In this week’s migration bulletin —
1. Immigration Minister interview: hoping migrants return to Australia as soon as possible
2. Canberra issues invitations twice in one week, multiple occupations invited at just 60 points!
3. Tasmania’s 491 quota running low, Victoria issues ROI invitations!
4.February visa processing times — updated!
5.This week’s roundup of grants, invitations, skills assessments and citizenship processing
1. Immigration Minister interview: hoping migrants return to Australia as soon as possible
Following the Prime Minister, the Immigration Minister recently sat down for an in-depth interview with SBS to talk about migration. Consistent with the Prime Minister’s supportive stance,the Minister also said that during the post-pandemic recovery, Australia will definitely need migrants — including international students as temporary migrants and permanent migrants — and the government hopes they can return to Australia as soon as possible.
First, the Minister was clear thatmigration will play a key role in Australia’s recovery from the pandemic,although he acknowledged there will be major challenges ahead that will determine whether Australia can achieve the greatest possible success in its recovery. He also said,once migration resumes, supporting skilled migrants returning to Australia to fill critical skills shortages, and international students, could become government priorities.In addition,Australia sorely misses the boost that visitor visa holders bring to our economy, and (other) temporary visa holders — we want them back as soon as possible.” This is also why Australia is actively pushing ahead with its vaccine rollout, to bring back international students and tourists — groups that contribute enormous spending in Australia — as soon as possible.
Second, the Minister also mentioned the Migration Program, consistent with what department officials said at the MIA conference,the government is currently working on the 2021–22 financial year Migration Program, which will also align with post-pandemic recovery needs,the Minister said it woulddiffer from how it looked previously,officials had previously said heexpects details to be available around the time of the May Budget announcement.
Third, the Minister is aware that countries around the world are competing for talent, but he does not believe Australia’s reputation as a migration destination will be damaged by the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
The recent trend of migrants and international students returning is improving step by step, with signs across the board that the government is taking action,for example clearing the backlog of Subclass 190/189 visa applications, or preparing further measures. Since the leaders have said as much, the recovery and return of migrants and international students should now be a key priority being pushed internally — watch this space!
The Senate committee also released an interim report this week on submissions for adjustments to the skilled migration program, for now simply grouping and summarising some of the key views,expanding the current PMSOL list, supporting the entry of skilled migrants and international students, a clear border-reopening plan, and lowering the difficulty of employer sponsorship — these are broadly the shared calls of many major organisations, and all reflect a positive attitude,See more here:More occupations in demand, faster visa grants, lower thresholds for employer sponsorship, priority for onshore applicants! Submissions from the Department and other parties offer ideas for post-pandemic skilled migration!
We’ve set up a dedicated [2021 Looking Forward to Returning to Australia Information-Sharing Group], where we’ll share official and authoritative information on Australia’s border settings — add the QR code below and note ‘Looking forward’ to request to join
Australian migration is improving step by step, with a strong rebound expected next financial year. If you want to seize the opportunity early — state nomination / employer sponsorship / 189 / small-scale investor migration and more — contact our consultants below according to your region!
Sydney
Melbourne
Canberra
Brisbane
Adelaide
Hobart
Beijing
Guangzhou
2. Canberra issues invitations twice in one week, multiple occupations invited at just 60 points!
Another very proactive — arguably even more proactive — player, the ACT government, has kept up weekly invitation rounds for several weeks running, and this week issued invitations twice!
In the round on 16 March, it issued a huge 216 Subclass 491 matrix invitations:
Multiple ICT occupations secured a 491 invitation at just 60 points, and Civil Engineering and the newly added Marketing Specialist role also required only 60 points at minimum,Accounting has also seen scores gradually drop, with the minimum now down to 100 points!
Right after that, the round on 19 March issued 39 Subclass 190s and 23 Subclass 491s:
Accounting:minimum of 100 points for 491, 110 points for 190
Civil Engineering:minimum of 60 points for 491, minimum of 75 points for 190
ICT occupations 2611/2613/2621/2631/2632:among those invited,the minimum score for 491 was 60 points, while the minimum for 190 clustered around 75 points.
Chef:minimum of 60 points for 491, minimum of 70 points for 190
Canberra’s formal nominations are also being processed quickly — after lodging the formal documents, many applicants have recently received a formal nomination invitation within a week. See the #This Week’s Invitations Roundup# below for specific examples.
