[Video] Multiple occupations granted Subclass 190 & 189 visas! Department of Home Affairs leadership: new entry rules from next year, Subclass 485 may be frozen or extended!
1. Canberra state nomination invitations issued weekly!NSW regional area applications closed!
2. Minister for Immigration: considering freezing or extending the Subclass 485 visa
3. Next financial year’s parent migration quota unchanged from this year; regional areas even more short-staffed post-pandemic
4. Australia to introduce new entry rules next year
5. This week’s roundup of grants, invitations, skills assessments and citizenship processing
2021.5.24-5.28 Latest Australian vaccine news
As of this Friday, a total of 4,031,539 vaccine doses have been administered across Australia, with an average of 79,800 doses administered per day over the past 7 days (compared with an average of 70,300 doses per day the previous week); at the current rate, it will still need more than 18 months to reach herd immunity.
Melbourne, which entered a 7-day lockdown this week, from this Friday Victorian residents aged 40 to 49 will be eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, mainly through state-run vaccination clinics.State-run vaccination clinics will expand from 40 to 49. In addition, Victoria currently operates 196 testing centres, 40 of which have new or extended opening hours.
The Health Minister said this week that Australia is expected to have around 4.5 million doses of Pfizer by the end of June, rising to 7 million doses in the third and fourth quarters of 2021, with a further 20 million doses to be supplied in the final quarter — at which point vaccine supply will reach a consistent weekly level, with 2 million doses available per week over the 13 weeks of the fourth quarter of 2021.This commitment also means that anyone in Australia wanting to be vaccinated could receive their vaccine by the end of this year.
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1. Canberra state nomination invitations issued weekly!NSW regional area applications closed
This week, Canberra continued issuing Matrix invitations (despite its own announcement that they wouldn’t be issued until early June), sending out 71 Subclass 190 Matrix invitations and 111 Subclass 491 Matrix invitations. Invitation scores for selected occupations:
2611/2613/2621/2631: most Subclass 491 invitations were at 50/55 points, Subclass 190 minimum 65 points
Social Worker Subclass 190 minimum 70 points invited
Cook: Subclass 491 minimum 65 points invited
With larger invitation numbers, many occupations saw their required scores drop again this round in Canberra! Canberra remains policy-friendly with clear, consistent invitation rules — get in touch to find out your Matrix score
The popular NSW SOUTHERN INLAND regional area announced that it will close state nomination applications for this financial year from 12pm this Friday, 28 May. After this time, SKILL AVAILABILITY forms will no longer be accepted, and after 12pm on 31 May 2021, complete application materials will no longer be accepted. No exceptions whatsoever.It’s expected that applications won’t reopen until after the new financial year begins on 1 July.
NSW closed the Subclass 491 stream to applicants from outside NSW regional areas a while after it opened, retaining only the two streams for NSW regional local graduates and those who have lived and worked in NSW regional areas for 12 months, and several of our recent invitations have gone to regional local graduates.
The new financial year may see the stream reopen to Sydney and non-NSW applicants. If you’d like to get ahead on the NSW Subclass 491 stream and start preparing, add our customer service contact below!
2. Minister for Immigration: considering freezing or extending the Subclass 485 visa
Minister for Immigration Alex Hawke discussed a range of migration and visa issues in an interview with Sky News this week, covering the New Zealand citizen stream, refugees and temporary visas, before turning to graduating or soon-to-graduate international students. Many have had their Subclass 485 visa opportunity wasted due to pandemic-related travel disruptions — this visa only offers one primary-applicant opportunity per person, and, aside from those who graduated within certain windows while offshore, applicants must apply within 6 months of graduating.
So the Minister said the Government is aware of this concern, and is considering temporarily freezing or extending the visa period for students whose Subclass 485 visa is about to expire or who have been stuck offshore, losing their 485 window. He said international students remain an important priority for the Federal Government.
“We’ve already made some exemption provisions or concessions relating to visa extensions, and we will consider the same (for the Subclass 485 work visa) — when the time is right, we will announce the relevant new policy.”
