025-24 Migration Program planning levels. 

Read more… 

19th August,2024

Upcoming updates on Western Australia Invitation Round 

Intending visa subclass	General stream	General stream	Graduate stream	Graduate stream
	WASMOL schedule 1	WASMOL schedule 2	Higher education	Vocational education and training
Visa subclass 190	100	100	75	25
Visa subclass 491	100	100	75	25

15th August,2024

Victoria's Skilled Migration Program opened applications for 2024-25. Apply Now!

Victoria's 2024-25 Skilled Visa Nomination Program is open for applications. Victorian skilled visa nomination opened under subclass 190 or 491. First, the applicants must submit their EOI through the Australian Government's SkillSelect system. Following this, a Registration of Interest (ROI) must be submitted for an invitation to apply.

15th August,2024

South Australia's accepting applications for the 2024-25 General Skilled Migration Program

Currently, South Australia is accepting applications for the 2024-25 General Skilled Migration Program, with the Skill Occupation list for review. Eligible onshore applicants can submit an ROI for any one of the 464 occupations available within three streams:

1. South Australian Graduates
2. Skilled Employment
3. Outer Regional Skilled Employment

New applicants cannot apply for The Business and Innovation and Investment Program as it is only for existing visa holders to apply for extensions or permanent residency. 

13th August,2024

Latest updates for ACT Canberra Matrix Invitation Round

Here is the latest updates for ACT Canberra Matrix Invitation Round: 

Category	Visa Subclass	Invitations Issued	Minimum Matrix Score
Canberra Residents
Small Business Owners	190	1	125
	491	2	110
457 / 482 Visa Holders	190	7	N/A
	491	1	N/A
Critical Skill Occupations	190 or 491	188	N/A
Overseas Applicants
Total	491	40	N/A

13th August 

Invitations updates for NT General Skilled Migration (GSM) Nomination Applications for 2024-25

Northern Territory Migration is proceeding with the onshore applications for selection under the General Skilled Migration program. On August 14, 2024, NT Family Stream and Job Offer Stream will reopen for the onshore application. Currently, the priority occupation stream is closed due to too many applications. Other streams under the priority occupation stream will proceed, but delays might occur. 

2nd August,2024

Australian Government has announced 26,260 sponsorship application allocations for 8 states and territories

The Australian Government has announced that states and territories will accept sponsorship applications for skilled visa nominations. Completing the skills assessment and having EOI initiate the sponsorship process is necessary for skilled visa nomination.8 states and territories are included in the quota for skilled visa nomination.The total number of skilled visa nominations was 26,260 for the 2024-25 program years.

Read more…

23rd July, 2024

Tasmania state has received nomination allocations for the FY 2024-25

Tasmania received 2860 nomination places, and below are the details for Subclass 190 & 491.

• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa - 2,100 places
• Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa – 760 places

In the coming weeks, Tasmania will open registration of Interest for the Skilled Migration State Nomination Program, but this is yet to be announced. 

Nomination application lodged but not yet decided

If a candidate has lodged an application for nomination but still hasn't received an outcome, Migration Tasmania will continue to process your application against the requirements in place when you lodged your application. If approved, applicants will be nominated in Skill Select.

Subclass 491 applicants seeking subclass 190 nomination

Candidates can apply for subclass 491 nominations that have been lodged but not yet decided. The same application won’t be considered for subclass 190 nomination. If a candidate wishes to be considered for subclass 190 nomination, they must withdraw their current application and register for subclass 190 when the 2024-25 program opens. A new invitation to apply for subclass 190 nomination will depend upon the level of interest and the number of pro-rata places available at the time.

22nd July, 2024

South Australia has received nomination allocations for the FY 2024-25

South Australia has received nominated allocation for FY 2024-25.Australia received 3800 nomination place for Subclass 190 & 491: 

• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa - 3,000 places
• Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa – 800 places        

22nd July, 2024

Victoria state received nomination allocations for the FY 2024-25

Victoria received 5000 nomination places for Subclass 190 & 491.

Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa - 3,000 places
Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa – 2000 places

22nd July, 2024 

3 streams offshore applicants will be eligible for NT sponsorship

Priority Occupation Stream:

• Must have an occupation in the NT Offshore occupation list
• Must fulfil the minimum work experience requirements and must have specified occupation on the NT occupation list.

NT Family Stream:

Candidates family member living in NT for at least 12 months who is an Australian citizen/PR holder/eligible NZ citizen or must be a visas holders of any one

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 491
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 494
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 489
• A bridging visa granted in association with an application for a Skilled Regional Visa subclass 887 or Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) subclass 191 visa

Family members living in NT must provide support to the applicants with finding accommodation and employment in the NT.

NT Job Offer Stream:

Candidates must provide a job offer in the nominated occupation in NT with an NT business / organisation that has been actively operating in the NT for at least 12 month.

19th July, 2024

Western Australia State Nomination Open for FY 2024-25 

The Western Australia State Nomination is currently registering for FY 2024-25. Western Australia has decreased the AUD 200 application fee for this FY. The invitation round will occur in the first week of every month, with the first round on August 24 and later every month.The subclass 190 visa will offer employment, but it's not required for subclass 491. Applicants must have a minimum score in English either through IELTS/PTE Academic or equivalent exams.

*Note: The provisional skills assessment issued for subclass 485 visa application will not be considered.

28th June, 2024

Chinese citizens will now get 5 years visa to Australia

Australia and China will provide each other citizenship with multiple-entry visas for five years.  Within these five years, both countries' citizens can travel and do business in individual countries.Previously, Chinese citizens could apply for up to one year's visa to visit Australia, but now the limit has been extended to 10 years for frequent travelers.

Read more…

26th June, 2024

Australia State and Territory Nominations from 1st July 2023 to 31st May 2024

The total number of nominations issued by State and Territory Governments from 1 July 2023 to 31 May 2024 is given in the following table:

Visa subclass	ACT	NSW	QLD	SA	TAS	VIC	WA	Total
Skilled nominated Visa (Subclass 190)	575	2505	866	593	593	2700	1494	10073
Skilled work regional Provisional visa (Subclass 491)	524	1304	648	1162	591	600	776	5992
State and Territory Nominated
Total	1099	3809	1514	2254	1184	3300	2270	16065

24th June, 2024

Australia announces new changes for Skilled Worker Visas, effective from July 01, 2024.

From July 01, 2024,Australia has declared to make new changes in Skilled worker visas 8107, 8607, and 8608. There would be new changes in temporary Work (Skilled) visas such as (subclass 457), temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) and skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494).

06th June, 2024

Vetassess to accept Chef and Fitter profiles!

Vetassess declared to accept occupations like Chef and Fitter job profiles which were not processed  from Sep 23.

Applicants will be able to lodge new applications for:

• Chef (Commercial Cookery), ANZSCO Code 351311
• Chef (Asian Cookery), ANZSCO Code 351311
• Fitter (General), ANZSCO Code 323211

This applies to Pathway 1 and Pathway 2 applications under OSAP and TSS programs.

05th June, 2024

Australia's Subclass 485 Visa now open to applicants aged below 50 

Australia immigration is offering applications to candidates aged below 50 for post-study work visas for research students in the Post-Higher Education Work Stream  under the Subclass 485 visa. The decision will be applicable from July 1st,2024.

20th May, 2024

Australia Immigration Planning Levels 2024-25

The Australian government declared the immigration level plan for 2024-25 for the migration program will be set at 185,000 places. The allocation for each state has not yet been announced. Candidates will be informed once it is announced. The count for Subclass 189 has been reduced, which means applicants can expect more invitations under Subclass 190 and Subclass 491.

