Category Archives: GSM

01 Jul 2020

State Nomination updates – June 2020

Categories Australia, GSM, Skills Assessment, State Nomination, Visa

Victoria (VIC)

The Victorian Government’s state nomination program will remain temporarily closed while we await the Commonwealth Government’s allocation of state nomination places for 2020-21.
In the meantime, you will not be able to apply for the following state nomination visas:

  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa
  • Skiled Nominated (subclass 190) visa
  • Business Innovation stream (subclass 188A) (Provisional) visa
  • Investor stream (subclass 188B) (Provisional) visa
  • Significant Investor stream (subclass 188C) (Provisional) visa
  • Entrepreneur stream (subclass 188E) (Provisional) visa
  • Significant Business History (subclass 132A) (Permanent) visa
  • Venture Capital Entrepreneur (subclass 132B) (Permanent) visa

The 2020-21 Victorian state nomination program will open at a date to be advised after further advice from the Commonwealth Government. Please check our website news regularly for more information.

Source: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/news-events/news/2020/update-to-victorias-subclass-491,-190,-188-and-132-visa-nomination-programs

 

Canberra (ACT)

New application guidelines are now available.

You can access the new guidelines here: http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/workspace /uploads/documents/491-190-nomination-guidelines-january-2020.pdf
 

ACT Invitation Round

Invitation date:  3 June 2020

ACT 190 Nomination – invitations issued: 81

  • All Matrix submitted: 110 to 70 points

ACT 491 Nomination –  No invitations were issued as there are sufficient 491 applications in the queue to meet the 2019/20 annual allocation of 491 nomination places.
Source: http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/portal/migrating/article/canberra-matrix-invitation-round/


Tasmania (TAS)

Updated processing times: The current processing time for the majority of Tasmanian visa state nomination applications is between 4 and 5 months.

Source: https://www.migration.tas.gov.au/news/Processing_times

Fees: All Tasmanian visa state nomination applications (Subclass 190 and Subclass 491) now incur a FEE FOR SERVICE of $220 (GST inclusive). During the online application process a $220 fee will be required, when processed you will be able to ‘SUBMIT’ the application for processing.

Source: https://www.migration.tas.gov.au/skilled_migrants/skilled_nominated_visa

 
Tasmania State Nomination Criteria

Flexible nomination requirements for applicants affected by COVID-19 restrictions

Summary of Relaxations in Nomination Requirements (Category 1 – Tasmanian Graduate)

Students currently in Tasmania: TAS will accept online study with a Tasmanian CRICOS provider completed during the period courses were not able to be delivered on campus. Applicants must have been living in Tasmania during this period and must have completed all of their study in Tasmania.

Graduates who have completed study in Tasmania but are unable to return after travelling overseas: Eligible for consideration if able to provide evidence course was completed in Tasmania, have temporarily left Tasmania and are unable to return due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Students must show that they were genuinely affected by travel restrictions and intend to return to Tasmania. These applicants must meet all other published requirements for subclass 190 or 491 nomination, including the minimum Tasmanian residence period.

Currently overseas – partially completed course: Remote / online study for applicants who commenced their courses in Tasmania, departed temporarily and have been unable to return to Tasmania due to COVID 19 travel restrictions will be accepted where they have genuinely been unable to return to Tasmania. Applicants must have commenced course in Tasmania, lived in Tasmania for a minimum 12 months and completed a minimum total of 12 months study on campus.

New enrolments – course commenced outside Tasmania: Applicants who commenced study with a Tasmanian institution, but were unable to arrive in Tasmania due to COVID-19 restrictions and commenced their studies remotely while waiting for restrictions to be lifted will be eligible for consideration if they:

  • Completed a two academic year course and arrived in Tasmania soon after restrictions were lifted; and
  • Lived and studied in Tasmania for a period of at least 12 months

Courses of one academic year must be completed solely in Tasmania – no period of remote study will be accepted. This includes students who enrolled in one-year courses but did not arrive in Tasmania before entry restrictions.