The Minister has previously emphasised that the most important “feature” of the pandemic recovery period is more flexible policy responses to changed circumstances. It’s likely they already have many ideas under discussion, and if it’s being said publicly, it’s probably fairly close to being finalised.
If it’s confirmed, it can be made official through a Minister’s press release, a legislative instrument, or an update to the Department’s website — we’ve already seen this many times with temporary policies such as removing the 40-hour work limit for international students in the tourism and hospitality sectors. It’s not a complicated process.
3. Next financial year’s parent migration quota unchanged from this year; regional areas even more short-staffed post-pandemic
This week, one of our Subclass 143 clients received an email notice to pay the final instalment after completing all their supporting documents. The notice clearly stated that this financial year’s Subclass 143 quota has been used up, and processing will resume from 1 July in the new financial year.In a phone conversation with a case officer, we learned about next financial year’s parent migration quota. We were told the quota numbers and structure will be exactly the same as this financial year, namely:
Contributory streams (Subclass 884 + 864 + 173 + 143): 3,600 places in total
Queue-based streams (Subclass 103 + 804): 900 places in total
So there are still only 4,500 places in total, and processing is currently stalled at early June 2016.
There’s no real shortcut for parent migration — the key is to lodge early and join the queue early. Many people feel they don’t need it as soon as they get PR, but by the time they really need it, they can’t afford to wait any longer. Lodging early at least gives you a back-up in place. If you need this, feel free to add our customer service contact below!
In April this year, the number of job vacancies advertised in regional Australia doubled compared to the same period last year, surpassing the historic high recorded in 2011.With more people moving to regional areas creating even greater demand, in 2020 a net 43,000 people moved from Australia’s capital cities to other regions — the largest such movement since records began in 2001.
Local chambers of commerce say many regional industries need workers. “We’re seeing a lot of people move to the region, bringing their own jobs with them or working from home, and spending money locally — it’s fantastic. But the increased demand for local products and services is putting extra pressure on these labour shortages, so we really do need to find new ways to attract workers.”
And unlike the previous peak 10 years ago, jobs are now spread more widely across industries rather than concentrated in mining, and the geographic spread is also broader.The biggest increases this year were in Tasmania, Victoria and NSW.
Kim Houghton of the Regional Australia Institute noted that regional businesses have now widened their recruitment networks. “Previously, they would generally recruit through word of mouth as their preferred method.” But last month, more and more employers were searching online, with online job vacancies across Australia reaching a record high of over 67,500.
4. Australia to introduce entry new rules next year
Department of Home Affairs Secretary Michael Pezzullo said this week that the new Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) system is expected to be trialled in early next year. The DPD can be used to verify the vaccination status of arrivals from overseas, recognise international vaccination certificates, and provide visibility of various arrival data such as COVID-19 vaccination status, health status, visa details and travel history — replacing the previous system requiring travellers to complete an arrival declaration card shortly after landing.
Going a step further, “when the time is right, and based on public health advice, the DPD could support overseas travellers entering Australia without needing to undergo 14 days of quarantine.” Pezzullo said the DPD’s health data would be shared with state public health authorities, and by then the new system would be ready to operate at scale, in line with the Federal Budget’s plan to resume international travel in 2022. For now, the Morrison Government is pushing for a “domestic exemption measure”, with the Prime Minister to put forward a draft travel exemption plan to National Cabinet as the next stage of Australia’s reopening strategy, hoping to allow vaccinated people to travel interstate even during pandemic lockdowns. However, the plan has met considerable resistance, with the Premiers of NSW, Victoria and Queensland all raising concerns.Morrison, however, argued that this proposed federal exemption is not a domestic “passport”, but a practical measure allowing people to travel to states affected by pandemic restrictions without needing to apply for a state entry permit.
Last week we reported that over 70,000 people had signed a petition calling for the parents of PR holders/citizens to be granted entry exemptions — we’re still awaiting a response.This week, Greens Senator Nick McKim accused the Federal Government in the Senate of running an inhumane entry-exemption policy, specifically allowing film stars, businesspeople and tennis players into Australia while leaving many families desperate to reunite, and many desperate citizens, stranded overseas.
