[Australia Weekly Migration News 59 issue]
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- October 9, 2019
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New skilled regional visas
Two new skilled regional visas will open to applications on 16 November 2019. These new visas will promote regional migration and replace two existing subclasses:
| New | Replaces |
| Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) | Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) – first provisional stream |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) | Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187) – Direct Entry stream |
Benefits of new visas
- Priority processing of regional applications
- Incentives for migrants to stay in regional areas longer term as they build ties through workforce and community participation
- Can apply for permanent residence without a second nomination stage, if eligible, through the subclass 191 visa (commences 16 November 2022)
- Lower cost to employers with only one SAF levy stage for the subclass 494 nomination (compared to the two stages for the current subclass 482 to ENS subclass 186 permanent resident pathway)
- More points available to subclass 491 visa applicants
- Broader range of occupations available than non-regional pathways
- Expanded and consistent classification of regional areas
The minimum taxable income for the subclass 494 and 191 visa will be set at the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) unless concessions are agreed (such as in relation to a DAMA). TSMIT is currently $53,900.
We will provide more information about the new skilled regional visas shortly.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa closes 16 November 2019
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Direct Entry (DE) stream visa will close to new applications from 16 November 2019. Employers/migration agents who intend to lodge RSMS nomination and visa applications under the DE stream should submit a request for assessment by a relevant Regional Certifying Body (RCB)regarding local labour market conditions before this date.
New 6D points from November 2019
Applicants and intending migrants will not be disadvantaged by the changes to 6D points for Points Tested visas. These come into effect on 16 November 2019.
SkillSelect will automatically update points for all Expressions of Interest (EOI) in submitted status. This will not change the ‘date of effect’ for any EOI.
SkillSelect will not update points for any EOIs in draft status as no points have been attributed at this stage.
Systems functionality is still being developed and any information required by agents will be provided in due course.
Apply for Standard Business Sponsorship now and save time
Employers interested in nominating overseas workers under the subclass 494 visa need to be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). Employers can lodge their SBS application now before visa applications open from 16 November 2019.
Existing Standard Business Sponsors can sponsor workers under the subclass 494 from 16 November 2019.
Any enquiries please contact us at: marketing@lhglobal.co
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