Summary of Relaxations in Nomination Requirements (Category 2 – Working in Tasmania)
Flexibility will be applied to applicants genuinely affected by COVID-19 employment stand-downs before or after meeting the mandatory 6-month full-time employment. Each application will be considered on its merits according to the particular industry, the skills of the applicant, and the likelihood of being able to return to and maintain full time in the future.
In general, following factors will be taken into consideration:

  • A minimum 3 months full time employment up to the closure or business / reduction in hours.
  • Full-time employment ceased directly due to a COVID-19 related closedown or restriction.
  • There is a reasonable likelihood of being able to return to employment (full or part-time) after the workplace restrictions have been lifted (i.e a written evidence from employer).

Reduction in hours from full-time to part-time as a result of COVID-19 restrictions will be considered with leniency.

Source: https://www.migration.tas.gov.au/skilled_migrants/skilled_nominated_visa

 

Northern Territory (NT)

State nomination requirements and processing time.

General information:

  • if you or any of your migrating dependants are currently living interstate, you will not be eligible for the Northern Territory (NT) nomination
  • if you or any of your migrating dependants are currently on a student visa and are currently studying in an NT institution, you will not be eligible for NT nomination
  • if you have already been nominated for a subclass 489 or 491 visa by the NT, you will not be eligible for a subclass 190 nomination.

International student graduates who have studied in the NT will be eligible for a subclass 190 nomination if you have:

  • successfully completed one or more qualifications after studying in the NT, at an NT-based institution for two years in a single tertiary course or a set of nested tertiary courses, and
  • lived in the NT for a period of at least six continuous months immediately after the date of completion* of your last qualification, while holding a visa that allows full-time work (this requirement does not apply to students who completed all course requirements in semester one 2020 and produce a letter of completion dated prior to 1 August 2020), and
  • demonstrated genuine and sustained efforts to obtain employment** from an NT employer in your nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation.

International student graduates who are unable to live in the NT for six months after completing two years of study in the NT will only be considered for a subclass 491 nomination. You must provide evidence of making genuine efforts to obtain employment from an NT employer in their nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation.

 
NT Residents

An NT resident applicant includes those on temporary visas with work rights, currently residing in the NT. NT resident applicants will be eligible for a subclass 190 nomination if you:

  • demonstrate that you have been residing in the NT for at least two consecutive years immediately prior to application
  • demonstrate that none of your migrating dependants are residing in another part of Australia, and
  • demonstrate full-time employment in the NT in an eligible occupation continuously for at least two years immediately prior to applying for NT nomination and demonstrate the employment is available for at least a further 12 months.

NT resident applicants will be considered for a subclass 491 nomination if you meet the following requirements:

  • applicants who started living in the NT prior to 1 July 2020, must:
    • demonstrate that you have been residing in the NT for at least six consecutive months immediately prior to application
    • demonstrate that none of your migrating dependants are residing in another part of Australia, and
    • demonstrate full-time employment in the NT in an eligible occupation for at least six consecutive months immediately prior to applying for NT nomination and demonstrate the employment is available for at least a further 12 months.
  • applicants who start living in the NT on or after 1 July 2020, must:
    • demonstrate that you have been residing in the NT for at least 12 consecutive months
    • demonstrate that none of your migrating dependants are residing in another part of Australia, and
    • demonstrate full-time employment in the NT in an eligible occupation for at least six consecutive months immediately prior to applying for NT nomination and demonstrate that the employment is available for at least a further 12 months.

The employment must also meet the following additional requirements:

  • the position must be based in the NT, and the employer must have a record of trading in the NT for at least 12 months
  • positions that are based at serviced office spaces or involve hot-desking arrangements will generally not be considered favourably
  • you must be paid at market salary.