Feifan English PTE&CCL news this week
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The most comprehensive, continually updated Feifan PTE “High-Frequency Question Predictions” — based on feedback from Feifan candidates, the hit rate is excellent! WFD, SST, essay writing and more — all covered! Feifan releases a new high-frequency prediction every two weeks, so remember to grab it from your Feifan consultant on time!
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5. This week’s roundup of grants, invitations, skills assessments and citizenship processing
A recent summary of Newstars’ various visa grants and invitations — press and hold below to view, the page will be continually updated, so we strongly recommend you save and bookmark it!
State nomination invitation / GTI invitation data
Canberra state nomination
Lodged Subclass 190 on 2021/02/19, invited on 2021/05/24, 233211
Lodged Subclass 190 on 2021/05/07, invited on 2021/05/25, 221213
Lodged Subclass 190 on 2021/05/10, invited on 2021/05/27, 221111
Lodged Subclass 190 on 2021/05/10, invited on 2021/05/27, 233213
Lodged Subclass 491 on 2021/05/07, invited on 2021/05/26, 212412
Victoria state nomination
None this week
Tasmania state nomination
ICT Business Analyst (75+5): lodged 3 February 2021, invited 27 May 2021
Accountant (60+5): lodged 3 February 2021, 27 May 2021 invited
NSW state nomination
(Nomination formally approved, having previously received a pre-invitation) Civil Engineer (90+5): nomination lodged 19 May 2021, approved 24 May 2021
South Australia state nomination
Lodged 30 March 2021, invited Subclass 190 on 28 May 2021, Engineering Professionals nec, 75+5, single, onshore
Lodged 16 March 2021, invited Subclass 190 on 28 May 2021, Engineering Technologist, 80+5, single, onshore
Lodged 12 May 2021, invited Subclass 190 on 28 May 2021, Systems Analyst, 75+5, single, onshore
Lodged 21 May 2021, invited Subclass 491 on 25 May 2021, Finance Manager, 75+15, single, onshore
Lodged 21 May 2021, invited Subclass 190 on 24 May 2021, Medical Laboratory Scientist, 75+5, single, onshore
Queensland state nomination
None this week
Western Australia state nomination
Lodged Subclass 190 on 26 February 2021, completed 25 May 2021
Lodged Subclass 491 on 17 March 2021, completed 27 May 2021 (chef)
Northern Territory state nomination
None this week
GTI invitations
Computing field lodged 24 August 2020, invited 27 May 2021
This week’s visa grant progress and analysis
Subclass 189 Skilled Independent migration
Lodged 11 May 2020, granted 25 May 2021 (95, Onshore, Accountant)
Lodged 21 March 2020, granted 25 May 2021 (90, Onshore, Actuary)
Lodged 13 March 2020, granted 27 May 2021 (90, Onshore, Quantity Surveyor)
Lodged 4 August 2020, granted 27 May 2021 (90, Onshore, Chemical Engineer)
Lodged 19 February 2019, granted 27 May 2021 (Onshore, Software Engineer, family of three)
Lodged 30 July 2020, granted 27 May 2021, Chemical Engineer, 90, with spouse, onshore
Subclass 190 State Nominated Skilled Migration
Lodged 24 April 2020, granted 27 May 2021 (VIC, Onshore, ET)
Lodged 10 March 2021, granted 28 May 2021 (NSW, Onshore, ET)
Lodged 19 March 2020, granted 26 May 2021 (Tel Engineer, VIC PhD Stream, with offshore spouse)
Lodged 8 May 2021, granted 29 May 2021, Valuer, 65+5, single, onshore
Lodged 13 March 2021, granted 28 May 2021, Software Engineer, 60+5, with spouse, onshore
Lodged 4 March 2020, granted 26 May 2021, Engineering Technologist, 60+5, with spouse, onshore
Lodged 20 February 2020, granted 24 May 2021, Marketing Specialist, 70+5, with spouse, onshore
Lodged 2021/03/15, granted 2021/05/28, 233213, main and secondary applicants onshore
Lodged 2021/02/04, granted 2021/05/26, 261313, main applicant onshore, no secondary applicant
Lodged 2021/03/03, granted 2021/05/24, 261312, main and secondary applicants onshore
Lodged 2021/03/04, granted 2021/05/24, 261312, main and secondary applicants onshore
