Australia immigration to get back to normal, borders to reopen for all

Here’s what you must know about the latest developments in Australia immigration. The updates we are sharing with you, will help you understand the progress Australia has made in its immigration sector.

From February 21, 2022, Australia will reopen its international borders to those travelers who are fully vaccinated. “Travelers” will include visitors and tourists. Practically that means everyone who’s fully vaccinated will be able to enter Australia which will be the return of the long-awaited normalcy.

Australia has already eased restrictions for skilled migrants, international students, and working holidaymakers with an Australian visa, since December 2021.

Travelers in international arrivals must show proof of 2 vaccine doses or a valid medical reason for not getting vaccinated.

Meanwhile, DHA revealed the results of the third invitation round held in the financial year 2021 – 22. The draw was held on January 21, 2022. It has to be noted that an increase in the number of invitations and the budget for 2022 – 2023, which is already released, clearly reflects the anticipation of more skilled migrants to be welcomed through Australia immigration. To this end, a budget of AUD1,80,000 has been allotted.

Australia’s Home Department has issued 400 invitations for Subclass 189 and Subclass 491. Here are the details:

Visa Subclass	No. of invitations
Subclass 189	200
Subclass 491 (Family Sponsored)	200

The least points scores for which invitations were issued for Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 (family sponsored) are as follows:

Visa Subclass	Min. points for Jul 2021	Min. points for Oct 2021	Min. points for Jan 2022
Subclass 189	80	90	90
Subclass 491 (Family Sponsored)	65	80	80

Now let’s see the details of the points for the occupations for which the invitations were issued.

Occupation	Subclass invited for	Lowest points score invited	Lowest points score invited
		Subclass 189	Subclass 491
Agricultural Consultant	491	N/A	80
Agricultural Scientist	491	N/A	80
Biotechnologist	491	N/A	80
Chemical Engineer	491	N/A	80
Environmental Consultant	491	N/A	80
Environmental Scientists NEC	491	N/A	85
Food Technologist	491	N/A	80
Life Scientist (General)	491	N/A	105
Life Scientists NEC	491	N/A	95
Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)	189	90	N/A
Petroleum Engineer	189	90	N/A
Social Worker	491	N/A	80

The remaining invitations were issued to applicants under medical and other occupations considered critical.

The Home Department has issued 1550 invitations for Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 (family sponsored) in the first three invitation rounds.

The Home Department has issued 16,527 invitations for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 (State & territory nominated) from July 1, 2021, till now. There were more invitations issued only on the basis of state nominations, rather than related to Subclass 189 and Subclass 491. The following states are accepting and issuing invitations to offshore candidates.

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• South Australia
• Northern Territory
• Tasmania

Know your eligibility for Australia immigration. Use the Australia points calculator.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest, or Migrate to Australia, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 immigration & visa company.

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