The Australian visa points system has undergone noticeable changes during the last few years and it has been announced that on 16 November 2019 a further success of changes are being introduced.
The changes will see the current Regional visas close and be replaced with new ones; the subclass 489 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa being replaced by subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa; the subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Permanent) Visa being superseded by subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa; and the Regional 491 and 494 visas will be replaced by a new visa subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa as the correct ‘upgrade’ application to Permanent Residence. These changes are in line with Australia’s plans to promote visas for regional areas of Australia, which have been in the pipeline for several years.
Alongside the Regional Visa reforms, the Migration Amendment will also bring in changes to the General Skilled Migration points test; affecting all points-based visa subclasses (189, 190 and 491). Regional State Nomination or Family Sponsorship points will increase from 10 to 15 points. Special education points (Australian STEM study) will increase from five to 10 points. Applicants will also be able to benefit from one of the following three changes, depending on their relationship status; points allocated from partner’s skills assessment increase from five to 10; single applicants can claim 10 points and a non-skilled partner who is competent in English can claim five points.
Any changes to the invitation thresholds are yet to be announced, but this should be known by November 2019. There is much speculation as to how this will be dealt with and how the changes to the system will be translated into the invitation thresholds.
For any further information on the process of moving to any part of Australia, our International Department can be contacted on 01902 714555 or via email sales@burkebros.co.uk and are happy to answer your questions. For further information on visa requirements and any changes in the pathways to migration, we can also recommend useful points of contact to ensure you receive the most up to date information.