Skill Stream Visa
Visa Category	2024-25 Planning Levels
Employer Sponsored	44,000
Skilled Independent	16,900
State/Territory Nominated	33,000
Regional	33,000
Business Innovation & Investment	1,000
Global Talent Independent	4,000
Distinguished Talent	300
Skill Total	1,32,200
Family Stream Visa
Visa Category	2024-25 Planning Levels
Partner	40,500
Parent	8,500
Child	3,000
Other Family	500
Family Total	52,500
Special Category Visa
Special Eligibility	300
Grand Total	1,85,000

18th May, 2024
Australia launches innovation visa to attract skilled professionals

The Australian government introduced a new innovative visa to attract talented workers, which will attract the Global Talent visa program. Terminating the Business Talent Visa and Investment Visa program(BIIP), also known as the global visa, marks a shift from the previously offered path to permanent residency via Investment. 

15th May, 2024

Australia announces new changes in Temporary Graduate Visa. Apply now!

The Australian government announced changes to the temporary graduate visa program on July 1st, 2024. The Temporary Graduate Visa allows international students who have completed a course to be registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

9th May, 2024

Australia State and Territory Nominations in FY 2023-24

The total number of nominations issued by State and Territory Governments from 1 July 2023 to 30 April 2024 is given in the following table: 

Visa Subclass	ACT	NSW	NT	QLD	SA	TAS	VIC	WA
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)	530	2,092	247	748	994	549	2,648	1,481
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) State and Territory Nominated	463	1,211	381	631	975	455	556	774

 

April 3, 2024

Under Pathway 1 Nomination Criteria, the NSW Government Announces a Change to Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) – Effective Immediately.

Under Pathway 1, The NSW Government has announced an update to the nomination criteria for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491), effective immediately. Applicants for Pathway 1 were required to have been living and working in a designated regional area of NSW for at least 12 months with a single regional NSW-based employer, among other requirements. The NSW government is now reducing this employment duration requirement to 6 months.

 

March 27th , 2024

Australia announces new English language requirements for Temporary Graduate Visa and Student Visa

Australia has decided to change the English Language requirements for student and Temporary graduate visas.On 11 December 2023, these changes were announced, and they will be applied to all the applications logged on or after 23 March 2024.The minimum score required for a Temporary Graduate Visa from the IELTS test score increased from 6.0 to 6.5.The minimum score required for a Student visa for IELTS test scores increases from 5.5 to 6.

Read More…

 

March 25th , 2024

Australia immigration grew by 60% in 2023 and expected to remain steady in 2024

In 2023, the net overseas migration grew by 60 percent compared to the previous year, 2022.As per the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the last Australian immigration reached 26.8 million in 2023. In 12 months till 30 September 2023, the Australian population increased by 2.5 percent — or 659,800 people. In a 12-month period, 295,000 births and 183,900 deaths were registered in Australia.

Read more…

 

March 22nd , 2024

Fee increase from 01 July 2024 - Engineers Australia

Fee increases for the 2024-2025 financial year

From 1 July 2024 the migration skills assessment fees will increase by 3–4 per cent to align with the consumer price index, wage price index and producer price index. The changes have been approved by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

International Accords qualification assessment fees

Item/s	Current   fees with GST	Current fees without GST	From 1 July fees inclu. with GST	From 1 July fees inclu. with GST
Washington/Sydney/Dublin Accord qualification assessment	$460	$506	$475	$522.05
Washington/Sydney/Dublin Accord qualification assessment plus	$850	$935	$875	$962.50
relevant skilled employment assessment
Washington/Sydney/Dublin Accord qualification assessment plus	$705	$775	$730	$803
overseas PhD assessment
Washington/Sydney/Dublin Accord qualification assessment plus	$1095	$1204.50	$1125	$1237.50
relevant skilled employment assessment plus
overseas engineering PhD assessment

 

Current	Current	From 1 July	From 1 July
Item/s	Fee excl.	Fee incl.	Fee excl.	Fee incl.
	GST	GST	GST	GST
	AUD	AUD	AUD	AUD
Australian engineering qualification assessment	$285	$313.50	$295	$324.50
Australian engineering qualification assessment plus	$675	$742.50	$695	$764.50
relevant skilled employment assessment
Australian engineering qualification assessment plus	$530	$583	$550	$605
overseas engineering PhD assessment
Australian engineering qualification assessment plus	$920	$1012	$945	$1039.50
relevant skilled employment assessment plus
overseas engineering PhD assessment

 

 

Current	Current	From 1 July	From 1 July
Item/s	Fee excl.	Fee incl.	Fee excl.	Fee incl.
	GST	GST	GST	GST
	AUD	AUD	AUD	AUD
Standard competency demonstration report	$850	$935	$880	$968
Competency demonstration report plus	$1240	$1364	$1280	$1408
relevant skilled employment assessment
Competency demonstration report plus	$1095	$1204.50	$1130	$1243
overseas engineering PhD assessment
Competency demonstration report plus	$1485	$1633.50	$1525	$1677.50
relevant skilled employment assessment plus
overseas engineering PhD assessment

 

March 21st , 2024

Australia mandates Genuine Student requirement from March 23, 2024 for international students

 The Australian Government is changing Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) to Genuine Student (GS).The GS has planned to commence student visa application after 23rd March 2023.The student visa application before 23rd March 2024 will be processed per the existing arrangements.The Student Guardian visa applicants still have to provide GTE requirements.

Read More…
 

February 23th , 2024

Migration Queensland priority processing for 491 onshore applicants

Queensland migration issued invitations for onshore Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) who are residing in Queensland and who can meet the priority processing criteria.Applicants can register with their details by friday 23 February - Tuesday 27 February 2024.Provide a decision ready application by this date. With additional notes if someone wants to change their Subclass visa 491 to subclass visa 190 they wouldn't be responded to the application.

 

January 25th , 2024

 

Australia to prioritise 2024 Student visas under Ministerial Direction 107

On 14 December 2023, a new ministerial direction for prioritising student and student guardian visas was released. Ministerial Direction No. 107 formalises the Australian government prioritising students to build the international education sector. Any secondary applicant included in the primary visa will be allocated with the same priority. The Primary applicant can undertake two or more courses of study.

ReadMore…

January 2nd , 2024

Australia Draws - State and Territory nominations 2023-24 program year.

Australia’s State and Territory Governments issued 8689 nominations from 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023. 

Visa subclass	ACT	NSW	NT	QLD	SA	TAS	VIC	WA
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)	454	966	234	505	830	370	1,722	913
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) State and Territory Nominated	407	295	243	264	501	261	304	420
Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) visa (subclass 188)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

 

December 27th, 2023

The Australia New Skills in Demand Visa is addressing to fill 800,000 job vacancies. 

Australia has announced a "Skills in Demand" visa to address the skill gap and labor market  

The "Skills in Demand" visa is set to replace Temporary Skills Shortage (Subclass 482) visa 

The visa will offer three distinct pathways that will be designed to attract temporary skilled migrants. 

Read More…

Australia to launch New Skills in Demand Visa, to fill 800,000 job vacancies. Apply now! 

December 18th, 2023

Update on Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program 

The Skilled Migration Office is set to be closed, starting from 12:00 pm on 22 December 2023, for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Applicants can still send in the applications, but the processing of the applications will be on pause. The office will reopen on 2 January 2024. 

December 14th, 2023

Australia will process visas faster for high-earners - Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister

Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, announced faster processing time for high-earners as a part of the latest Migration Plan FY 2023-24. The changes in the migration plan focused on international students and streamlined processing times. 

December 1st, 2023

The Act invitation round-up took place on 27 November 2023 invitations were issued:

Canberra residents	190 nominations	491 nominations
Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	1 invitations	3 invitations
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	7 invitation	1 invitation
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	61 invitations	46 invitations
Overseas applicants
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	x	x

November 14, 2023

NSW 491 pathways and application criteria updates 

NSW updated the pathways and application criteria for Skilled worker regional (subclass 491) visa. The pathways are : 

Pathway 1:Direct Application: For well-established work-history workers with regional NSW based employees. 