Applicants who have not been employed in an eligible occupation will generally not qualify for NT nomination.
Applicants who have been employed on a full-time basis for at least six consecutive months in an occupation that is not an eligible occupation may qualify for a subclass 491 nomination on an exceptional and case by case basis if you are able to demonstrate the following:

  • the employer has made genuine efforts to recruit locally and the position cannot be filled by an Australian citizen or permanent resident – at a minimum, evidence should include copies of advertisements placed, and a statement from the employer detailing the number of applicants and reasons as to why no Australian citizens or permanent residents have not been recruited
  • there is a genuine need for the position in the business – at a minimum, evidence should include a detailed statement from the employer explaining the need for the position and how the vacancy arose
  • you have made genuine and sustained efforts to obtain employment in your nominated occupation or a related occupation in the NT – at a minimum, evidence must include copies / screenshots of applications made for relevant jobs and any feedback received.

Source: https://theterritory.com.au/migrate/migrate-to-work/important-information-if-you-already-live-in-australia

 
Interested to know more?

Click here to book a consultation with one of our friendly consultants. You may also fill out the Online Assessment Form for a free assessment to know your eligibility for a visa to Australia.

 

Disclaimer

The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

21 Mar 2020

Tasmania State Nomination update – March 2020

Categories Australia, GSM, Skills Assessment, State Nomination, Visa
IMPORTANT NOTICE

Tasmanian government has following  update for 491 State Nomination applications for overseas applicants:

The rapidly evolving situation regarding COVID-19 has necessitated temporary changes to eligibility for the Subclass 491: 3A Overseas Applicant (TSOL) nomination category.

As of 20 March 2020, applications for this category are temporarily restricted until further notice to occupations listed in the ‘High Demand’ section of the Tasmanian Skilled Occupation List (TSOL). Please do not LODGE or PAY for a Category 3A application if your nominated occupation is not listed as ‘HIGH DEMAND’ on the TSOL. Your application will NOT be assessed.

Applications under Category 3A lodged prior to this date which specify other occupations will still be considered. Applicants with ‘High Demand’ occupations will, however, be given priority. This means processing times for other Category 3A applications with occupations not listed in the High Demand section will become extended (approximately 6 months from lodgement).

The updated Tasmanian Skilled Occupation List (TSOL) can be found here.

 
SUBCLASS 190 nomination

 *** Category 3 – Overseas applicant (Job Offer) is now permanently closed ***
Please refer to Subclass 491 category 3B for alternative overseas applicant Job Offer information

 
Interested to know more?

Click here to book a FREE 30 min. consultation with our friendly team. You may also fill out the Online Assessment Form for a free assessment to know your eligibility for a visa to Australia.

 

Disclaimer

The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

05 Mar 2020

State Nomination updates – March 2020

Categories Australia, GSM, Skills Assessment, State Nomination, Visa

Canberra (ACT)

New application guidelines are now available.
You can access the new guidelines here: http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/workspace/ uploads/documents/491-190-nomination-guidelines-january-2020.pdf
 
ACT Invitation Round
Invitation date: 2 March 2020
ACT 190 Nomination – invitations issued: 110

  • All Matrix submitted: 110 to 75 points
  • 70 point Matrix submitted on or before 14 December 2019

ACT 491 Nomination – invitations issued: 131

  • All Matrix submitted: 95 to 70 points
  • 65 point Matrix submitted on or before 1 January 2020

ALL matrix expire 6 months after submission date if an invitation is not issued. The next invitation round will be held on or before 17 March 2020.