While you’re hesitating, others in the same occupation are securing invitations without needing to reach 90/95/100 points! If your occupation has already been “named”, and you’re watching round after round of steady invitations while people in the same field land their visas one by one — surely you’re tempted? Start with step one: tap the QR code below and contact our consultants to arrange your points assessment and skills assessment!
3. Tasmania’s 491 quota running low, Victoria issues ROI invitations!
Tasmania 491officially announced this week that its quota is running critically low — state officials have already mentioned at multiple briefing sessions that demand is outstripping supply this financial year,and it is now formally adjusting its approach to only consider Priority 1–3 applicants.
1. Tasmania’s 491 quota is already 75% used,with fewer than 400 places remaining
2.The state government will make a decision on all applications lodged before 20 March. For applications lodged between 20 and 31 March, the state government will decide how many it can process based on application volume
3. Subclass 491 applications lodged after 31 March are unlikely to be considered (i.e. invited) unless they fall within Priority 1–3. Priority 1 is employment in critical industries — including Medical, Technology, Infrastructure and Engineering — requiring a relevant nominated occupation. Priority 2 is employment in a TSOL-related occupation plus a matching skills assessment. Priority 3 is other occupations at ANZSCO skill level 1–3, with a skills assessment plus relevant employment, or a business employing local staff
4. For applications lodged after 19 March that are not processed, applications will close at the end of the financial year and the application fee will then be refunded
5.All state nomination streams will close to applications by 5pm on 11 June this financial year.They will reopen once the new financial year’s federal quota is allocated (expected in July)
Tasmania 190
Tasmania’s quota has been trimmed slightly this financial year, and applicant numbers remain high, though competition for 190 is a little better. Of the total quota of 2,400, 60% has been used — 1,440 places — and subtracting the 75% used by 491 (1,050 places),this means around 390 places have gone to 190, leaving roughly 600 places still available,so the situation remains somewhat better than for 491.
The official website update also confirms that 190 processing continues as normal.Although under the current processing situation, 190 applicants without a job — or with only low-skilled employment — are still frequently refused.Applicants still need to do everything possible to boost their competitiveness, focusing on employment and business.
Recent processing outcomes:
The invitations we’ve seen in recent weeks broadly match the state government’s rules above, for examplean IT occupation plus IT-related work, an Accounting occupation plus accounting-related work, an Accounting occupation plus a small business, and an Accounting occupation plus critical employment (work such as in an aged care home — while not a perfect match with Priority 1, it generally doesn’t have a skills assessment tied to a nominated occupation).
An overview of Tasmania state nomination application assessment and the latest updates
add the QR code below
19 MarchVictoriaissued a new round of ROI invitations,and we’re seeing a good number of invitees working at pharmaceutical companies.The next round of ROI applications will openfrom 6 April 2021 to 12 April 2021, and ROI invitations will be issuedon 23 April 2021.
4. 2021February visa processing times — updated this week!
Processing for Subclass 189/190/491 has all progressed over the past few weeks, and partner migration visas are still being granted quickly.
Below is a summary of waiting times for applicants granted a visa in February
189 points-tested:75% within 13 months, 90% also within 13 months, though over the past few weeks there have been several rounds of a Subclass 189 grant surge, concentrated among applications lodged in March 2020.
190 state nomination:75% within 9 months (3 months slower); 90% within 14 months (4 months slower). This weekend saw a grant surge for Accounting 190 applicants — see the summary below for details
491 state nomination:75% within 9 months, 90% within 10 months
489 to 887 transition:75% within 14 months; 90% within 19 months
820 onshore partner migration:75% within 23 months; 90% within 28 months
858 GTI: 75% take 73 days or less, 90% take 3 months or less
407 Training visa:75% within 13 months; 90% within 14 months
408The special pandemic-related Government Endorsed Activity stream: 75% within 8 months; 90% within 9 months
For more on other visas, see:Subclass 189/190/491 February visa processing times update!
Subclass 189 EOI by occupation —
latest backlog figures
Press and hold the QR code to view!Don’t forget to save this!
NAATI officially announces the arrival of computer-based CCL testing!
The CCL test — full name Credentialed Community Language Test — was introduced specifically for community language bonus points after NAATI’s 2018 exam reform. The CCL test covers interpreting only, with no translation or ethics component.Passing the test earns 5 migration bonus points, but does not qualify you to work professionally as a translator or interpreter.For those preparing for migration, if points are your only goal, the CCL test is the way to go. Most importantly, CCL has now officially moved to an online format, so students back in China can also sit the CCL test online!
