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Australia PR

Why apply for an Australian PR?

  • 8th Happiest country in the world
  • Inviting half a million migrants by 2024
  • 800,000 job vacancies for skilled professionals
  • 100 times ROI with an Australia PR
  • Access to Universal Healthcare System
  • FREE Education for your children
  • Retirement Benefits
  • Easiest Path to Australian Citizenship

Australian permanent resident status is given to a candidate having a permanent residence visa. However candidates with Australia PR do not hold Australian citizenship. Permanent Residents in Australia can live, work, and study for 5 years permanently in the country. After living in Australia on PR status for 4 years, the candidate can apply for citizenship based on eligibility.

Australia PR process

Generally, the Australian PR process has the following three different stages.

  • Australia Skill Assessment: This can be done through a designated skill assessment body. Get a faster response from them by submitting the requirements soon.
  • Australia PR Visa Approval: Once you submit the required document, the DHA conducts thorough research of your profile. They will give you a visa grant if you meet their specific requirements.
  • Preparation for Departure: Once the candidate gets Australia PR visa approval, the applicant needs to move to Australia as per the initial entry date mentioned on the visa grant letter.

The Australian government provides various pathways for foreign nationals to obtain Permanent Residency in Australia. In recent times, the Australian PR process has become easier for Indians if they apply through a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). As per the recent news update, Australia and India signed an agreement for easy immigration paths for skilled professionals and students.

Australia PR eligibility 

  • 45 years of age
  • 65 points in the Australian points grid
  • Valid skills assessment
  • IELTS or PTE score
  • Health insurance
  • Police verification certificate

Australia PR requirements

65 points is the minimum score required to qualify for an Australia PR visa. The higher you score on the eligibility calculation, the brighter the chances of you being invited to apply for Australian PR. Scoring anywhere from 80 to 85 points can make you eligible for a quicker PR invitation to apply. There are various categories under which you can apply for an Australia PR visa with different eligibility requirements. But the general eligibility factors are as under:
Category   Maximum Points
Age (25-32 years) 30 points
English proficiency (8 bands) 20 points
Work Experience outside Australia (8-10 years) 15 points
Work Experience in Australia (8-10 years) 20 points
Education (outside Australia) – Doctorate degree 20 points
Niche skills such as Doctorate or master’s degree by research in Australia 10 points
Study in a regional area 5 points
Accredited in community language 5 points
Professional year in a skilled program in Australia 5 points
State sponsorship (190 visa) 5 points
Skilled spouse or de facto partner (Age, Skills & English language requirements to be met) 10 points
Spouse or de facto partner with ‘competent English’ (No need to meet Skills requirement or age factor) 5 points
Applicants without a spouse or de facto partner or where a spouse is an Australian citizen or PR holder 10 points
Relative or regional sponsorship (491 visa) 15 points
Age: You will gain a maximum of 30 points if your age is between 25 to 32 years. Your age should be below 45 years to apply for a PR visa English proficiency: A score of 8 bands in the IELTS exam can give you a maximum of 20 points. However, the Australian immigration authorities allow applicants to take any of the English proficiency tests such as IELTS, PTE, etc. You can try for the required score on any of these tests. Work experience: Skilled employment outside Australia with more than 8 years of experience in the last 10 years will give you 15 points; fewer years of experience means fewer points. Skilled employment in Australia with 8 to 10 years of experience from the date of application will give you a maximum of 20 points.
Skilled employment in Australia Points
Less than 1 year 0
1-2 years 5
3-4 years 10
5-7 years 15
8-10 years 20
Education: Points for the education criteria depend on the educational qualification. Maximum points are given to a doctorate degree from an Australian university or a doctorate from a university outside Australia, provided the Australian government recognizes it.
Qualifications Points
A Doctorate degree from an Australian university or institute outside Australia. 20
A Bachelor’s (or Masters) degree from an Australian university or institute outside Australia. 15
Diploma or trade qualification completed in Australia 10
Any qualification or award recognized by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation. 10
Master by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution in the STEM fields 10
Language Proficiency: You should have proof that you have a competent level of proficiency in the English language. Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL): The applicant must choose an occupation available in the following skilled occupation lists. The list contains the occupations that are currently acceptable for migration to Australia. The occupations in the lists are updated regularly and reflect the changes in the Australian labor market. There are three categories of the SOL:
  • Medium- and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  • Regional Occupations List (ROL)
Spouse application: If your spouse is also an applicant for the PR visa, you will be eligible for additional points to your Skill Select Expression of Interest. To get these additional 10 points, your spouse must meet the following requirements:
  • Should be less than 45 years of age
  • Should have the basic competent level scores in English
  • Job occupation code should appear in the same occupation list as the primary applicant list
Other qualifications:  You can gain points if you meet any of the following criteria.
Study in a regional area 5 points
Accredited in community language 5 points
Professional year in a skilled program in Australia 5 points
State sponsorship (190 visas) 5 points
Relative or regional sponsorship (491 visa) 15 Points

How to get an Australian PR?

