November 2019 Visa Changes

Immigration Lawyer Sydney

Some immigration changes are coming into effect on November the 16th 2019. These changes concern the Skilled (GSM) and Employee Sponsored visas (ENS). There are also changes to the Family Visa Program.

Former Subclass 489 Visa
The 489 Visa is no longer available, ending on September the 10th.
Instead, two new Visa categories are being introduced. The subclass 491 and the subclass 494.

New Subclass 491

Available from the 16th of November, this is a skilled migration Visa that is points tested. It requires either nomination from a state government or sponsorship from an eligible family member in a designated regional area. This aims to supply skilled individuals to regional areas where their experience and skills and presently required.
Applicants require a positive skill assessment, and must be 45 years or under.

This Visa applies to individuals qualified in:
Engineering, Construction management, Child Care, Health and Nursing, Music, Dance and Arts, Accounting, Management, agriculture, science, Teaching from child to University level, Medical, Psychology, social work and Mental Health, Mechanics and industrial trades.

New 494 Subclass

This requires employee sponsorship for a position expected to last for 5 years. It requires at least 3 years experience in a relevant area of skill. There are 9000 places allocated for this Visa per year.
This Visa applies to individuals qualified in:
Managers for construction projects, Managing directors, childcare, health, Arts administration, music and arts, accounting and taxation, management consultation, engineering, agriculture, food technology, environment science, special needs education, medical and health care, psychology, building, trades.

New Subclass 191

This is for individual who have held either the new 491 or 494 Visa for at least 3 years.

Partner Visa

This will become a two step process. Partner sponsorship must be lodged and approved before a Visa can be applied for.
The criteria for approval has become stricter. Amongst other factors, both the sponsoring partner and the individual applying for the Visa to be assessed.

Students

There is added provision for international students who graduate from an Australian University/institution to stay an extra year for post-graduate study. But the students are expected to stay in regional areas, which excludes Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

Immigration Lawyers Sydney

Visa criteria are complex, and continually changing. If you are thinking of applying for a Visa or sponsoring a Visa applicant, then talk to us at Hope immigration.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. No individual should take, or refrain from taking, any action solely based on the material contained in this article. While we aim to offer accurate and timely information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on the date of receipt or in the future. If you require more information or seek relevant legal advice specific to your circumstances, please contact our office.