Feifan English runs CCL classes every month to suit every candidate’s needs. Students taught by Feifan’s leading CCL tutors achieve a pass rate of up to 96%, helping you comfortably secure those valuable 5 migration points. Feifan English’s exclusive, purpose-built course materials cover topics such as medicine, law, education, employment, social security, business and consumer affairs, migration and culture, and everyday life, plus past exam papers and the most comprehensive interpreting vocabulary lists. Feifan English’s courses also include a one-on-one mock exam before test day to back you up.
Feifan English schedules its courses around the actual CCL exam dates to suit everyone, with both in-person and online classes available — places are limited. If you need those valuable 5 migration points, get in touch with a Feifan English tutor now to arrange your course! Exclusive CCL past papers and matching audio are also available to claim!
Monthly themed check-in groups are also waiting for you! Add Feifan English’s tutor on WeChat below to sign up!
5. This week’s roundup of grants, invitations, skills assessments and citizenship processing
A recent roundup of grants and invitations across all categories at Newstars — press and hold below to view,the page will be continuously updated, so we strongly recommend yousave and bookmark it!
State nomination invitation / GTI invitation statistics
ACT state nomination
Lodged 26/02/2021, invited for 190 on 15/03/2021, 221111
Lodged 05/03/2021, invited for 190 on 16/03/2021, 261313
Lodged 05/03/2021, invited for 190 on 17/03/2021, 233213
Lodged 05/03/2021, invited for 190 on 18/03/2021, 233211
Lodged 26/02/2021, invited for 491 on 18/03/2021, 272413
Victoria state nomination
ET lodged 4 March, invited 19 March, with spouse — occupation Supply chain coordinator in Pharmaceutical Company
Tasmania state nomination
ET lodged 4 March, invited for 491 on 19 March, with spouse — occupation Supply chain coordinator in Pharmaceutical Company
External Auditor (65+5), lodged 29 January 2021, invited for 190 on 19 March 2021 (purchased a business)
Electrical Engineer (60+5), lodged 1 February 2021, invited for 190 on 19 March 2021 (had Engineer employment)
Lodged 491 on 26 February 2021, invited for 491 on 17 March 2021, IT 70+15 points
Lodged 491 on 5 February 2021, invited for 491 on 18 March 2021, Accounting 75+15 points
NSW state nomination
None this week
South Australia state nomination
Lodged 13 February 2021, invited for 190 on 19 March 2021, Developer Programmer (261312), 65+5, with spouse, onshore
Lodged 10 February 2021, invited for 491 on 18 March 2021, General Accountant (221111), 95+15, single, onshore
Lodged 8 February 2021, invited for 190 on 16 March 2021, Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher (241111), 80+5, with spouse, onshore
Lodged 23 February 2021, invited for 190 on 15 March 2021, Social Worker (272511), 80+5, with spouse, onshore
Queensland state nomination
None this week
WA state nomination
None this week
NT state nomination
None this week
GTI invitations
None this week
This week’s grant progress and analysis
189 skilled independent migration
None this week
190 state-nominated skilled migration
Lodged 16 June 2020, granted 18 March 2021 (WA, 233611 Mining Engineer, 85+5, single, onshore)
Lodged 9 March 2020, granted 16 March 2021, onshore Accounting
Lodged 2 April 2020, granted 20 March 2021, onshore Accounting
Lodged 29 March 2020, granted 20 March 2021, onshore Accounting with spouse
Lodged 13 March 2020, granted 20 March 2021, onshore Accounting
Lodged 4 March 2020, granted 20 March 2021, onshore Accounting
Lodged 19 February 2021, granted 19 March 2021, onshore Nursing with spouse and child
Lodged 11/11/2020, granted 19/03/2021, 233213, main applicant onshore, no secondary applicant
Lodged 11/11/2020, granted 19/03/2021, 233213, main applicant onshore, no secondary applicant
Lodged 26/10/2020, granted 19/03/2021, 233213, both main and secondary applicants onshore
Lodged 15/10/2020, granted 18/03/2021, 233213, both main and secondary applicants onshore
Lodged 13/10/2020, granted 18/03/2021, 233213, both main and secondary applicants onshore
Lodged 13/03/2020, granted 16/03/2021, 261212, both main and secondary applicants onshore
Lodged 19 October 2020, granted 16 March 2021, Registered Nurses nec, 65+5, with spouse, onshore
Lodged 190 visa on 10 March 2020, granted 16 March 2021, Accounting 75 points, applicant onshore
