187 and 489 visas to be replaced on 16 Nov 2019; new permanent 191 regional visa available from 16 Nov 2022; GSM points test changes

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187 and 489 visas to be replaced on 16 Nov 2019; new permanent 191 regional visa available from 16 Nov 2022; GSM points test changes

The regulations for the new regional visas have been written and will come into effect on 16 November 2019. From that date, Subclass 489 – Skilled - Regional (Provisional) visas will be replaced with the Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, and Subclass 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visas will also be replaced (except for transitional arrangements) with a provisional Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, which will be parachuted into the employer sponsored temporary work visa program.

Surprisingly, instead of two new visas, there will also be a third, the permanent Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, that will be available from 16 November 2022 for 491 and 494 visa holders who have held these visas for at least three years, complied with their visa conditions and meeting income requirements.

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Pre-election rush: DAMAs signed for Warrnambool, Orana, South Australia

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Pre-election rush: DAMAs signed for Warrnambool, Orana, South Australia

In what may be the last act by the current Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) were signed late last week for Warrnambool, Orana and South Australia. With an election looming, these agreements formalise negotiations between State and Federal Governments so local businesses can use Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage visas to fill critical skill shortages not covered by the standard business sponsor program.

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DAMA Day: Designated Area Migration Agreements - Two for SA, One for Kalgoorlie-Boulder in WA

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DAMA Day: Designated Area Migration Agreements - Two for SA, One for Kalgoorlie-Boulder in WA

Three new Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) of five years in duration were confirmed yesterday: two for South Australia and one for Kalgoorlie-Boulder in Western Australia. These agreements were made to arrest population decline and fill critical skill shortages not covered by the Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage visa program under a standard business sponsorship.

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Permanent migration slashed to 160,000; 186/187 visa numbers increasing; two new regional visas announced

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Permanent migration slashed to 160,000; 186/187 visa numbers increasing; two new regional visas announced

The much-rumoured new population policy and cut to Australia’s permanent migration was announced by the prime minister today. Permanent visa numbers will be cut from 190,000 to 160,000, however, for employer sponsored permanent visas, Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visas and Subclass 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visas, they will actually increase. Two new regional visas have been revealed along with a bonus year for Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate visas for international students who study at a regional university.

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