To get an Australia PR visa, candidates must follow the below 7 steps. Check the below steps to get Australia PR in a hassle-free process:

Step 1:  Check the eligibility for Australia

  • Check if you meet the eligibility requirements.
  • Verify if your occupation is present in the list of occupations in demand.
  • Check if you have the required points based on the points table.

Step 2: Get your skill assessment done

Get your skills assessed by the Skills Assessment Authority, which will assess your skills, education, and work experience based on Australian standards.

Step 3: English Proficiency Test

Check if you have the required proficiency in the English language by taking the specified English language test. Fortunately, the Australian immigration authorities accept scores from various English ability tests like IELTS, PTE, etc. So, you can take any of these tests to obtain the specified score.

Step 4: Register your Expression of Interest

  • The next step is to register an Expression of Interest (EOI) on Australia’s Skill Select website. You should fill out an online form in the SkillSelect portal where you should give responses to questions on your skill, which is again based on the visa subclass you are applying under. The SkillSelect program offers three visa categories under which you can apply for a PR visa.
  • Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189
  • Skilled Nominated Visa 190
  • Skilled regional (provisional) Subclass 491

The first two are permanent visas, while the third one is a temporary visa with a validity of five years, which can later be converted to a PR visa. You should provide all the required information in the online application.

Step 5: Get your Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once you submit your application and meet all the requirements, you will get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Australia PR.

Step 6: Submit your Australia PR application

The next step is to submit your PR application. You must submit it within 60 days. The application must have all the supporting documents for processing your PR visa. These documents are your personal documents, immigration documents, and work experience documents.

Step 7: Get your PR visa and fly to Australia

The last step is getting your PR visa.

Benefits of Australia Permanent Residency

Australia has always been a popular choice for individuals who desire to migrate to another country.  The country has favorable factors such as a thriving economy which means there are more jobs in Australia. Australia promises a better quality of life and a multicultural society with peace and harmony. Australia offers a permanent residency or PR visa to immigrants. The Australia PR visa has a validity of five years. You can move into Australia with your family with a PR visa. You can apply for citizenship after living in Australia for four years with an Australia PR visa.

  • Live in Australia for an indefinite period of time
  • Travel anywhere in Australia
  • Pursue higher studies in Australia and get eligibility to apply for an educational loan
  • Eligibility for Social Security benefits
  • Sponsor your relatives if they meet certain pre-requisites
  • Eligibility to work in Australia
  • Travel to New Zealand and can even apply for a visa there

What is an Australian PR Visa? 

Australia offers many options for applying for a PR visa. An Australian PR visa allows the eligible candidate to become a permanent resident in Australia.  Applicants can choose the appropriate option based on their eligibility and requirements. Here are the popular options to get an Australian PR:

  • Subclass 189 visa
  • Subclass 190
  • Business Innovation Stream
  • Investor stream
  • Subclass 891 visa
  • Graduate work visa
  • Professional Year Program (PYP)
  • GTI (Global Talent Independent Program)
  • Australia parent visa 

Australia 189 visa

This visa is for those invited foreign workers who possess the skills required by the Australian government. With a subclass 189 visa, you can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

  • No nominator or sponsor is needed.
  • You can only apply for this visa after being formally invited to do so.
  • You must be below 45 years of age to be able to apply.

Australia 190 Visa

Allows nominated skilled workers to live, work/study anywhere in the nominated state/territory in Australia as permanent residents. Like subclass 189, to be able to apply for subclass 190, you must have received an invitation to apply.

With both subclass 189 and 190, you must –

  • Score 65 on the points calculator
  • Receive an invitation to apply
  • Have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
  • Be in possession of a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
  • English test scores will also be required.

Jobs in Australia for Indians

To work in Australia, candidates need to have the ability to enhance the Australian economy. There are 800,000 jobs in Australia, for overseas skilled professionals. Here is the list of top-in-demand occupations in Australia:
OCCUPATION  ANNUAL SALARY IN AUD
IT $99,642 – $ 115, 000
Marketing & Sales $84,072 – $103,202
Engineering $92,517 – $110,008
Hospitality $60,000 – $75,000
Healthcare $101,569- $169279
Accounting & Finance $77,842 – $92,347
Human Resources $80,000 – $99,519
Construction $72,604 – $99,552
Professional and Scientific Services $90,569 – $108,544

Australian PR cost from India

The total Australian PR cost for Indians is $4640 Australian dollars or approximately INR 275,000. The sum total of all these costs will give you the total cost of the PR visa along with the visa application fees.
Visa subclass Base application charge (primary applicant) Additional Applicant charge 18 and over(Secondary applicant) Additional applicant charge under 18(child applicants)
Subclass 189 Visa AUD4,640 AUD2,320 AUD1,160
Subclass 190 Visa AUD4,640 AUD2,320 AUD1,160
Subclass 491 Visa AUD4,640 AUD2,320 AUD1,160
The application process for the PR visa through the General Skilled Migration program follows a set process that contains a series of steps. These include Skills Assessments, Sponsorship applications, English language tests, visa applications, medical tests, police clearance, etc. Each step comes with its own separate cost.

