482/494 visas: PMSOL for priority processing and travel exemptions; stronger labour market testing

482/494 visas: PMSOL for priority processing and travel exemptions; stronger labour market testing

A new Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) was announced today that sees priority processing and likely travel exemptions for visa applicants nominated for certain medical professional, construction, and IT occupations. Additional labour market testing on the government’s Jobactive website is required from tomorrow.

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189/491 visas: “Targeted” invitation rounds for May 2020 and June 2020 due to COVID-19

189/491 visas: “Targeted” invitation rounds for May 2020 and June 2020 due to COVID-19

The much-anticipated May 2020 and June 2020 invitation rounds have finally been published by the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs). While there has been an increase in invitations issued from the dismal April 2020 round, the goalposts have been moved from highest points first to a “targeted” invitation system due to COVID-19.

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Australia’s permanent migration places remain at 160,000 for 2020-21…for now

Australia’s permanent migration places remain at 160,000 for 2020-21…for now

The Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) has released an FAQ to confirm among other things that the number of permanent migration places allocated for this program year (2020-21) is the same as for the last program year. This is not set in stone and is likely to change when the Federal Budget is handed down in October.

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491/190 visas: 2019-20 state and territory nomination ceilings revealed

491/190 visas: 2019-20 state and territory nomination ceilings revealed

Two Freedom of Information (FOI) requests reveal exactly how many nominations each state and territory is allocated for the 2019-20 migration program year. These nominations are for the much sought after General Skilled Migration permanent Subclass 190 - Skilled – Nominated visa and provisional nominated Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa.

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