Pathways 2:  Invitation by Investment NSW: Candidates are chosen upon the basis of Investment NSW based on specific skill needs. 

November 14, 2023

WA State nominated migration program update 

The table below shows the migration program update:  

November 14, 2023

Tasmania Migration update processing times and nomination places immigration

Tasmania Migration issues up to 30 invitations weekly. 

Only the eligible candidates are chosen for the nominations. 

November 9, 2023

Tasmania issued ROI for registration and 30 nominations for weeks. Tasmania migration and processing time an nomination place are: 

November 9, 2023

NT Dama extension and updates about pathways and new occupations: 

• The crucial points of NT Dama are given below: 
• The NT Dama is valid till 13th december 2023
• 11 new occupations are added and the total is 135 occupations. 
•  Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold  income is reduced to $55,000 for some occupations. 
• Easy pathway for Permanent Residency. 
• Applications for endorsements and subsequent endorsements are to be submitted online. 
• After 2 years the overseas workers in selected occupations can apply for a NT and be nominated for Subclass visa 186.  

November 9, 2023

Top 20 universities  ranked in QS world University Ranking 2024

The QS World Ranking features 15000 institutions around 104 locations. The QS rankings are based on three points.The results of QS ranking are based on 17.5 academic papers and opinions from 240,000 academic experts. 

Read More…

QS World University Rankings 2024: The UK, US, Singapore, and Switzerland dominate the top 10

November 8, 2023

India-Australia signed a 450 +tie-ups for research facilities

India-Australia signed an increase of 450+ tie-ups in research collaboration in priority areas.The research areas will focus on seven priority areas.This initiative will increase the student and faculty exchange programs, dual degree, twin degree, and joint PhD.

Read More…

India-Australia Education Ministers signed 450+ tie-ups, boosting chances for Indian Students!

November 2, 2023

Tasmania overseas application through OSOP pathway 

Tasmania is currently not accepting applications for ROI for Sop pathways. 

There are option for Australian who are living outside Australia to be nominated by Tasmania: 

Overseas Job Offer Pathway:In this procedure, the candidate will receive a job offer from a Tasmania employer. 

Health and Allied Health Positions:This category is for Health and Allied Health candidates who have the accessibility to explore further nomination pathways. 

October 25, 2023

NT skilled workers Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visas for the 2023-24 program are open now!

The eligible criteria for NT skilled workers Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa: 

• NT Graduates who have a Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 visa valid until 1st July 2024, are not eligible for this program.
• Nt resident who have not been nominated or related occupation for at least 6 months NT will consider them for this program. 
•  The Priority Occupation Stream is only limited to 54 occupations  listed on the new NT Offshore Migration Occupation List.
• *The Government of NT skilled workers Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa is not currently accepting any nomination program. 

October 25, 2023  

Tasmania migration and processing time : Latest October 2023

Tasmia has currently updated its migration and processing time along with nomination allocation and applications. The table below has all the details of Tasmania Migration and processing time: 

October 19, 2023

ACT Nominations: Australia Canberra Draw invited 168 candidates

The Australian Canberra draw invited 168 candidates on 12th October 2023.Both Canberra residents and overseas applicants received invitations.Candidates having a minimum Matrix score of 80 were invited.

Read More...

ACT Nominations: Australia Canberra Draw invited 168 candidates

September 04, 2023

Western Australia State Nominated Migration Program

Invitations were issued for the state nominated migration program for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 Visas. 

• General stream WASMOL schedule 2: 302 invitations 
• Graduate stream Higher education: 150 invitations
• Graduate stream Vocational education and training: 35 invitations

The total number of invitations issued in August 2023 was 487.

August 30, 2023

NSW Skills Lists and Migration Program for the upcoming year of 2023-24

The New South Wales government announces 2023-24 skilled nomination quotas: 2,650 places for Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and 1,500 places for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). No places offered for Business Innovation and Investment Program. Invitation rounds start in September, skilled occupation list may be adjusted.

August 29, 2023

Changes in the General Skilled Migration Program for South Australia

South Australia has reduced its visa nomination allocations for the General Skilled Migration Program in 2023-24, with only 2,300 places granted. South Australia is still committed to attracting skilled migrants in priority industries like Health and Defence. Candidates with a provisional visa can apply for nomination for the extension stream or permanent visa as these categories are not subject to a cap.

August 28, 2023

The latest information on visa nomination allocations for state and territory in 2023-24

The allocation numbers for state and territory nominations in the 2023-24 program year determine how many primary applicants each region can nominate for specific visa categories. These numbers don't limit the total granted visas, as the Department of Home Affairs manages applications. The nomination allocations for the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas are 10,300 and 6,400, respectively.

August 17, 2023

Processing time of various Australian visas reduced by Australian Government
The Australian Department of Home Affairs recently announced that the processing time for various Australian visas has been reduced. The applicants can now receive approval in less period of time as compared to earlier.

Read More...

August 01, 2023

List of courses revealed for students to receive extended Australia post-study work rights

There are over 3,000 eligible courses available for International graduates who have enrolled in these courses can get an additional two years added to their Temporary Graduate visa. 

July 30, 2023

A new fee of $3,374 for AAT migration review applications will be applicable from July 01, 2023

From 1 July 2023, the application fee for review of a migration decision under Part 5 of the Migration Act 1958 increased to $3,374.

July 29, 2023

Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement

Australia and India have established a significant Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA), setting a new precedent for cooperation on migration matters. The MMPA reconfirms the currently available visa options that enable movement and migration between the two nations – covering students, visitors, business individuals, and other professionals – and introduces a fresh mobility pathway. This new route, known as the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES), is designed specifically for Indian graduates and early-stage professionals.

July 14, 2023

Canberra Matrix Invitation Round: 14 July 2023 

Canberra held the ACT Invitation Round on 14 July 2023 and issued 822 invitations. 

Canberra residents	190 nominations	491 nominations
Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	18 invitations	6 invitations
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	8 invitations	3 invitations
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	138 invitations	88 invitations
Overseas applicants
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	299 invitations	262 invitations

July 03, 2023

Australia announced direct pathway for New Zealand citizens to apply for Australian citizenship 

New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for four years or more will now be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship directly. The pathways came into effect from July 1, 2023, and will apply only on applications on or post the date.  

Consequently, all New Zealand citizens holding a permanent visa or a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) are eligible to apply directly for citizenship in Australia. 

June 28, 2023 

The Australian government has extended the Post-study Work Visa stay duration  

From July 1, 2023, the stay duration of the Post-study Work Visa or subclass 485 will be increased. The internationals graduates can now stay back in the country and work for more number years. Please find the below table for the details: 

Degree	Earlier visa duration	Visa duration from July 1, 2023
Bachelor degrees	2 years	4 years
Masters degrees	3 years	5 years
Doctoral degrees	4 years	6 years

Note: The change in the stay duration will be applicable only for list of occupations and qualifications considered. For example, IT, Engineering, Nursing, Medical, Teaching, etc.

June 27, 2023

Work restrictions for student visa holders from July 1, 2023 

From July 1, 2023, student visa holders may have to face a few work restrictions as the government is lifting all the work relaxations made earlier. These relaxations were offered during the pandemic to emphasize reducing workforce shortages nationwide. Therefore, from next month onward, student visa holders can work only for 48 hours per fortnight.   

However, student visa holders who are working in the aged care sector can still work for unrestricted hours till the end of this year, i.e., December 31, 2023.

June 27, 2023

UK passport holders can apply for Subclass 417 Visa from July 1, 2023 

Australia and the UK signed an Australia and UK Free Trade Agreement, and as per the new agreement, new arrangements will be made under the Youth Mobility Scheme and Working Holiday Maker program. UK passport holders can now apply for the Working Holiday visa from July 1, 2023. And, from July 1, 2024, they will be granted the Subclass 417 Visa without fulfilling any specific work requirement. 