Source: http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/portal/migrating/article/canberra-matrix-invitation-round/

 

South Australia (SA)

Occupation list: Changes in the status of occupation availability

Special Conditions Apply

  • 121313 Dairy Cattle Farmer
  • 132511 Research and Development Manager
  • 249214 Music Teacher (Private Tuition)
  • 121221 Vegetable Grower
  • 254412 Registered Nurse (Aged Care)

 
Low Availability

  • 133411 Manufacturer
  • 241111 Early Childhood (Pre-primary School)

Source: https://migration.sa.gov.au/skilled-migrants/lists-of-state-nominated-occupations

 

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Category 3 – overseas applicant job offer is permanently closed for Tasmania 190 nominations. Please refer to Subclass 491 category 3B for alternative overseas applicant Job Offer information. Find more information here: https://www.migration.tas.gov.au/skilled_migrants/skilled_nominated_visa
  • Multiple nominations are not permitted. Applicants granted a Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa will not be able reapply for a Subclass 190 in the future. The Subclass 491 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency by way of a Subclass 191 visa. Previous state nominees supported for a Subclass 489 visa will need to follow the pathway to permanent residency by way of the Subclass 887 visa.

 

Western Australia (WA)

New occupation The occupation Retail Pharmacist (ANZSCO 251513) is now available on the Graduate Occupation List and eligible for State nomination through the Graduate stream.

This occupation is restricted to ‘Regional WA Only’, meaning that you must be able to provide evidence of a job offer/contract of employment in a location defined by the Commonwealth as Category 3 – Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas (not Perth and Mandurah) to be eligible for State nomination.
This includes the following areas by postcodes: 6041 to 6044, 6084, 6207, 6213, 6215 to 6537, and 6560 to 6770.

Source: https://migration.wa.gov.au/services/skilled-migration-western-australia/latest-news

Interested to know more?

Click here to book a FREE 15 minute phone call with one of our friendly consultants. You may also fill out the Online Assessment Form for a free assessment to know your eligibility for a visa to Australia.

 

Disclaimer

The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

07 Feb 2020

7 tips to avoid a 485 visa refusal

Categories Australia, Courses for PR, GSM, Visa

Most international students would apply for a 485 visa (commonly known as a TR) at some stage of their stay in Australia.

Some students try to save money and lodge this visa by themselves and get rejected due to mistakes made in the application. There are plenty of reasons an application for a 485 visa could be refused.
Here are the top 7 tips to avoid a 485 refusal:

 

  1. Choosing the correct stream

There are two streams to choose when applying for the 485 visa application.

You must choose the correct stream or risk getting the application refused. A simple tick indicating wrong choice means you will have an expensive and irreversible visa refusal at your hand.

Post Study Work Stream – If you have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Australia and applied for your first student visa on or after November 2011. This visa would be granted with a minimum of two years and a maximum of six years.

Graduate Work Stream – If you have completed a trade certificate, diploma or bachelor in the last six months and your occupation is on the skill list (MLTSS) and you have arranged for a skills assessment. Also, if your first student visa was applied/granted on or before November 2011, and you completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher in the last 6 months, then you would be choosing this stream. This visa would be granted for a maximum of 18 months.

 

  1. English language requirement

You can either show that you hold a valid passport from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland, or prove your English proficiency. To do this, show evidence that in the last 3 years, you achieved one of the following acceptable scores:

IELTS – Overall score of at least 6 with a minimum score of 5 for each of the 4 modules (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening)

TOEFL iBT – Total score of at least 64 with a minimum score of 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking

PTE – Overall score of at least 50 with a minimum score of 36 for each of the 4 parts

OET – At least B for each of the 4 parts

Cambridge C1 Advanced Test – Overall at least 169 with a minimum score of at least 154 in each of the 4 test components

It is important to note that if relying on the English language test, you must have undertaken the test prior to lodgement of your 485 application.

While there is no requirement to provide the test result at the time of application, the test date must pre-date the visa application date.

Far too many applications have been refused because applicants didn’t sit for the test before submitting the application. So, don’t risk it and consult a professional if you are not confident!

 

  1. Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance

Unlike many other visa applications, 485 visa application requires that you must have applied for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance prior to lodging the 485 visa application. Failing to do so will result in a refusal.