491 new regional / 489 old regional nomination visas
None this week
887 Skilled Regional permanent visa
None this week
858GTI Program
Lodged 22 December 2020, granted 17 March 2021
Employer sponsorship
None this week
600 onshore visitor visa
Lodged 2 October 2020, granted 15 March 2021 (onshore)
Lodged 6 November 2020, granted 18 March 2021, onshore application
Lodged 20 November 2020, granted 19 March 2021, onshore application
500 Student visa
Lodged 6 January 2021, granted 15 March 2021 (onshore)
Lodged 3 February 2021, granted 15 March 2021 (onshore)
Lodged 7 January 2021, granted 16 March 2021 (onshore)
Lodged 26 January 2020, granted 17 March 2021 (onshore)
Lodged 8 January 2021, granted 17 March 2021 (onshore)
Lodged 6 January 2021, granted 17 March 2021 (onshore)
Lodged 8 February 2021, granted 18 March 2021 (onshore)
Lodged 25 November 2020, granted 19 March 2021, onshore application
Lodged 15 September 2020, granted 18 March 2021, onshore application
Lodged 21 February 2021, granted 18 March 2021, onshore application
485 Graduate Work visa
Lodged 19 August 2020, granted 20 March 2021
Lodged 23 December 2020, granted 15 March 2021
Lodged 28 September 2020, granted 15 March 2021
Partner migration
Lodged Subclass 820/801 visa application on 21 April 2020, granted 820 on 15 March 2021
Lodged Subclass 820/801 visa application on 1 May 2020, granted 820 on 15 March 2021
Lodged Subclass 820/801 visa application on 24 June 2019, granted 820 on 16 March 2021
Lodged Subclass 820/801 visa application on 15 January 2020, granted 820 on 18 March 2021
Lodged Subclass 820/801 visa application on 6 March 2019, granted both 820 and 801 simultaneously on 19 March 2021
Lodged Subclass 309/100 visa application on 24 July 2019, granted 309 onshore on 20 March 2021
Lodged 18 November 2019, granted 820 on 19 March 2021
Lodged 29 August 2019, granted 820 on 18 March 2021
Lodged 6 December 2019, granted 820 on 15 March 2021
Lodged 820 on 6 March 2019, granted 820 and 801 PR simultaneously on 19 March 2021
802 Child Visa
None this week
Parent migration/visa
None this week
155 Resident Return visa
Lodged 15 December 2020, granted 18 March 2021, offshore application
408 visa
Lodged 9 December 2020, granted 15 March 2021
Lodged 14 January 2021, granted 16 March 2021
Lodged 10 January 2021, granted 20 March 2021
Lodged 5 March 2021, granted 20 March 2021
Lodged 3 December 2020, granted 15 March 2021
Lodged 6 December 2019, granted 15 March 2021
Travel exemption application
Lodged 16 March 2021, exemption to depart granted 17 March 2021
Lodged 17 March 2021, exemption to depart granted 18 March 2021
Lodged 15 March 2021, exemption to depart granted 16 March 2021
8503/8534 condition waiver
None this week
This week’s skills assessment processing progress
CA (Accounting-related)
None this week
CPA (Accounting-related)
Lodged 5 March 2021, completed 16 March 2021, standard application
EA (Engineering-related)
VETASSESS
None this week
AITSL (Teaching-related)
None this week
ACS (IT-related)
Lodged 3 February 2021, completed 18 March 2021
Lodged 19 February 2021, completed 18 March 2021
ANMAC skills assessment (Nursing-related)
None this week
NAATI Recertification (Translation/Interpreting-related)
None this week
AIQS (Quantity Surveying-related)
None this week
AACA (Architecture-related)
None this week
If you can’t find the data category you’re after — i.e. it shows None this week — you can click through tothe [Migration Weekly Bulletin Collection]at the top of the article to view past bulletins and find the relevant data.
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The latest official migration news! Do department officials think Subclass 189 will recover next financial year? Visa processing arrangements! Current quotas and application status for each state nomination stream!
If you’re planning to apply for 189/190/491, you need to know this! The skills assessment used for spouse/partner points is valid permanently!
The Prime Minister publicly backs migration! “The government must remain open-minded! Many roles urgently need temporary migrants to fill them!
More occupations in demand, faster visa grants, lower thresholds for employer sponsorship, priority for onshore applicants! Submissions from the Department and other parties offer ideas for post-pandemic skilled migration!
Migration information-sharing and Q&A group
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