Read More… 

June 26, 2023

Australia Subclass 191 updated and the visa application fees increased 

Any primary or secondary Subclass 491 visa holder can now apply for an Australia Subclass 191 Permanent Residence Regional visa after meeting specific requirements.   

The Australian Immigration Department has increased the visa application fee for applicants. The new visa fees will be effective from July 01, 2023. Subsequently, the principal applicant must pay AUD 4640 to apply for Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491.   

The below table shows the increase in price for all the applicants:

Subclass Visa Type	Applicant	Fee Effective from 1st July 23	Current visa fee
Subclass 189	Main Applicant	AUD 4640	AUD 4240
	Applicant above 18 yrs.	AUD 2320	AUD 2115
	Applicant below 18 yrs.	AUD 1160	AUD 1060
Subclass 190	Main Applicant	AUD 4640	AUD 4240
	Applicant above 18 yrs.	AUD 2320	AUD 2115
	Applicant below 18 yrs.	AUD 1160	AUD 1060
Subclass 491	Main Applicant	AUD 4640	AUD 4240
	Applicant above 18 yrs.	AUD 2320	AUD 2115
	Applicant below 18 yrs.	AUD 1160	AUD 1060

June 22, 2023

Change in the Australia Citizenship Fees 

The Australian Department of home Affairs has announced a new citizenship fee, which will be effective from July 1, 2023. The new citizenship processing fee is AUD $540 including a concession fee of AUD $70.

June 22, 2023

The minimum income requirement for the Subclass 191 visa has been scraped off 

The minimum income requirement for the Permanent Residents or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa or subclass 191 visa has been scraped off. The Subclass 191 is a provisional visa that can be converted into a PR visa later.  

However, the applicants must provide notices of assessment for the last 3 years out of their 5 eligible visa years.  

June 07, 2023 

DHA announced the results of the invitation round details for FY 2022-23 

The Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced the results of the last invitation round for the FY 2022-23. The invitation round was conducted on 25th May 2023. The DHA has sent 7427 invitations in the month of May for Subclass 189 and 491.  

Overall, the department has issued invitations to 68,042 candidates for both the Subclass 189 and 491 (family sponsored visas) from August 2022 to May 2023. 

June 03, 2023

New Pact between India and Australia allows Indian graduates to work in Australia for up to 8 years 

India and Australia signed a partnership pact on migration and mobility which aims at opening better opportunities for business people, students, and academic researchers. The Indian graduates of Australian tertiary institutions holding a student visa are now eligible to apply to work under this new scheme. They can also follow professional development for up to eight years without any visa sponsorship. The scheme will also be including a new pilot program, MATES.

Read More… 

May 24, 2023

Title: Australia increased Temporary Skilled Income Threshold to $70,000 and expanded TR to PR pathways 

The Australian TSMIT will be increased from $53,900 to $70,000 from 1 July 2023. However, this will not affect the existing nominations and visa holders registered before this date. The TRT stream will now be opened for all the TSS visa holders whose employers are willing to sponsor them. Also, the stream’s eligibility to be lowered to two years of employment with the sponsoring employer. 

Read More… 

May 18, 2023 

Australia to see overseas migration to get as high as 400,000, this year 

The net overseas migration in Australia will hit as high as 400,000 this year. As per its immigration plan for 2022-23, 195,000 immigrants were supposed to be invited. But it is expected to surpass the count. 

May 18, 2023 

Australian government to scrap COVID work visa or Subclass 408 

Australia to scrap off the Covid work visa or Subclass 408. This move is going to impact a few Indian students and temporary workers. However, the work hour caps will still be there until December 31.  

 

May 2, 2023

Changes in Australia’s Immigration Policy: New Visas and Regulations for 2023-25

New changes to be brought into Australia’s Immigration Policy for 2023-24. The salary threshold for immigrants to get sponsorship will be raised from July 1; all skilled temporary workers will be able to apply for Australia PR; the immigration system will be divided into three tiers; an immediate graduate visa for international students will be introduced, etc.

February 27, 2023

Australians require ETIAS to travel Schengen countries from 2024

International individuals from Australia will have new rules for travel to Schengen Area. Australians traveling to Europe will have to apply for the visa waiver program for certain regions of Europe. These new rules will be exclusively applicable to the Schengen Area of Europe. The new rules will come into effect in 2024.

The new travel rules for the Schengen Area require Australian citizens to apply for a waiver for the requirement of a visa.

Read more…

February 24, 2023

International Students in Australia to benefit from two-year extension on Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

Australia has made a few changes in the post-study work rights for international students. The Australian government has announced an extension of 2 years of post-study work rights for international graduates with certain degrees that have been identified as having skill shortages. The Australian authorities also plan to reintroduce a cap on working hours for international students.

Read more…

 January 23, 2023

Second Australia Canberra Matrix Draw in 2023, invited 632 candidates

 ACT issued invitations to 632 foreign nationals in the latest draw for Canberra ACT held on January 23, 2023. Australia held its second draw of the year for Canberra ACT. The draw was held on January 23, 2023. It invited 632 foreign nationals who had a score 65 or more in the Matrix. The applicants are now eligible for an Australia PR visa.

Read more…

January 13, 2023

Canberra Matrix Draw invites 734 candidates for ACT nomination

ACT invited 734 international individuals under the draw for Canberra Matrix held on January 13, 2023. Australia held its first draw of the year for Canberra Matrix. The draw was conducted on January 13, 2023. It invited 734 international candidates who had scored 70 or more. The candidates are now eligible to apply for an Australia PR visa.

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December 16, 2022

Australia welcomed 171,000 immigrants in FY 2021-2022

One of the popular destinations, Australia, is for the immigration of foreign nationals. Australia invited 171,000 immigrants between the years 2021 – 2022. There is a 171% increase in Australia. The Fiscal year for Australia ended on June 30, 2022.

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Arrival of 171,000 immigrants in Australia in FY 2021-2022

December 16, 2022

Western Australia Invitation Round: 5006 candidates were invited

Western Australia issues 5006 invitations to the candidates under State Nominate Migration Program (SNMP). The invitations were issued under the Subclass 190 visa and Subclass 491 visa. 2,365 candidates received invitations under Subclass 190. 2,641 invitations were issued under Subclass 491. The streams considered are WASMOL (schedule 1 & 2) and the Graduate stream under SNMP.

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Western Australia Invitation Round: 5,006 candidates were invited

December 16, 2022

Australia’s visa tribunal will be abolished in 2023

Australia is taking a forward step to announce a major change in its immigration policies. The Australian visa tribunal, which was founded in 1976, will get abolished by 2023. Usually, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal takes care of refugee visas and others. From 2023, a new body will replace the Australian Tribunal.

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Australia’s visa tribunal will be abolished in 2023

December 14, 2022

NSW says, ‘No points and work experience required for subclass 190 visa.’ Apply now!

New South Wales (NSW) set its skilled migration program for 2022-2023 and establishes a new update for Subclass 190 visas. Previously, Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) needs minimum points and work experience. Hence Subclass 189 has got a high number of applications. NSW then released an update saying Subclass 190 visa will not require work experience or minimum points. Whereas the requirement for Subclass 189 remains the same as before.

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NSW says, ‘No points and work experience required for subclass 190 visa.’ Apply now!

December 06, 2022

No PMSOL. Highest priority to Healthcare and teaching occupations, applying outside Australia

Australia is in a dire need of skilled workers for some the occupations like Healthcare and Teaching. The country announced a recent update, where for Teaching, Healthcare, and some occupations, there is no requirement for PMSOL. In place of that ‘Ministerial Direction 100’, a new instruction is adapted for processing specific occupations. This new instruction is applicable to 13 types of Australian Skilled visas.

