Australian Immigration News: November 2024 Updates by Wings Migration

November has brought significant updates to Australian immigration policies, introducing new visa pathways and streamlined opportunities for skilled workers. Here’s a detailed summary of the key changes:

Skills in Demand Visa Updates

The much-anticipated Skills in Demand Visa appears to be a rebranding of the existing subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa. Essentially, it seems like a name change from TSS 482 to SID 482, with its core features largely unchanged. This visa will remain valid for up to four years and offer a pathway to permanent residency, like the existing TSS visa.

The SID 482 will include three streams: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Labour Agreements, which closely resemble the three streams of the TSS 482—namely the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and Regional Occupation List (ROL).

A noteworthy update is the reduction in the work experience requirement to just one-year, effective November 23, 2024. Additional details on eligibility and criteria are expected soon.

Occupation Shortage List 2024

Jobs and Skills Australia has released the latest Occupation Shortage List, identifying roles in high demand across various states and territories:

• Chefs: Listed as a shortage across all states and territories.
• Cooks: In demand in selected regions like New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia, but not in
  Victoria, South Australia, or Tasmania.

This list serves as a valuable reference for skilled migration applicants exploring options under visas such as the 189, 190, or 491. While it does not directly determine eligibility for these visas or employer sponsored pathways, it offers insights into workforce needs across Australia.

Importantly, the Occupation Shortage List may influence which roles are included on the upcoming Core Skills List, expected later this year with the introduction of the Skills in Demand Visa.

190 and 491 Visa Updates

• New South Wales: Applications are open under the 491 Visa Pathway 1 (for regional workers with six months’ experience) and Pathway 3 (graduates from regional NSW).
• South Australia: Many applicants have received “NOT INVITED” emails for 190 and 491 state nominations.

Wings Migration encourages those who haven’t received invitations to explore alternative pathways, such as employer-sponsored visas (186, 482, 494) or partner visas for eligible applicants. Our expert team is here to guide you through these options and find the best fit for your circumstances.

189 Invitation Round – November 2024

The third 189 Invitation Round of 2024 took place in early November. Invitations were extended to various occupations:

• 70–85 points for professions in teaching, health, and construction.
• 90–100 points for other high-demand occupations.

Stay tuned for further details once the Department of Home Affairs releases the full invitation list.

November 2024 WA State Nomination Invitation Round

We’re excited to share highlights from the latest Western Australia State Nomination Priority Occupations invitation round conducted in November 2024. This round provided significant opportunities for skilled professionals across various industries.

Key Highlights:

• Healthcare and Social Assistance: Registered Nurses, Social Workers, and Medical Practitioners featured prominently, with most invited at 75 pointsand submission dates ranging from mid-2023 to mid-2024.
• Building and Construction: Occupations such as Civil Engineers, Construction Project Managers, and Carpenters saw strong demand, with invitations extended to applicants scoring between 80 and 100 points.
• Hospitality and Tourism: Chefs, Cooks, and Cafe/Restaurant Managers remained in high demand, with many invitations requiring 80+ points.
• Education and Training: Primary and Secondary School Teachers received invitations, further emphasizing WA’s focus on bolstering its education sector.

Selection Criteria:

Invitations were ranked based on:

1. Residency status (WA residents prioritized).
2. Occupation alignment with priority WA industry sectors (healthcare, construction, hospitality, education).
3. Points scored in the Expression of Interest (EOI).
4. Submission date of the EOI.

This round underscores Western Australia’s commitment to addressing workforce gaps by prioritizing critical industries and occupations.

Would you like personalized assistance to explore state nomination opportunities or better understand these updates? Contact Wings Migration today to make your migration journey seamless!

Fast Tracking for Trades in the Building Sector

To address the growing demand for housing, trades in the building sector received priority in the 189 visa rounds, with invitations extended to applicants with as few as 65 points. This emphasizes the government’s commitment to bolstering the construction workforce.

Fast Track for Doctors’ Registration

Doctors from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand can now benefit from streamlined registration processes. These changes eliminate unnecessary barriers by allowing direct applications to the Medical Board of Australia and AHPRA, bypassing individual assessments by specialist colleges. This fast-tracked system accelerates international doctors’ ability to practice in Australia.

VETASSESS Fee Increase and Priority Processing Pause

Effective November 20, 2024:

• Full skills assessmentfees increased from $1,033 to $1,070.
• Graduate visa assessmentfees rose from $392 to $406.

Priority Processing applications will pause on December 1, 2024, as VETASSESS works to finalize existing cases before the holiday shutdown.

National Innovation Visa

Replacing the Global Talent Visa, the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) caters to exceptional talent, including:

• Accomplished researchers and thought leaders.
• Innovative entrepreneurs and investors.
• Athletes and creatives representing Australia globally.

This invitation-only visa will rely on an Expression of Interest process akin to other invitation-only programs.

Migration Health Updates

• Family Violence Provisions: Secondary applicants in permanent skilled visa subclasses (e.g., 186, 190, 887) can now access these provisions if they or their dependents experience abuse.
• Children Born in Australia: Young applicants born and residing in Australia are now exempt from health-related disqualifications, ensuring more equitable outcomes.

Wings Migration: Your Trusted Partner

Navigating Australia’s dynamic visa landscape can be overwhelming, but Wings Migration is here to help. Whether you’re exploring skilled migration, family visas, or alternative pathways, our experienced team ensures your application is in the best hands.

Contact us today to discover your migration options and embark on your journey to Australia with confidence.