Also note that you must have applied for a “correct” police clearance type. For immigration purposes, tick the code 33 when applying for your AFP clearance.

For more instructions on applying for your AFP clearance, read here.

 

  1. Meeting Australian Study requirement

This is one of the most confusing requirements for a 485 visa application. To be eligible for a 485 visa, in the 6 months immediately before making an application, you must have completed either:

  • a single eligible qualification that requires at least 2 academic years study, or
  • more than 1 qualification that results in a total of at least 2 academic years study resulting in an eligible qualification

You must have completed your study in Australia, in a total of no less than 16 calendar months, while you held a visa authorising you to study.

Your course, or courses, resulting in the award of an eligible degree, diploma or trade qualification, must be registered on the CRICOS register and instructions must be completed in English.

For more information about Australian study requirements, read here.

 

  1. Skills Assessment

The Graduate Work Stream application must have been accompanied by evidence that the primary applicant had applied to a relevant assessing authority for an assessment of their skills in their nominated skilled occupation.  The skills assessment body will depend on the occupation as listed in the ANZSCO dictionary.

To satisfy the time of application criteria, it is not necessary to provide a copy of the skills assessment result when lodging the application.  The applicant should attach an evidence of making an application to the relevant assessing authority to have their skills assessed for their nominated occupation.  This may include a test reference number or an acknowledgement of a skills assessment application.

Once a positive skills assessment is received, it should be attached to the application as soon as possible or when a further request by the DHA case officer is made.

Understanding the requirements of a skills assessment application is crucial for a successful 485 visa grant. An experienced Registered Migration Agent can assist you with the skills assessment and the 485 visa application. So, if you think it’s too much to handle and you don’t want to risk a refusal, do get in touch with a professional!

 

  1. Studying an eligible course

Not all courses will be eligible for a 485 visa. If you are studying at a Diploma level which is not a trade qualification, then chances are that you may not be eligible. Also studying at Bachelor or higher level but applying under Graduate Work Stream requires that your nominated occupation must be on the appropriate skill list (MLTSSL). The nominated occupation will depend on the field of your study. So, if you have studied something which does not relate to a nominated occupation on the MLTSSL, then you may not be eligible for the 485 visa.

Most students don’t understand this requirement, or they fall prey to unregistered agents, who are not qualified enough to guide properly. It is therefore very important to either have complete knowledge of the rules and regulations that apply to your visa type or hire a professional.

 

  1. Health Cover

You must have adequate health cover for the whole of your stay to be granted this visa. Your cover should cover you for medically necessary treatment, including transport.
You must hold an appropriate health cover at the time of application, otherwise your application may be refused.

If your Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) is valid at the time of application of 485 visa, you may be able to use it to apply but must change to Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) before your OSHC expires or when the case officer requests.

 

  1. Bonus TIP

Here’s a bonus tip!

If you have a current visa with a ‘No further stay’ condition 8534 or 8503 on your current visa, you will need to apply for this visa using the paper form (Form 1409). Only the paper form has an application to have the ‘No further stay’ condition waived.

Summary
Applying for a skilled graduate visa may not seem like a complicated process, however in many circumstances, it may be the only visa available for an applicant to remain in Australia and plan for permanent residency or other work visas. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you understand the requirements and documentation of the visa.

Currently, there is a trend of offering visa services at bottom low prices and many applicants have fallen prey to these marketing tactics by unscrupulous agents. Lot of visa applications are refused due to incompetency of agents and applicants’ lack of knowledge. Read one such case here.

We hope that these tips will be helpful for you, especially if you are planning to lodge the visa application yourself. However, if you believe that it’s in your best interest to seek professional help, then we can certainly assist you with any visa services.

My Migration has a team of experienced migration consultants with more than 20 years of combined experience and thousands of successful applications. Feel free to check our reviews on Facebook and Google before deciding.

Interested to know more?

Click here to book a FREE 15 minute phone call with one of our friendly consultants. You may also fill out the Online Assessment Form for a free assessment to know your eligibility for a visa to Australia.