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No PMSOL. Highest priority to Healthcare and Teaching occupations, applying outside Australia

November 25, 2022

Western Australia Invitation Round: 4,500 candidates were invited

Western Australia issued 4,500 invitations to the candidates in its latest draw on November 25, 2022. The international citizens under the General stream and Graduate stream were targeted under SNMP (State Nomination Migration Program). These invitations were issued under skilled professionals for Subclass 19 & Subclass 491.

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Western Australia Invitation Round: 4,500 candidates were invited

November 14, 2022

Australia Canberra Matrix Draw invited 441 candidates to apply for ACT nomination

Australia Canberra Matrix issued 441 invitations to the candidates in order to apply for ACT nomination on November 14, 2022. Under the ‘Canberra residents’ category, a total of 194 invitations were sent to the applicants. Whereas under the overseas applicants around 247 invitations were sent to the candidates. For small business owners stream the score considered ranges from 65 – 85.

Type of residents	Occupation group	Under nomination	Number of candidates invited	Points
Canberra Residents	Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	190 nominations	10	85
491 nominations	0	65
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	190 nominations	NA	NA
491 nominations	NA	NA
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	79	NA
491 nominations	105	NA
Overseas applicants	Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	18	NA
491 nominations	229	NA

October 31, 2022

Canberra Matrix Draw invited 425 candidates to apply for ACT nomination

Australia Canberra Matrix issued 425 invitations to the candidates on October 31, 2022. These invitations are sent under Subclass 190 and Subclass 491. This draw targeted small business owners, critical skills operations, 457/482 visa holders of the Canberra residents category, and critical skills operation of the Overseas applicants’ category.

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Canberra Matrix Draw invited 425 candidates to apply for ACT nomination

October 28, 2022

Australia to issue more parent and skilled visas with increased budgets

The government of Australia announced additional budgets to maximize the number of skilled and parent visas and also bring down the processing wait times. Skilled visas are maximized to 142,400 from 79,600. Whereas parent visas are maximized to 8,500 from 4,500 for 2022-23.

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Australian visa update: More skilled, parents visas in 2022-23

October 22, 2022

Western Australia Invitation Round: 4526 candidates were invited

Western Australia sent 4526 invitations on October 22, 2022, through four streams. The four streams are Under SNMP General Stream 2,854 candidates received invitations and under SNMP Graduate stream 1672 invitations were sent to the individuals. These invitations were sent to individuals who have applied for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 under the above-mentioned 4 streams.

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Time to migrate to Australia for 4,526 people invited to Western Australia

October 17, 2022

Australia Canberra Matrix Draw issued 467 invitations

The Canberra Matrix of Australia conducted a draw on October 17, 2022, and issued 467 invitations. The Overseas applicants and Canberra residents were targeted in this draw. The minimum average CRS score in the draw is 70-90. 

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Australia Canberra Matrix Draw issued 467 invitations

October 11, 2022

Australia to cap work hours for international students from June 2023

Australia to execute and cap the restricted working hours for international students from July 2023. This step is taken to bring the right balance between study and work for foreign students. With this change the length of the stay for Graduates, Masters, and Ph.D. students.

Read more…

Australia to cap work hours for international students from June 2023

October 06, 2022

DHA Round of invitations – 12532 candidates were invited

The table mentioned below displays the number of invitations that were issued on October 6, 2022, through the SkillSelect application process for migration.

The individuals who have the highest rank by points score have been invited to apply for a suitable visa. The individuals who possess equal point scores will be selected based on the time when they obtained their points for that particular subclass, which will determine the order of invitation.  

Visa subclass	Number	Cut-off score
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)	11,714	65
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored	818	65

October 01, 2022

DHA Invitation Round – The Biggest draw in 2022 invited 12,666 candidates

It was announced that during the 2022-23 program year Invitation rounds for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) and Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), which are Family-Sponsored visas, will be held regularly. 

Category	Invitations	Minimum  points
Subclass 189	12200 Invitations	65
Subclass 491	466 Invitations (Family Sponsored)	65

September 26, 2022

Canberra Matrix draw invited 354 candidates to apply for ACT Nomination Australia

Canberra invited 354 immigration candidates to the Canberra Matrix Invitation round, held on September 26, 2022. This is the third draw held in September of 2022 which issued invitations to Canberra Residents and Overseas Applicants.

The candidates with a high rank were selected under each occupation which required a minimum score of 70. They can also apply for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Nomination.

The ACT limits its nominations to immigration candidates which are proportional to the annual allocation.

All the applicants in this Canberra Matrix invitation round were selected with a cut-off score based on the time, month, and monthly allocation.

Details of the Canberra draw held on September 26, 2022

Type of residents	Occupation group	Under nomination	Number of candidates invited	Minimum matrix score
Canberra Residents	Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	190 nominations	0	70
		491 nominations	3
	Matrix nominating 457/482 visa holders	190 nominations	2
		491 nominations	0
	Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	71
		491 nominations	83
Overseas applicants	Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	20
		491 nominations	175

For more information on this update, continue to read the article…

Australia’s Canberra Matrix draw issued 354 invitations

September 19, 2022

Australia welcomed more than 2.60 lakh students till July 2022

More than 2.60 lakhs students arrived in Australia after the restrictions of the pandemic lifted up. Australia has also started a new program for Indian students. The aim of this program is to boost the skill related to employment. A roadshow has been conducted by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission in which information related to study in Australia was provided. The roadshow was also held for providing information regarding scholarships and visas.

September 19, 2022

Highlights of the New Australia Immigration Level Plan 2022-2023

• Australia will increase the immigration cap from 160,000 to 195,000 in the current fiscal year.
• Neil, the Home Affairs Minister, made the announcement at the two-day summit.
• The summit was attended by 140 representatives of governments, businesses, trade unions, and industries.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced at the summit that 180,000 free places will be left for vocational education schools.
• The permanent resident target in Australia increased from 160,000 to 195,000
• The Australian states have decided to open the skill migration program for the FY 2022-23 for onshore and offshore applications.
• Foreign nationals are advised to complete their skill assessment and obtain the required English proficiency scores to get eligible for sponsorship.

 An announcement has been made by the Australian government on Friday that the permanent immigration has been increased by 35,000. The immigration target has increased from 160,000 to 195,000 in the current fiscal year.

The following table depicts the allocation for each state for the FY 2022-23:

State	Skilled Nomination (Subclass 190) Visa	Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa
ACT	2,025	2,025
NSW	9,108	6,168
NT	600	1400
QLD	3,000	2,000
SA	2,700	5,300
TAS	2,000	2,250
VIC	11,500	3,400
WA	5,350	2,790
Total	36,238	25,333

September 13, 2022

Australia’s Canberra Matrix draw issued 208 invitations

Australia issued 208 invitations to apply for ACT nominations. The invitations were issued under Canberra Matrix draw for overseas applicants and Canberra residents. The invitations issued to Canberra residents were 80 while overseas applicants received 128 invitations. The table below reveals the details of the draw:

Type of residents	Occupation group	Under nomination	Number of candidates invited	Points
Canberra Residents	Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	190 nominations	3	90
491 nominations	NA	NA
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	190 nominations	5	NA
491 nominations	NA	NA
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	23	NA
491 nominations	49	NA
Overseas applicants	Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	11	NA
491 nominations	117	NA

September 13, 2022

What is Australia’s ‘golden ticket’ visa and why is it in news?

Australia Significant Investor visa is also termed a golden ticket visa and subclass 188. Candidates having this visa have to make an investment in the approved funds. Successful candidates can live in Australia for five years. This visa will also provide a pathway to apply for Australia PR. The visa was introduced by the Gillard government in 2012 and many changes have been made to it.