Australia Skill Assessment:

Application type Fees 
Temporary Graduate – 485 Skills Assessment AUD 525
Post Australian Study Skills Assessment AUD 560
Skills (general application) AUD 560
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) AUD 605
Review Application AUD 420
Appeal Application AUD 420

Australia PR Processing Time

Generally, it takes 6.5 to 8 months to process your Australia PR visa application. Each stage has a different time structure.  Here is a breakdown of the time taken for each stage. The addition of the time taken for each stage determines the total processing time for your PR visa.
  1. Skill assessment: The processing time ranges from 45 to 90 days.
  2. Visa Approval: This process takes about 3 to 12 months.
  3. Preparation for Departure: 2-3 weeks
Getting your PR visa for Australia can be a complicated process, but with the help of an immigration consultant, it can be easy. Our expertise of over 15 years has helped many individuals to get their Australia PR visas.

Factors affecting the Australia PR Visa processing time

Many factors can affect processing time. The time can vary every month because of factors such as the number of applications coming in, seasons that see a higher number of applications, a higher number of complex cases, or incomplete applications. Other reasons that impact processing times include:

  • Incorrect applications
  • Lack of supporting documents
  • Time is taken to answer any queries raised by immigration officers
  • Demand for the applicant’s occupation in Australia
  • Inadequate points scored by the applicant in the SkillSelect online system
  • Delay in the background verification process
  • Time is taken to receive information from external agencies about health or character
  • Number of places available in the migration program
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  • Free eligibility check through the Australia Immigration Points Calculator
  • Expert guidance/counseling for Australia Immigration
  • Coaching services: Expert PTE coaching, IELTS proficiency Coaching 
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  • Job search services to find related jobs in Australia
Top tips to get your Australian PR visa processed on time

To ensure that your Australian PR visa application is processed on time, do not submit an incomplete application. For the smooth processing of your application, make sure you meet the requirements of the visa application process.

  • Include the key requirements:  Your application must have two key requirements which are:
  1. The Skills Assessment Report from the relevant Skill Assessing Authority
  2. The results of your IELTS test
  • Select the right visa category to apply: Analyze each visa category and choose the category that you feel is suitable.
  • Select the right occupation for the Skilled Occupation List (SOL):  Choose an occupation from the SOL which is relevant to you.
  • Make an application in the point-based system
  • Ensure you meet the health and character requirements:  For this, you need to be certified as medically fit and good in your character.
  • Check the progress of your application: After you have submitted your application, you can check on its status on the ImmiAccount page on the official webpage of Immigration and Citizenship of the Australian Government.
Reasons for rejection of Australia PR visa application

Here are some reasons why your PR visa application could be rejected

  • Application for the wrong visa type
  • Violation of conditions of your previous visa
  • Incomplete or inconsistent information in your visa application
  • Failure to meet health requirements for the visa
  • Failure to meet the character requirements
  • Lack of enough funds
  • Inability to score the required level in English language proficiency test
  • Failure to clear the visa verification process

The Australian immigration authorities are careful in their verification process. The Australian immigration authorities are careful in their verification process. They focus on reviewing the documents you send thoroughly. You will be barred from entering the country for a certain number of years if it is found that you have submitted false information. Check carefully for any inconsistencies before sending your papers.

Mistakes to avoid when filing your PR application
  • Providing inconsistent information
  • Conflicting information on social media
  • No criminal convictions
  • Do not submit the application without a review
  • Reapplying for PR visa after rejection 