Lodged 2021/02/24, granted 2021/05/24, 233211, main and secondary applicants onshore
Lodged 2021/05/01, granted 2021/05/22, 233211, main and secondary applicants onshore
Lodged 30 April 2020, granted 25 May (Accountant onshore)
Subclass 491 (new regional) / Subclass 489 (former regional) sponsored visa
None this week
Subclass 887 Skilled Regional (permanent) visa
None this week
858GTI Program
None this week
Employer sponsorship
Lodged Subclass 186 TRT nomination application on 13 May 2020, approved 27 May 2021 (Cook)
Subclass 600 onshore visitor visa
Lodged 15 February 2021, granted 25 May 2021 (onshore)
Lodged 20 May 2021, granted 28 May 2021 (onshore)
Lodged 9 March 2021, granted 28 May 2021 (onshore)
Lodged 22 February 2021, granted 27 May 2021, onshore application
Lodged 22 February 2021, granted 27 May 2021, onshore application
Lodged 22 February 2021, granted 27 May 2021, onshore application
Subclass 500 student visa
Lodged 22 January 2021, granted 24 May 2021 (onshore)
Lodged 13 March 2021, granted 25 May 2021 (onshore)
Lodged 5 March 2021, granted 26 May 2021 (onshore)
Lodged 3 March 2021, granted 27 May 2021, onshore application
Lodged 4 March 2021, granted 25 May 2021, onshore application
Lodged 2 March 2021, granted 24 May 2021, onshore application
Subclass 590 Guardian visa
Lodged 2 March 2021, granted 24 May 2021, onshore application
Subclass 485 Graduate Work visa
Lodged 10 March 2021, granted 24 May 2021
Lodged 23 September 2020, granted 25 May 2021
Lodged 27 August 2020, granted 25 May 2021 (with spouse)
Lodged 12 March 2021, granted 25 May 2021
Lodged 12 November 2020, granted 26 May 2021 (offshore)
Lodged 12 March 2021, granted 26 May 2021
Lodged 26 November 2020, granted 27 May 2021
Lodged 24 September 2020, granted 28 May 2021 (offshore)
Lodged 28 September 2020, granted 27 May 2021, offshore application
Partner migration
Lodged Subclass 820/801 visa application on 27 May 2020, Subclass 820 granted 24 May 2021
Lodged 11 March 2021, Subclass 820 granted 30 May 2021
Lodged 14 March 2021, Subclass 820 granted 28 May 2021
Lodged 23 November 2020, Subclass 820 granted 27 May 2021
Lodged 9 August 2019, Subclass 820 granted 25 May 2021
Lodged 2 March 2020, Subclass 820 granted 25 May 2021
Lodged 2 December 2019, Subclass 820 granted 24 May 2021
Lodged 27 June 2019, Subclass 309 granted 24 May 2021
Lodged 17 April 2019, granted 25 May 2021 (Subclass 820 + 801 visas granted simultaneously)
Parent migration / visa
None this week
Subclass 155 Resident Return visa
None this week
Subclass 408 visa
Lodged 26 February 2021, granted 29 May 2021
Child visa
None this week
Travel exemption applications
Entry exemption lodged 20 May 2021, exemption granted 24 May 2021
Exit exemption lodged 24 May 2021, exemption granted 25 May 2021
If you can’t find the data category you’re interested in — i.e. it shows “none this week” — you can click into [Migration Weekly Bulletin Collection] at the top of the article to view past bulletins and find the relevant data.
Pinned short-video recommendations!
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The occupation Australia needs most right now — quite possibly the single most in-demand one!
Actual waiting times for Subclass 189/190 grants! How many are waiting for NSW Subclass 190 visas, and which industries with in-demand skills are being approved for entry?
Minister for Immigration: considering extending or temporarily freezing the Subclass 485 work visa!
A letter to you, caught between a rock and a hard place on your migration journey.
A migration-friendly field of study that keeps your options open — multiple PR pathways, and strong prospects if you return home too!
An all-round technical field of study, a top choice for migration! Many applicants invited! Work experience can be waived, and part-time work counts too!
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