 

Disclaimer

The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

01 Feb 2020

Finishing Studies Soon? What’s next?

Categories Australia, Courses for PR, GSM, Professional Year, Visa

International Students in Australia may be eligible for temporary visas (also called TR or 485 visas) once they complete eligible Australian qualifications.

Finishing a course means different things for different people. Some graduates may be ready to enter the workforce the minute they graduate, while others might find the decision a little more difficult. If you are not quite sure where you are heading once you finish studying, read on as we explain your options.

Here are some of the things you can do once you have graduated!

Take some time out to relax
After years of study, you may want to relax or have some time to yourself before you start looking for work. This might mean taking a few months to travel. Australia is a large, beautiful and diverse country; if you want to spend some time exploring the country and taking a well-earned break, a tourist visa or other type of temporary visa would be a good option or take a break to enjoy a few sleep-ins.

Complete further studies
Many international students choose to stay on in Australia to complete further studies or gain a higher level of qualification, such as a graduate diploma or master’s degree. Continuing your studies will enable you to maximise your time in Australia, get the most out of an education system that you are now familiar with and gain the advanced qualifications and skills needed to get a job.

Working holiday
People aged between 18 and 30 from approved countries can apply for a ‘working holiday visa’ or a ‘work and holiday visa’, which allows them to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months.

Gain professional work experience
Engineering, accounting, and computer science graduates can complete a Professional Year Program. This program is ideal for students who want to qualify for permanent residency in Australia because those who complete it, earn an extra 5 points to qualify for a skilled migration visa.

Volunteer in Australia
It is no secret that Australia is one of the top destinations for worthwhile volunteer abroad experiences. It is a satisfying and a learning experience and looks good on your resume!

Beef up Your Communication Skills
As cantankerous as it sounds, the digital age is indeed killing our face-to-face, IRL communication. This is good advice for anyone, really, but it can be especially critical when you are young, inexperienced, and perhaps too used to communicating over email or text.

Picking up a new skill
DIY is always going to be useful; rather than calling your parents or landlord for help, maybe try teaching yourself to be self-proficient? Have you ever bled a radiator? Put up some shelves? There are plenty of tutorials online, you need to start looking.

Write a poem, a story or share experiences
If there’s something you are enthusiastic about, write about it. You can start a blog or contribute to an existing blog — while it is unlikely to make much money for you, it’s a rewarding experience and helps you sharpen your writing skills and showcase your talent to online communities.

Find a graduate job
Even this late in the game, it is not too late to find a graduate job. Look for companies that offer career progression so that once you have completed your graduate placement, you may be able to move into a permanent role within the company. Some companies will rotate you around different departments so you can get a feel for what sort of area you might want to progress into. These can include IT, finance, HR, marketing and business development.

 
Plan extended stay if you are an International Student

Many international students enjoy their time in Australia so much that they apply for further visas (temporary or permanent), so they can continue to live and work in Australia. The most common visa applied by an international student is the TR or 485 visa.

The process for Australian visas is usually not straightforward and take a lot of careful planning, information gathering and consultations with visa experts.

As a starting point, refer to Department of Home Affair’s website for further visa options.

Once you have the basic information, it’s best to consult with reputed Registered Migration Agents (RMA) for a detailed consultation tailored to suit your residency goals.

It’s important to note that you should only consult with a Migration Agent who is registered with OMARA (Office of the Migration Agents Regulation Authority). It is illegal to provide immigration assistance in Australia without registration and it leads to poor advice, loss of money and in worst cases, getting your visa application rejected or cancelled. Read here about why you should hire a Registered Migration Agent (RMA).

 
Interested to know more?

Click here to book a FREE 15-minute phone call with one of our friendly consultants. You may also fill out the Online Assessment Form for a free assessment to know your eligibility for a visa to Australia.

Disclaimer

The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

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