September 06, 2022

Australia allows international students to work 2 additional years

Australia allows students to stay for two more years after their graduation to work in the country. This rule will help in attracting more students to study in Australia. Students with Bachelor’s degrees will be allowed to work for four years. Previously, the staying period was only two years. Students with a Master’s degree can stay up to five years. Previously, the staying period was three years. Ph.D. students can stay up to six years while previously they could stay only for four years. The table below will reveal the data regarding stays for different degree holders.

Degree holders	Number of years of stay	Number of years of stay previously
Bachelor’s	4	2
Master’s	5	3
PhD	6	4

September 05, 2022

Australia plans to increase the pay of temporary skilled migrants in 2022

Australia has made a plan to increase the income threshold for temporary migrants. The government has announced that it is going to raise the income threshold from AUD 53,900 to AUD 65,000. The government has also announced at the summit that the cap of permanent migrants will be raised by 35,000. It will go up to 195,000 from the current cap of 160,000. The government has raised the cap to meet the challenges of skills shortage in Australia.

September 02, 2022

Australia increases permanent immigration target from 160,000 to 195,000 for 2022-23

Australia held a summit in which O’Neil the Home Affairs Minister announced the increase of the permanent immigration target. The target has been increased from 160,000 to 195,000. The summit was held for two days and 140 representatives participated in it. The announcement for the increase has been made for the current fiscal year which will end on June 30, 2022.

Australia has increased the target as the country is facing challenges to fulfill the job market demands. Nurses are doing double or triple shifts while flights are being canceled because of the shortage of staff.

August 30, 2022

Canberra Matrix draw invites 256 Candidates to apply for ACT nominations

Australia held the fourth Canberra Matrix draw and invites 256 candidates to apply for ACT nominations. Canberra residents received 12 invitations while Overseas Applicants received 144 invitations. The draw was held on August 30, 2022. The details of the draw can be found in the table below:

Type of residents	Occupation group	Under nomination	Number of candidates invited	Points
Canberra Residents	Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	190 nominations	1	95
491 nominations	0	NA
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	190 nominations	5	NA
491 nominations	NA	NA
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	33	NA
NA
491 nominations	73	NA
Overseas applicants	Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	12	NA
491 nominations	132	NA

August 27, 2022

Increase migration cap in Australia to manage manpower shortages – The Business Council

A new summit is to be held in the first week of September. The summit will be organized for two days in which challenges related to toe immigration will be discussed. The business council has planned to increase the cap up to 220,000 but later it recommended the cap up to 190,000. Jennifer Westacott said about the necessity of boosting up of permanent migration program. The program should be enhanced up to at least two-thirds of the skilled workers.

August 25, 2022

Australia jobs and skill summit to make immigration easier

The unemployment rate in Australia went to a low level and there is a need for overseas skilled workers to meet the challenge of skill shortage. Australia jobs and skills summit is to be held in September in which various challenges related to the immigration will be discussed. Many agendas have to be discussed and they are listed below:

• Australia Immigration Program
• Growing wages
• Australia bargaining system

The summit will be held for two days so all the challenges cannot be discussed. The main agenda to be discussed is raising the cap for skilled immigrants and processing of the visa application backlog.

August 24, 2022

Australia needs more workers for these jobs and the answer is relaxed immigration policies

Australia is facing the problem of shortage of skilled workers for a long time. Federal government has announced that there is a demand for construction managers, chefs, and nurses, among the ten jobs. Some of the jobs in Australia in the future are listed below:

• Construction managers
• Civil engineering professionals
• Early childhood teachers
• Registered nurses
• ICT
• Software and applications programmers
• Electricians
• Chefs
• Child carers
• Aged and disability carers

August 23, 2022

Canberra Matrix draw was held on August 23, 2022. In this draw, the number of candidates invited is 250. These candidates can apply for ACT nomination. The invitations have been issued to Canberra residents and overseas applicants. Canberra residents received 101 invitations while overseas applicants received 149 invitations/. The table below will show display the details of the draw:

Type of residents	Occupation group	Under nomination	Number of candidates invited	Points
Canberra Residents	Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	190 nominations	NA	NA
491 nominations	1	75
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	190 nominations	16	NA
491 nominations	0	NA
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	26	NA
NA
491 nominations	58	NA
Overseas applicants	Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	10	NA
491 nominations	139	NA

August 17, 2022

Australia Skilled Migration Program FY 2022-23, is open for offshore applicants

Australia has opened its borders 2.5 years ago after the pandemic. Few states started sponsoring applicants but with some conditions. Now Australia is opening interim allocation for FY 2022-2023 for onshore and offshore applicants. There are a few states that have to update the criteria and applications.

These are some of the updates which can motivate the clients to go for English proficiency test and skill assessment. Candidates have to become eligible before the closure of the quota

August 16, 2022

Australia is planning to increase the immigration cap to invite skilled workers

Australia is facing the challenge of skills shortage and it has planned to increase the immigration cap which is currently 160,000. The new cap will be announced in the government’s jobs and skills summit and will be shared among trade unions and employers. The number of job vacancies available in Australia is 480,100 in May 2022. The main sectors which are facing shortages include: 

• Healthcare
• IT industry
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Tourism
• Tech Industry
• Healthcare

August 15, 2022

Australia Canberra Matrix draw issued 265 invitations to apply for ACT Nominations

Australia issued invitations to 265 candidates so that they can apply for ACT nomination. The draw was held on August 15, 2022 and Canberra and overseas residents were invited in this draw. The number of Canberra residents invited is 99 and the number of overseas residents is 166. The table below provides the details of the draw:

Type of residents	Occupation group	Under nomination	Number of candidates invited	Points
Canberra Residents	Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	190 nominations	2	95
491 nominations	2	75
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	190 nominations	0	NA
491 nominations	0	NA
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	24	NA
NA
491 nominations	71	NA
Overseas applicants	Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	17	NA
491 nominations	149	NA

August 10, 2022

Australia Canberra Matrix draw issued 338 invitations for ACT Nomination

On August 10, 2022, a new Canberra Matrix draw has been held in which invitations have been issued to 338 candidates. The candidates have been invited to apply for ACT nominations. There are different factors on which the cut-off score depends and they include time of matrix submission, occupation cap and demand, and remaining monthly allocation.

The table below will reveal the details of the draw:

Type of residents	Occupation group	Under nomination	Number of candidates invited	Points
Canberra Residents	Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	190 nominations	4	95
491 nominations	1	75
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	190 nominations	1	NA
491 nominations	3	NA
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	29	NA
NA
491 nominations	61	NA
Overseas applicants	Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	40	NA
491 nominations	199	NA

July 22, 2022

Australia to allow 160,000 immigrants as per the 2022-23 program

Australia formulated its 2022-23 Migration Program to encourage its economic revival and improve its social unity in the post-COVID world.

As per the migration program, 160,000 immigrants will be allowed to enter the country. 

Under the Skill stream, 109,000 newcomers would be welcomed to enhance the economy’s productivity and to take up jobs in occupations that are in demand in the country, including those in interior areas of Australia.

The Family stream would see 50,000 migrants entering the country, mostly under Partner visas, facilitating the families of citizens and permanent residents of Australia who live in other countries to come to Australia and paving way for them to gain citizenship in the country.

Commencing 2022-23, the Land Down Under will grant Partner visas on a demand-driven basis to aid the reunification of families. It is aimed to aid in cutting down the Partner visa backlog and the applicants’ processing times.

Partner visas numbering 40,500 are expected to be issued in 2022-23 and there would be no restrictions on them. Meanwhile, for the same year, 3000 Child visas would be granted and these too will not be capped.

Under the Special Eligibility stream, 100 newcomers will be allowed to enter under special conditions. Included in this stream will also be permanent residents returning to Australia after their stay abroad.

July 13, 2022

Australia’s Canberra draw issues 231 invitations to the immigration candidates

On July 13, 2022, the ACT nomination of Canberra held a draw, welcoming 231 nominated candidates with a minimum ranking score.

