Surprisingly after March, April has also been significant as for as new immigration changes are concerned in Australia’s immigration policy. Based on its specialty, the Australian Immigration system brings changes from time to time to meet the latest challenges. Recently, there have been introduced many changes in different migration streams including:
- immigration applicants to get 10 extra points even not having a spouse as a secondary applicant (with extra points for other skills too -changes in visa subclass 489)
- introduction of new permanent visa starting from 16 November 2022
- new regional work visas for subclass 491 and 494 to be in action from November 2019 replacing 2 old subclasses
Applicants with a partner can claim 10 extra points (under subclass 489 newly known as subclass 491)
New points distribution will be as follows:
- 10 points for those having no spouse or de facto partner
- 10 points for having a skilled spouse or de facto partner (previously it was 5)
- 5 points if the spouse has competent English
- The ones with certain STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) qualification will also receive 10 extra points
- the huge benefit will be receiving those having 15 points if they are nominated by a State or Territory government or sponsored by a family member residing in regional Australia
The federal government has introduced new regional visas and a points system. This will help a lot of new applicants thinking to settle in Australia in 2020. It has been exhausted for those applying for Australian immigration to not having a partner, why? The point of concern for Australian immigration has been the complete package of applicants with skilled partners. That is however never been the case for every applicant. But now, applicants even having no spouse will still be able to gain 10 extra points. This is to cut off those applicants applications that make 50% each year to apply as a spouse an immigrant for permanent residency even with a low profile and English competency. The new system will make sure that new deserving applicants have the upper hand in comparison with these applicants. The people with a skilled partner will still be able to get some extra points that are too good to be true.
To assist regional Australia, the government has made Migration Amendments for New regional visas to be introduced in 2019.
In his explanatory statement, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs explained, “The amendments introduce a revised points system for the subclass 491 visa as well as existing General Skilled Migration visas. Points are awarded for attributes that are linked with the applicant’s ability to make the greatest economic contribution, as the key purpose of the skilled migration program is to maximize the economic benefits of migration to Australia.”
→ Also read Australia’s new changed immigration policy for 2019
Two New Regional Visas from November 2019
Immigration ministry has Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme permanent subclass 187 and replaced it with new provisional Subclass 494 Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional. The government has also closed Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 489 and replaced it with subclass 491.
The new visa subclass 494 will help employers to recruit skilled workers for regional Australia via Employer-Sponsored and Labor Agreement.
On the other hand, the second new visa category subclass 491 is for applicants sponsored by a State or Territory government agency or sponsored by a family member residing in a designated regional area.
Introduction of Permanent Visa (subclass 191) from November 2022 for Regional Skilled Visa holders
Immigration Authorities Australia has been emphasizing regional migration in Australia. But the main concern in the mind of applicants has always been if they would be able to get PR after residing in such regional areas. Good news, yes it will be surely possible.
A new permanent visa (subclass 191) will be introduced from 16 November 2022 for the holders of regional skilled visas holders from subclass 491 and 494. As confirmed by immigration minister Mr. David Coleman,
“The new subclass 191 visa replicates many existing general requirements for permanent residence, and most other visas, including security, health and character requirements.”
Skilled migrants living in regional Australia for three years till 16 November 2022 with minimum income maintained will be able to apply for this permanent visa. They will also have to show that they have complied with the condition of their regional skilled visas. Of course, they must also hold a valid regional provisional visa at the time of applying for a permanent visa.