Latest Australia Immigration News

April 3, 2024 NSW Government Announces Changes to Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) The NSW Government announced an update to the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) under Pathway 1. The employment duration for skilled workers has been reduced from 12 to 6 months. March 25, 2024 Australia immigration grew by 60% in 2023 and expected to remain steady in 2024 According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the population in Australia increased by 2.5%. There were around 765,900 overseas migration arrivals in 2023. The most migrants to Australia in 2023 were from India and China. March 22, 2024 Fee increase from 01 July 2024 – Engineers Australia Fee increases for the 2024-2025 financial year From 1 July 2024, Australia migration skills assessment fees will increase by 3–4 percent to align with the wage, consumer, and producer prices. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has approved the changes. Migration skills assessment fees Our migration skills assessment fees for 2023 to 2024 are below. International Accords qualification assessment fees
  Current      Current      From 1 July  From 1 July
Item/s Fee excl. GST AUD Fee incl. GST AUD Fee excl. GST AUD Fee incl. GST AUD
Washington/Sydney/Dublin Accord qualification assessment $460 $506 $475 $522.50
Washington/Sydney/Dublin Accord qualification assessment plus relevant skilled employment assessment $850 $935 $875 $962.50
Washington/Sydney/Dublin Accord qualification assessment plus overseas PhD assessment $705 $775 $730 $803
Washington/Sydney/Dublin Accord qualification assessment plus relevant skilled employment assessment plus overseas engineering PhD assessment $1095 $1204.50 $1125 $1237.50
Australian accredited engineering qualification assessment fees
Current      Current    From 1 July  From 1 July
Item/s Fee excl. GST AUD Fee incl. GST AUD Fee excl. GST AUD Fee incl. GST AUD
Australian Engineering Qualification Assessment $285 $313.50 $295 $324.50
Australian engineering qualification assessment plus relevant skilled employment assessment $675 $742.50 $695 $764.50
Australian engineering qualification assessment plus overseas engineering PhD assessment $530 $583 $550 $605
Australian engineering qualification assessment plus relevant skilled employment assessment plus overseas engineering PhD assessment $920 $1012 $945 $1039.50
Competency demonstration report (CDR) assessment fees
  Current     Current      From 1 July   From 1 July
Item/s Fee excl. GST AUD Fee incl. GST AUD Fee excl. GST AUD Fee incl. GST AUD
Standard competency demonstration report $850 $935 $880 $968
Competency demonstration report plus relevant skilled employment assessment $1240 $1364 $1280 $1408
Competency demonstration report plus overseas engineering PhD assessment $1095 $1204.50 $1130 $1243
Competency demonstration report plus relevant skilled employment assessment plus overseas engineering PhD assessment $1485 $1633.50 $1525 $1677.50
February 23, 2024 Register for consideration of priority processing Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) applicants living in regional Queensland Migration Queensland invites Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) applicants living in regional Queensland and meeting the nomination criteria to register for attention of priority processing. Applicable applicants can register their details with Migration Queensland from Friday, 23 February – Tuesday, 27 February 2024. Required documents by applicants
  1. Documents must be ready to submit
  2. Currently should be living and working in regional Queensland
  3. Full-time ongoing employment in regional Queensland for a further six months at the time of EOI lodgement
  4. Meet all other Queensland nomination criteria for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
Additional notes:
  • This is for individuals who are truly interested in a 491 nomination. If you are nominated for a Skilled Work Regional 491 visa, Migration Queensland will not nominate you for the Skilled Nominated Permanent 190 visa.
  • Graduates of a Queensland university who meet the requirements of the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) are encouraged to register for priority processing.
  • This targeted campaign seeks expressions of interest for decision-ready applications for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Registering your interest does not guarantee a nomination, as places are still very limited, and the process is competitive.
  • If you are interested in a 491 nomination, this will be one of your final chances to be considered for nomination this program year.
  • It will be closed if your application does not meet Queensland criteria or the documents are not ready.
  • Migration Queensland continues to process other pathways within our skilled nomination allocation for the 2023 – 2024 financial year.
January 25, 2024 Australia to prioritize 2024 Student visas under Ministerial Direction 107 The Australian Government has signed a New Ministerial Direction 107 on December 14, 2023 and it prioritizes the student and student guardian visa applications. The Ministerial Direction outlines clear priorities for different sectors within the student and student guardian visa applications, and the top most priority is given to student visa applications registered outside Australia. Notably, secondary applicants will be given the same priority as the primary applicant. January 02, 2024 Australia Draws – State and Territory nominations 2023-24 program year In Australia, 8689 nominations were issued from State and Territory Governments from 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023.
Visa subclass ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) 454 966 234 505 830 370 1,722 913
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) State and Territory Nominated 407 295 243 264 501 261 304 420
Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) visa (subclass 188) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

New visa to be launched by Australia, to fill 800,000 job vacancies

Australia has introduced a new visa which is the “Skills in demand” visa, and will replace the Temporary skills shortage (Subclass 482) visa. This will address the labour shortage and will facilitate the workforce in the nation by allowing migrants to fill 800,000 job vacancies. The visa is valid for a four year term and provides a clear pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

Australia to launch New Skills in Demand Visa, to fill 800,000 job vacancies. Apply now!

December 18, 2023 

DHA Austalia issued 8379 Invitations 

The table below shows the number of invitations issued in the SkillSelect invitation round on 18 December 2023.