The highest-ranked matrix in each profession was welcomed to apply for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) nomination with a cut-off for selection.

Below are the details of the invitation round:

Type of residents	Occupation group	Under nomination	Number of candidates invited	Minimum matrix score
Canberra Residents	Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	190 nominations	4	90
491 nominations	3	75
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	190 nominations	1	NA
491 nominations	0	NA
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	46	NA
491 nominations	65	NA
Overseas applicants	Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	6	NA
491 nominations	106	NA

 

For more information on the draw, continue to read…
ACT (Canberra) Matrix Round issued 231 invites for immigration candidates

 July 08, 2022

New opportunities for overseas immigrants through 2022-23 Australia visa changes

The Australian visa policy changes were effectively implemented on July 1, 2022, and will open gateways for Australia permanent residency. The benefits of the policy changes will apply to the individuals willing to migrate to Australia to work while holidaying in the country and the graduates affected by the closures of the pandemic border.

Temporary skill shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa holders will be eligible and permitted to apply for Australian permanent residency conveniently.

According to the reports from March 31, 2018, roughly 52,440 individuals on the TSS visas or the relevant 457 visas. In march 2018, the visa issuance was paused for the new applicants.

The individuals with a visa  will be eligible to apply for a (TRT) Temporary Residence Transition visa, that helps in promoting the skilled workers as their employer nominates to work and live in Australia once and for all, which was implemented from July 1, 2022.

Effectively from July 1, 2022, the changes have permitted the former and present holders of temporary graduate visas to apply for a replacement visa. It was made to reimburse for the period that was disoriented amidst the pandemic when the international boundaries were shut down.

The eligibility requirements for this visa are mentioned below:

• Applicants must hold a temporary graduate visa that is valid
• Must have owned a temporary graduate visa with its validity expired on or after February 1, 2020
• Resided outside Australia from the period February 1, 2020, to December 15, 2021

For more information on the article, continue to read…
Australia visa changes for 2022-23, opening up new opportunities for overseas immigrants

June 24th, 2022

ACT (Canberra) Matrix Round invites 159 immigration candidates

The ACT nomination of Canberra, also known as the home to the Nation’s Capital, has invited 159 immigration candidates with limitless nominations on June 24th, 2022.

Type of residents	Occupation group	Under nomination	Number of candidates invited	Minimum matrix score
Canberra Residents	Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	190 nominations	5	90
491 nominations	3	75
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	190 nominations	2	NA
491 nominations	0	NA
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	51	NA
491 nominations	39	NA
Overseas applicants	Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	7	NA
491 nominations	52	NA

*For more information, continue to read…
ACT (Canberra) Matrix Round invites 159 immigration candidates

June 16th, 2022

Canberra ACT nomination issued 44 invitations

Canberra, the capital territory of Australia, invited 44  immigration candidates on June 16th, 2022. A fixed number of nomination places are made available by the ACT every month, pro-rata against the yearly allocation, and are sent to the highest-ranked matrix in each profession.

The cut-off for selecting depends on the date, time, and monthly allocation of the Matrix submission, profession demand, and cap.

Here is the detailed information on the draw: 

Type of residents	Occupation group	Under nomination	Number of candidates invited	Minimum matrix score
Canberra Residents	Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	190 nominations	0	NA
491 nominations	2	75
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	190 nominations	0	NA
491 nominations	0	NA
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	0	NA
491 nominations	27	NA
Overseas applicants	Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	0	NA
491 nominations	15	NA

*For more information, continue to read…
44 candidates were invited under the Canberra Matrix draw

June 16th, 2022

Australia Fair Work Commission announces the highest rise in the minimum wage since 2006

The Fair Work Commission has announced a rise in the minimum wage of 5.2% or $40 per week to a national minimum wage of $812.60 a week or $21.38 an hour. The rise in wage is comparatively more remarkable than the government had supported publicly for the minimum wage, a 5.1% rate of inflation which will take effect on July 1.

The award minimum wages will be raised by 4.6%, with a minimum rise of $40 per week, which means that the workers on award minimum wages earning above $869.60 per week will receive a 4.6% raise and an individual who is making less will get a $40 where the 4.6%, cut in at a trade level.

Even though the latest inflation number will rise to 5.2% compared to the previous one, which was 5.1%, the workers might further face substantial rises in the inflation.

Inflation is likely to rise to 7% by the end of 2022, stated Philip Lowe, Reserve Bank Governor, on Tuesday.

For more details, continue to read…

Australia Fair Work Commission announces the highest rise in the minimum wage since 2006

June 11th, 2022:

Canberra Matrix draw sent out 33 invitations to the immigration candidates

The Australian Canberra ACT nomination has invited 33 immigration candidates with an endless number of nomination places made available by the ACT every month that is pro-rata against the yearly allocation.

Australia Canberra ACT nomination invited 78 immigration candidates on May 25th, 2022 where the minimum ranking score is only an indication and not guaranteed that an invitation was issued. The Invitations are unguaranteed as the requests for information on ranking or the chances of receiving an invitation will not be acted in response.

The details of the draw are mentioned below:

Type of residents	Occupation group	Under nomination	Number of candidates invited	Minimum matrix score
Canberra Residents	Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	190 nominations	0	NA
491 nominations	2	80
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	190 nominations	0	NA
491 nominations	0	NA
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	0	NA
491 nominations	17	NA
Overseas applicants	Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	0	NA
491 nominations	14	NA

June 9th, 2022:

New South Wales increases the public sector staff wages

The latest update from the New South Wales, Australia, declared the significant funding for its healthcare and public sector where the government of Australia has set a budget of 4.5 billion AUD for the next four years.

The state government plans to recruit 10,000 workers in the healthcare sector with a bonus of 3000 dollars for the existing healthcare workers.

The plans for the public sector were made expecting a 3.5% increase in salaries in 2022, and ten thousand new job posts were announced in the Australian healthcare sector.

For more details, continue to read…

Public sector staff pay rise in NSW, Australia

June 1st, 2022:

Canberra Matrix draw invites 86 candidates

Australia Canberra Matrix has invited 86 candidates who have received the highest score. ACT nominations are issued every month to the candidates who want to migrate to Australia. Candidates need to get the highest score to receive the invitations. The invitations have been sent under various streams.

For more information visit

Canberra Matrix draw invites 86 candidates

May 27th, 2022:

Western Australia opens permanent residency doors for skilled workers in over 330 occupations

The government of Western Australia put out their new initiative that is supposed to attract skilled immigrants and international students to help overcome skill shortages.

According to the state government’s $195 million Reconnect Western Australian strategy, it expanded Graduate Occupation List under the Graduate stream, with an availability of 300 occupations. 194 more occupations have been added to the Graduate Occupation List, with 331 listed occupations to attract more international students to study.

May 25th, 2022:

Immigration Update – Canberra  ACT nomination issued 78 invitations Australia Canberra ACT nomination invited 78 immigration candidates on May 25th, 2022. A fixed number of nomination places are made available by the ACT and were sent to the highest-ranked matrix in each profession. The cut-off for selecting is depended on the date, time, and monthly allocation that is remaining of the Matrix submission, profession demand, and cap.

