General Skilled Migration (Subclass 189/489 Visas) August 2017 Update

Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) have published statistics on latest number of invitations issued for General Skilled Migration (subclass 189/489).  The last round of invitations took place on 23 August 2017 with the next round of invitations expected take place between 6^th and 20^th September.

Some interesting facts to take away from the invitations issued on 23 August.  Approximately 1133 invitations were issued in total, with 1000 relating to subclass 189 visa.  This is consistent with the around of invitations issued in July with a slight increase in the number of invites for the 489 visas.

Overall the financial year to date demonstrates the number of invitations concerning 186/489 visas remains steady which must be a welcoming relief to many applicants waiting for the invitation.

Invitations issued during 2017-18:

http://www.border.gov.au/WorkinginAustralia/Pages/23-august-2017-round-results.aspx

What to expect in September:

As many would be aware, the highest ranked applicants by points score are invited to apply for the relevant visa. In addition, the invitations are determined by the order of time the points are reached.  For example, where two or more applicants who have equal points scores, the time at which they reached their points score for that subclass (referred to as the visa date of effect) determines their order of invitation.  According to DIBP’s website, expressions of Interest with earlier dates of effect are invited before later dates.  There will be 1750 invitations issued per round in September.

Flagged occupations:

As there seems to be high demand for certain occupations, certain occupations will be subject to pro rata arrangements to ensure availability of invitations across the entire financial year.  Whilst this may seem to be a fair process to ensure consistency, it may mean that certain applicants will have to wait much longer to receive invitations which will impact their ability to potentially remain in Australia.

The following occupations are flagged:

• Accountants
• Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers
• Electronics Engineers
• Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers
• Other Engineering Professionals
• ICT Business and System Analysts
• Software and Applications Programmers
• Computer Network Professionals.

Whilst permanent residence will almost certainly remain a desirable outcome for anyone wishing to live in Australia, some strategic planning may be required in circumstances where an applicant’s current visa is about to expire or where occupation has been flagged.

It may mean taking one step back and looking at other options.  There are a number of temporary visas that may be available as an interim solution.  Applicants who are willing to further enhance their qualifications, commit to working for their employer or simply enjoy time working and holidaying around Australia be taking full advantage of temporary visas to make this happen.

The next round of invitations is scheduled for 20 September 2017.