Visa subclassNumber
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)8300
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family-Sponsored79

December 14, 2023

Australian to process visas faster for candidates with high salary

Australian government is aiming on reducing the waiting times for candidates who received an employment offer with high salary. The visas will be processed faster on an average within a week for candidates with a salary of $135,000 or more under the new specialist pathway. This new initiative by the Australian government for processing visas faster will boost the budget by $3.4 billion over the next decade.

December 13, 2023

Australia implements new visa rules, will not affect Indian students

Australia has decided to narrow the visa rules for foreign students and planned on admitting only the right and well matched students. This move will not be affecting the opportunities for Indian studies as both the countries Australia and India are protected under the Australia-India Economic Corporation and Trade Agreement.

Did you know that the new Australia immigration & visa rules are not going to impact Indians.

December 01, 2023

ACT Invitation round, November 2023

On 27 November 2023, ACT invitation round took place issuing invitations to Canberra residents nominating small business owners, 457/482 visa holders, critical skill occupations, and for overseas applicants in critical skill occupations. The next round will take place before 5 February 2024.

November 14, 2023

NSW’s new enhanced and clear pathways for nominations

NSW introduced more streamline and clear pathways for nominations and has updated the procedures for Skilled Work Regional visa under two primary pathways which are direct application (pathway 1) and Invitation by Investment NSW (pathway 2). The government is aiming to start accepting the pathway 1 direct applications and would initiate the invitations for pathway 2 in the near future.

November 14, 2023

WA State Nominated Migration Program draw

WA state nomination held draw on 14 November for visa subclass 190 and visa subclass 491.

Intending Visa Subclass

General stream WASMOL Schedule 1

General stream WASMOL Schedule 2

Graduate stream Higher Education

Graduate stream Vocational Education and Training

Visa subclass 190

300 invitations

140 invitations

103 invitations

75 invitations

Visa subclass 491

0 invitations

460 invitations

122 invitations

0 invitations

November 14, 2023

Migration Tasmania processing times and nomination places; November 14

Migration Tasmania selection process is done on the basis of Registrations of Interest, with 30 invitations that are issued weekly only the most competitive ones are chosen for the nomination. The new plan is to provide outcome for applications within 10 days. 286 nominations have been used out of 600 places for Skilled Nomination visa, and 206 nominations have been used for Skilled Regional Work visa.

November 9, 2023

Migration Tasmania processing times and nomination places; November 9

Migration Tasmania selection process is done on the basis of Registrations of Interest, with 30 invitations that are issued weekly only the most competitive ones are chosen for the nomination. The new plan is to provide outcome for applications within 10 days. 274 nominations have been used out of 600 places for Skilled Nomination visa, and 197 nominations have been used for Skilled Regional Work visa.

November 9, 2023

11 new occupations are added by NT DAMA

NT DAMA II is extended by one year which is valid till 24 December, 2024, and increased the total eligible occupations to 135 by including 11 new occupations. The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold for selected occupations is reduced to $55,000 and the foreign workers will be eligible to be nominated for permanent subclass 186 visas after working 2 years of full time work in the NT.

November 08, 2023

Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Education Minister of India met Australian counterpart Jason Clare on Monday, and both countries signed an agreement of increasing student and faculty exchange programs. Minister said that the two countries have more than 450 tie ups and have agreed to conduct more research in areas like minerals, logistics, agriculture, renewal energy, healthcare, water management, and artificial intelligence.

November 2, 2023

Tasmania overseas applicants nominations

Tasmania will nominate you for Overseas Applicant pathway OSOP if you live outside of Australia and you hold a job offer from an employer in Tasmania. There is more possibility for nominations if you receive job offer in health or Allied health professions.

October 25, 2023

Details of the nominations in Skilled work Regional Subclass 490 visa; 2023-2024

The Government of Northern Territory has announced the details of the nominations for applications in the Skilled work Regional Subclass 490 visa for the year 2023-2024, starting from 23rd October, 2023. Applicants need to be aware of many changes that are made in the eligibility criteria; as for Exclusion of NT Graduates, NT Residents work requirement, and limited offshore priority occupation stream.

October 25, 2023

Migration Tasmania processing times and nomination places; October 25

Migration Tasmania selection process is done on the basis of Registrations of Interest, with 30 invitations that are issued weekly only the most competitive ones are chosen for the nomination. The new plan is to provide outcome for applications within 10 days. 239 nominations have been used out of 600 places for Skilled Nomination visa, and 178 nominations have been used for Skilled Regional Work visa.