Here are the details of the draw:

Type of residents	Occupation group	Under nomination	Number of candidates invited	Minimum matrix score
Canberra Residents	Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	190 nominations	1	100
491 nominations	2	85
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	190 nominations	0	NA
491 nominations	1	NA
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	15	85
491 nominations	32	NA
491 nominations	27	NA
Overseas applicants	Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	0	NA

For more details, continue to read…
Canberra Matrix draw invites 78 candidates

May 11th, 2022:

Australia immigration update: 187 invitations issued on May 10, 2022 On May 10, 2022, a Canberra Matrix round of invitations was conducted. Here’s the result of that draw that was held for Australia immigration. Canberra residents Matrix nominating Small Business Owners

• Subclass 491 nominations: 0 invitations
• Subclass 190 nominations: 1 invitation

Matrix nominating Subclass 457 / 482 visa holders

• Subclass 491 nominations: 0 invitations
• Subclass 190 nominations: 1 invitation

Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations

• Subclass 491 nominations: 48 invitations
• Subclass 190 nominations: 61 invitations (accountants 120, minimum 85)

Overseas applicants Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations:

• Subclass 491 nominations: 72 invitations
• Subclass 190 nominations: 4 invitations (90 points)

April 29th, 2022:

Australia held the ACT nomination through Canberra draw on April 29th Australia conducted the ACT nomination through the Canberra draw on April 29th, 2022. The cut-off for selecting is depended on the date, time, and monthly allocation that is remaining of the Matrix submission, profession demand, and cap. A fixed number of nomination places are available by the ACT every month, and the highest-ranked matrix in every profession was sent invitations to apply for the ACT nomination.  The minimum score is only an indication and not an assurance that an invitation was sent. The invitations will not be sent out if the system detects active applications; or received an ACT nomination previously.

Type of residents	Occupation group	Under nomination	Number of candidates invited
Canberra Residents	Matrix nominating Small Business Owners	190 nominations	3
491 nominations	2
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders	190 nominations	1
190 nominations	43
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	491 nominations	51
Overseas applicants	Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190 nominations	7
491 nominations	71

April 19th, 2022:

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) invited 24 candidates on April 19th   In the Canberra matrix round held on April 19th, 2022, the Australian Capital Territory asked 24 candidates to apply for permanent residence. The ACT has a specific number of nominations each month. The people who score the highest in the Matrix for each occupation are invited to apply for the nomination for the ACT. Twenty-four candidates have been invited with a minimum range of scores between 85 to 120. The cut-off score for the eligibility depends on the vacant allocation after the selection, the date and time at which the Matrix was submitted, the cap of the occupation, and the demand. If the need for the work is more, the rank of the Matrix, which scores the highest, is invited.

For more details, read… Canberra matrix round of invitations: Invited 24 candidates

March 17th, 2022:

Australia immigration news: 129 candidates invited via Canberra Matrix draw The details of the Canberra matrix Australia immigration draw that was held on March 17, 2022, are out now. Invitations were issued to the highest-ranked Matrix. The candidates were invited to apply for ACT nomination. The cut‑off score to determine the selection of candidates was dependent on factors like the remaining slots in the monthly allocation, occupation cap, date and time of submission of Matrix, and demand. The rank of the matrix is directly proportional to the demand for the occupation. Canberra residents Matrix nominating Small Business Owners

• 491 nominations: 0 invitation
• 190 nominations: 0 invitation

Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations

• 491 nomination: 44 invitations
• 190 nomination: 3 invitations

Matrix nominating Subclass 457 / Subclass 482 visa holders

• 491 nomination: 0 invitation
• 190 nomination: 0 invitation

Overseas applicants Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations:

• 491 nomination: 77 invitations

190 nomination: 5 invitations

February 18th, 2022:

Invitations issued in Canberra Matrix for Australia immigration on Feb 18

The latest Canberra Matrix invitations round were conducted on February 18, 2022 for Australia immigration. Invitations were issued for matrices representing various groups of occupations to submit applications for nominations from the Australian Capital Territory.

The demand for the occupation and the cap on the number of invitations for each occupation were deciding factors for the cut-off score to determine the selected candidates. Occupations with higher demand had ranks of the Matrix score set higher for the invited candidates.

Here’s a summary of the invitation round:

Canberra residents

Matrix nominations for Subclass 457 / Subclass 482 visa holders

• 491 nominations: 0 invitation
• 190 nominations: 3 invitations

Matrix nominations for critical skill occupations

• 491 nominations: 48 invitations
• 190 nominations: 4 invitations

Matrix nominations for small business owners

• 491 nominations: 1 invitation (min 75 points)
• 190 nominations: 2 invitations (min 85 points)

Overseas applicants

Matrix nominations for critical skill occupations:

• 491 nominations: 53 invitations

190 nominations: 5 invitations

February 1st, 2022:

Canberra Matrix round – Nominations to migrate to Australia issued on Feb 1 On February 1, 2022, the latest Canberra Matrix round of invitations was held to select candidates who have eligibility to migrate to Australia. In the round of invitations, the matrix that had the highest rank in each occupation group was issued an invitation to submit an application for a nomination from ACT (Australian Capital Territory). The occupation cap applied and its demand were decisive factors in setting the cut-off score for candidate selection. Higher demand will lead to setting a higher rank of the Matrix score for the candidates that receive an invitation. Here’s a snapshot of the event:

Canberra Residents
Matrix	Nominations	Invitations	Min. Points
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations	190	8	–
491	16	–
Matrix nominating Subclass 457/482 visa holders	190	6	–
491	0	–
Matrix nominating small business owners	190	1	85
491	3	65
Overseas Applicants
Matrix	Nominations	Invitations	Min. Points
Matrix nominating critical skill occupations	190	8	–
491	10	–

Oct 29th, 2021:

Update on Australia immigration invitation rounds held on Oct 29, 2021

Australia immigration invitations went on the floor on October 29, 2021. Here are the details of invitations issued in that round held via SkillSelect.

Visa subclass	No. of invitations
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent visa	200
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Family Sponsored)	200

Australia immigration candidates with the highest score were invited to apply for the visa that’s relevant for them. In the case of candidates whose scores were equal, their selection was done on the basis of the time at which they got to their scores for their respective visa subclass. This is called the “Date of effect”. Candidates whose EOIs had an earlier date of effect were invited earlier than others.

Visa Subclass	Min. Score	Latest date of effect month
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Family Sponsored)	80	Apr 2020
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent visa	90	Nov 2020

Owing to high demand, and keeping with the Australia immigration programs in earlier years, certain groups of occupation are going to be subjected to pro-rata arrangements. This will be done to ensure that there will be invitations available across the program year.

Now, here’s how the process will work.

• SkillSelect begins with allocating places that are available to Subclass 189.
• If there are places remaining, they will be allocated to Subclass 491 (family sponsored).

Subclass	Occupation ID	Description	Min. Score
189	2335	Mechanical, Industrial, and Production Engineers	90

The remaining invitations were probably issued to applicants under critical occupations including medical.

Dept. of Home Affairs has allocated 1,150 invitations for Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 (family sponsored) in the first 2 rounds of invitation.

Dept. of Home Affairs has allocated 5,665 invitations for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 (State & territory nominated) from July 1, 2021.

June 22nd, 2021:

Australia announces migration program for 2021-22 Australia announced its migration targets for the next financial year. The Migration Program announced the overall planning level of 160,000 places of which 79,600 places were given for the Skill stream while 77,300 places were given to the family stream.13,500 places are reserved for the Business Innovation and Investment Program while 15,000 places are reserved for the Global Talent Visa Program while it is 22,000 for the Employer Sponsored visa program. The government wants to focus on visa programs which will help the economy to recover after the Covid-19 crisis.

June 12th, 2021:

Australia records highest number of bridging visa holders The Australian government while releasing data on bridging visa holders revealed that the number of bridging visa holder in March 2020 was 256,529. However, this year the number has risen to 359,981 which is the highest for Australia so far. Bridging visas are temporary visas provided to migrants when their current visa expires while they await the outcome of their substantive applications. These visas allow a migrant to remain legally in Australia while his or her immigration status is settled. The sort of bridging visa granted is determined by the circumstances of the applicant. According to data from the Department of Home Affairs, 7,315 former Bridging Visa B (BVB) holders (whose visas expired between 1 Feb 2020 and 30 April 2021) are currently staying offshore. Many of these visa holders are anxious to return back to Australia.They are worried because these visas cannot be renewed or extended when they are staying offshore. Travel restrictions are preventing them to return to Australia.