In a letter issued to agents today, Canberra announced the latest state-nominated occupation list, reducing the original 152 Unit Groups (the first four digits of ANZSCO) to 105 (see Figures 2-5). It is the first state to make a major adjustment to its occupation list.
September invitations will still be issued under the old list, but the next invitation round will adopt the new list. The state government has indicated it will announce the invitation timing once the formal quota has been confirmed.
Minor adjustments have also been made to the Nomination Guidelines, clarifying parts of the process.
1. PhD applicants
Previously, doctoral applicants were invited every 7 working days (regardless of whether places were available). Going forward, they will be invited in line with the standard invitation rounds, but will still retain priority-processing eligibility.
2. 457/482 visa pathway
Applicants must have worked with their sponsoring employer for at least 6 months, consistent with the length of visa they hold.
3. 491 takes priority over 190
491 invitations will be issued ahead of 190 invitations. This also means that if an applicant lodges both 491 and 190 at the same time and receives a 491 invitation, the 190 will not be issued.
The state government has also stated that this update is purely a clarifying amendment. They will continue to review the programme to ensure state-nomination policy remains fit for purpose and aligned with the actual needs of the Canberra economy.