September 29, 2023

The Skilled Migration State Nomination Program for 2023-2024 is now accepting eligible candidates in South Australia, featuring several updates from the previous fiscal year. South Australia Migration has adopted a Registration of Interest (ROI) system to effectively handle the overwhelming volume of applications, given the limited availability of nominations. There is a particular focus on prioritizing the retention of international graduates and temporary visa holders who are currently in South Australia. These industries include:
  • Trades and Construction
  • Defence
  • Health
  • Education
  • Natural and Physical Science
  • Welfare Professionals
September 27, 2023 NSW will focus on priority sectors rather than skilled occupation lists from now! NSW will focus on priority sectors rather than skilled occupation lists. As per the FY 2023-24, NSW will focus on the Target sector groups, which include the following:
  • Health
  • Education
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
  • Infrastructure
  • Agriculture
The Australian government plans to focus on key sectors, and the high-ranking EOIs submitted in non-priority sectors may also be considered based on the workforce demands. September 20, 2023 Canberra Matrix Invitation Round invites 285 applicants ACT held the Canberra Matrix Draw and issued 285 invitations on September 15, 2023. The details of the no. of invitations issued to Canberra residents and overseas applicants are given in the below table:
An Overview of the Canberra Matrix Invitation Rounds in September 2023
Date of invitations issued Type of applicants For No of. Invitations Issued Matrix scores
September 15, 2023 Canberra residents ACT 190 Nomination 55 90-100
ACT 491 Nomination 58 65-75
Overseas applicants ACT 190 Nomination 43 NA
ACT 491 Nomination 130 NA
September 16, 2023 WA State Nominated Migration Program Invitations issued to 487 candidates 
Intending visa subclass General stream Graduate stream Graduate stream
WASMOL Higher education Vocational education and training
​Visa subclass 190 302 150 35
Visa subclass 491 – – –
September 15, 2023 Queensland’s FY 2023-24 Program Update Queensland is accepting applications for its state nomination under the skilled migration program for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year. However, in FY 2023-24, the Department of Home Affairs allocated 1,550 skilled nominations. Invitation rounds will be held in September 2023 and continue every month, with capped invitations to maintain fairness. September 12, 2023 FY 2023-24 Victoria’s Skilled Migration Program is now open. Apply now! The 2023-24 program is now accepting applications from individuals residing in Victoria as well as those from abroad. This program offers skilled migrants a path to get a Permanent Residency in Victoria. One must file a Registration of Interest (ROI) to be eligible for a state nomination. On-shore applicants can apply for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), and off-shore applicants can apply for a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) in FY 2023-24. September 04, 2023 Australia’s Covid-era visa – Subclass 408  will no longer exist from February 2024 Australia’s Covid-era visa will be stopped from February 2024, the Aussie government announced recently. The Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said, “From February 2024, the visa will be closed to all applicants. This will provide certainty to our visa system now that the circumstances that drove the operation of the visa no longer exist.” August 31, 2023 Australia Immigration Plan Levels FY 2023-24 The 2023-24 Permanent Migration Program has a planning level of 190,000, emphasizing skilled migrants. The Program has an approximately 70:30 split between skilled and family visas.
Australia Immigration Plan 2023-24
Stream  Immigration numbers Percentage
Family stream 52,500 28
Skill stream 1,37,000 72
Total 1,90,000
*Partner and Child visa categories are demand-driven and not subject to a ceiling. Read more... August 25, 2023 Australian Visas for GPs program will cease on 16 September 2023 The “Visas for GPs” initiative will conclude on 16 September 2023, eliminating the need for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) employers to secure a Health Workforce Certificate (HWC). Starting from 16 September 2023, when employers in Australia intend to nominate IMGs for primary care roles, they will no longer need to include a HWC in their nomination submission. August 21, 2023 New amendments in immigration by Western Australian – Simplified Pathways for Skilled Migrants From July 1, 2023, the Western Australian (WA) Government has introduced changes to the eligibility criteria for the WA State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP).
  • Implement an invitation ranking system treating both Interstate and Overseas candidates equally.
  • Prioritize invitations for candidates with occupations crucial to WA’s industry sectors, according to the WA State nomination invitation ranking system.
  • Lessen employment requirements for invitees from WA’s building and construction sector (based on WA State nomination Occupation lists).
  • The expected start of invitation rounds for 2023-24 is August 2023.
August 18, 2023 Australia Global Talent Visa assessment fee update The assessment fee for Australia Global Talent Visa for overseas applicants is $835 (excluding GST) and for Australian applicants it is $918.50 (including GST).

The Australian Department of Home Affairs recently announced that the processes have led to reductions in visa processing times across various categories. The processing time for Australian Student Visas has been reduced to 16 days. The earlier processing time was up to 49 days. The Temporary Skilled Shortage 482 visas are now processed in 21 days.

