Australian Immigration Daily News

A concerning pattern is emerging in Skilled Independent Migration (Subclass 189, 190 Visas).  The latest statistics published by the Department of Home Affairs shows a mere 300 invitations issued on 9 May to subclass 189 applicants and just five to those applying regionally.  This is a dramatic decrease from 2200 invitations per round issued in July last year.  The average score to receive an invitation now sits 75 points. 

Whilst the Independent Skilled Migration is heading in a downward spiral, State based migration is closing their doors to immigrants all together with three states/territories currently not issuing any nominations. 

By way of background State Nominated Subclass 190 visa is designed for skilled visa applicants who have submitted an expression of interest (EoI) in SkillSelect and, after being nominated by a State/Territory government body, have received an invitation to apply for this visa.  Subject to receiving an invitation to apply, persons can apply for the State Nominated 190 visa from in or outside Australia.  Each State and Territory Generally imposes their own requirements which at times therefore it is always advisable to check particular State or Territory’s website to familiarise with the specific requirements. 

Migration Amendment (Skilling Australians Fund) Act 2018 (“The Act”) received Royal Assent on 22 May 2018.  The Act formally abolishes sponsorship Training Benchmark A and Training Benchmark B and clarifies provisions relating to employer sponsored labour market testing requirements (LMT).  The Act implements a levy payable at the time the nomination is lodged for a particular visa subclass, namely subclass 482, subclass 186 and subclass 187 visa.

The actual date of implementation of the levy remains unclear.  As per schedule I of the Act, the implementation may occur on proclamation date or if no proclamation date is give, six months within the Royal Assent, being 22 November 2018.  Migration Alliance brings you the first analysis of the Act.

The following sections are worthwhile mentioning:

Migration Alliance is pleased to support BIG Australia Magazine which will officially launch in July/August 2018.  Jason Watt, an RMA member of Migration Alliance is heading up BIG Australia Magazine and has the following to say:

BIG Australia Magazine is the first immigration industry magazine launched from Australia. It is free to follow or read, free to advertise in and free from the bias that often comes with ‘corporate sponsorship’ or paying for advertising. 

BIG Australia refers to Business Immigration Group Australia and the online magazine platform is simply the best way to provide information to the global community of immigration professionals.

We have been doing our research into the Professional Indemnity Insurance options offered by the MIA and Migration Alliance (MA), given that they are the two peak membership associations in the migration advice profession.

Let's start with the basics.  MIA charge members (joint members of MA) an annual membership fee.  Migration Alliance does not charge an annual membership fee.

Reason would have it that MIA members would then be given access to great savings and well-negotiated deals on essentials such as Professional Indemnity Insurance through their membership association.  Nope.