August 01, 2023

List of courses revealed for students to receive extended Australia post-study work rights

There are over 3,000 eligible courses available for International graduates who have enrolled in these courses can get an additional two years added to their Temporary Graduate visa. 

July 30, 2023

A new fee of $3,374 for AAT migration review applications will be applicable from July 01, 2023

From 1 July 2023, the application fee for review of a migration decision under Part 5 of the Migration Act 1958 increased to $3,374.

July 26, 2023

Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement

Australia and India have established a significant Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA), setting a new precedent for cooperation on migration matters. The MMPA reconfirms the currently available visa options that enable movement and migration between the two nations – covering students, visitors, business individuals, and other professionals – and introduces a fresh mobility pathway. This new route, known as the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES), is designed specifically for Indian graduates and early-stage professionals.

July 14, 2023

Canberra Matrix Invitation Round: 14 July 2023

ACT Invitation Round held on 14 July 2023 issued 822 invitations.

Canberra residents190 nominations491 nominations
Matrix nominating Small Business Owners18 invitations 6 invitations
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders 8 invitations 3 invitations
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations 138 invitations88 invitations
Overseas applicants
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations 299 invitations262 invitations

 

June 23, 2023

Subclass 191 Visa Application fee increase effective from 1st July 2023

Subclass 191 Permanent Residence Regional – if applications for the SC 191 visa can be made by both primary and secondary SC 491 visa holders. The regulations do not stipulate that a primary applicant for a subclass 191 visa must have been either the primary or secondary applicant in the provisional visa application. Therefore, a subclass 491 visa holder can apply for a subclass 191 visa if they meet the relevant requirements, regardless of whether they were granted the subclass 491 visa as the primary or secondary applicant.

Subclass Visa TypeApplicantFee Effective from 1st July 23 Current visa fee
Subclass 189Main ApplicantAUD 4640AUD 4240
Applicant above 18 yrsAUD 2320AUD 2115
Applicant below 18 yrsAUD 1160AUD 1060
Subclass 190Main ApplicantAUD 4640AUD 4240
Applicant above 18 yrsAUD 2320AUD 2115
Applicant below 18 yrsAUD 1160AUD 1060
Subclass 491Main ApplicantAUD 4640AUD 4240
Applicant above 18 yrsAUD 2320AUD 2115
Applicant below 18 yrsAUD 1160AUD 1060

 

June 03, 2023

India and Australia’s New Pact promises new work visas

Last week India and Australia signed a mobility and migration partnership pact. This partnership opens up many opportunities for educational researchers, students, and business people. This new scheme offers Indian graduates who have gained their education from any Australian tertiary institute on a student visa they can easily apply to pursue professional development and work in Australia. They can apply without any visa sponsorship for up to eight years.

May 23, 2023

Australia announced expanded Pathways to PR for Subclass TSS Visa Holders

Australian government increased Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold to $70,000. This is applicable from 1st July 2023. Temporary Residents Transition pathway of subclass 186 visa will be open to all TSS visa holders till end of 2023.

Australia increased Temporary Skilled Income Threshold to $70,000 and expanded TR to PR pathways

May 17, 2023

Australian to scrap Covid visa. What do Indian temporary workers and students need to do?

The Australian Government to scarp Covid work visa. Indian students and temporary workers with COVID visas in Australia can stay till December 31, 2023. International students working in the aged care sector will be exempted from this cap until December 31, 2023.

May 16, 2023

Australia invited 400,000+ overseas immigrants till date in FY 2022-23 

Australia’s net overseas immigration level crossed 400,000, which is more than double compared to the immigration plan for FY 2022-23. The country might invite more candidates as it has 800,000 job vacancies.

May 04, 2023

Australia announced ‘Direct citizenship pathway for New Zealanders from 1 July 2023’

​From 1 July 2023, New Zealanders living in Australia for four years are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship directly. They no longer need to apply for an Australia PR visa to get citizenship.

May 02, 2023

Changes in Australia’s Immigration Policy: New Visas and Regulations for 2023-24 

Australian Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil has released the long-awaited review in its immigration policies. Many changes will be taking place like increasing of the salary threshold for immigrants, all the skilled temporary workers will get to apply for Australia PR, introduction of immediate graduate visa for international students, etc.

Changes in Australia’s Immigration Policy: New Visas and Regulations for 2023-24

April 1, 2023

1,800 Indian chefs and yoga instructors to receive 4-year visas under the Australia-India treaty

India Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) took effect on March 30. Under this agreement, 1,800 Indian chefs and yoga instructors will be allowed to live, work and stay in Australia for up to 4 years. It is expected to magnify India-Australia bilateral trade from $31 billion to over $45-50 billion in 5 years.

1,800 Indian chefs and yoga instructors to receive 4-year visas under the Australia-India treaty

March 08, 2023

‘Indian Degrees will be recognized in Australia,’ Anthony Albanese

The Australian prime minister announced a scholarship for Indians to study in Australia after the “Australia-India Education Qualification Recognition Mechanism” program was finalized between India & Australia. The commercial opportunities offered by Australian education give Indians a more convenient and innovative education system for Indian students. The Deakin University of Australia plans to set up a foreign branch in the GIFT city of Gujarat, India.

‘Indian Degrees will be recognised in Australia,’ Anthony Albanese

March 07, 2023

New GSM Skills Assessment policy accepts 60-day invitation period. Apply now!

Australia has announced new policies for candidates in the skilled migration category. The government of Australia has announced changes in the immigration policies for candidates in the Skilled Migration category. As per the update, the candidates will be eligible to apply for visas through the category of General Skilled Migration if they have a skill assessment report of their nominated occupation. They are required to apply under 60 days of being issued the invitation to apply for the visa.

New GSM Skills Assessment policy accepts 60-day invitation period. Apply now!

March 06, 2023

New Zealand launches ‘Recovery Visa’, eased policies for overseas professionals

Recovery Visa has been introduced by the New Zealand government to accelerate the entry of overseas specialists who can help to recover the country from the current weather-related disasters. A Recovery Visa is a New Zealander visa to enable skilled workers to enter the country immediately and support the on-going tragedy in different ways like, direct recovery support, risk assessment, emergency response, infrastructure and housing stabilization and repair, and clean-up.

March 03, 2023

Australia and India signed a framework for easy immigration paths for professionals & students. Apply now!

India and Australia signed an agreement to recognize the qualifications to ease mobility for international professionals and students. India and Australia signed an agreement at the 2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit held on March 21, 2022. The agreement is a comprehensive mechanism for the reciprocal recognition of qualifications. It will help streamline the mobility of professionals and students in India and Australia.

February 22, 2023

Canberra Matrix draw issued 919 invitations on February 22, 2023

Australia held its 3rd Canberra Matrix and issued 919 invitations. The draw was held on February 22, 2023, and candidates were invited to apply for ACT Nominations. The invitations were issued to Overseas applicants and Canberra residents under Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas. The details can be found in the table below:

Type of residents Occupation group Under nomination Number of candidates invited Points
Canberra Residents Matrix nominating Small Business Owners 190 nominations 24 75
491 nominations 1 70
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders 190 nominations 7 NA
491 nominations 1 NA
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations 190 nominations 322 NA
491 nominations 156 NA
Overseas applicants Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations 190 nominations 13 NA
491 nominations 395 NA
Canberra Matrix draw issued 919 invitations on February 22, 2023 February 24, 2023 International grads can now work in Australia for 4 years with the extended Post Study Work Permit Australia will introduce cap on working hours for international students from July 1, 2023. The working hours for students will increase for 40 hours to 48 hours per fortnight. This cap will help the students to support themselves financially by more earnings. Work restrictions on student visas were removed in January 2022 so that students can work for 40 hours each fortnight. This cap will come to an end on June 30 and new cap will come into effect from July 1, 2023. The post study work rights will be extended by two years on their Temporary Graduate Visa. Extensions for other degrees can be found in the table below:
Degree Extension in post degree work rights
Bachelor 2 to 4
Masters 3 to 5
Doctoral 4 to 6
January 23, 2023 Second Australia Canberra Draw in 2023, invited 632 candidates Australia held its second Canberra Matrix draw in 2023, in which 632 candidates were invited to apply for ACT nomination. The cut off score for this draw was between 65 and 75. Candidates can later apply for Australia PR after residing for some years in the country. The invitations were issued to Canberra residents and Overseas Applicants through the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas. The details of the draw can be found in the table below:
Type of residents Occupation group Under nomination Number of candidates invited Points
Canberra Residents Matrix nominating Small Business Owners 190 nominations 9 75
491 nominations 3 65
Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders 190 nominations 1 NA
491 nominations 0 NA
Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations 190 nominations 200 NA
491 nominations 99 NA
Overseas applicants Matrix nominating Critical Skill Occupations 190 nominations 17 NA
491 nominations 303 NA
The total number of invitations issued to Canberra residents and overseas applicants can be found in the table below:
Immigrants Number of invitations
Canberra Residents 312
Overseas Applicants 320
The number of invitations issued under the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas can be found in the table below:
Visa Number of invitations
Subclass 190 227
Subclass 491 405
  January 13, 2023 Australia Canberra Matrix draw issued 734 invitations for ACT Nomination A recent Canberra Matrix draw held by Australia on January 13, 2022, invited 734 candidates to submit applications for ACT nomination. Canberra Residents and Overseas Applicants received the invitations. The cut-off score for this draw was between 70 and 85.
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