If you have heard about Australia’s new visa changes (16 November 2019) and you are not sure how they affect you, then you have come to the right place.
In this 1st part, we present to you, the confirmed skilled visa changes.
Part 2 explains the changes from the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187 visa) to the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494 visa). The link can be found at the end of this article.
So here goes:
A. New Partner Points For ALL Skilled Visas (189, 190 & 491)
- 10 points for a skilled partner (spouse/de-facto)
- Partner must have an occupation on the same list as you; and
- Partner must have a positive skills assessment; and
- Partner must be below 45 in age
- 10 points for single applicants OR if partner is Australia citizen/PR
- 5 points for a partner with “Competent English”
- 6 in all bands of IELTS; OR
- 50 in all bands of PTE
B. Old 489 Visa Versus New 491 Visa
In addition to the above partner points, here are the changes from the old 489 visa to the new 491 visa:
| CRITERIA | OLD 489 VISA* | NEW 491 VISA |
| Specialist educational qualification (Science, Tech, Engineering & Mathematics completed in Australia for at least 2 years) | 5 Points | 10 Points |
| Regional state or family member sponsorship | 10 Points | 15 Points |
| Duration Of Visa | 4 years | 5 years |
| PR Pathway | After 2 years | After 3 years** |
*Note: As of 16 Nov 2019, you can no longer submit EOI for a 489 visa. Regional states have started accepting nomination applications for 491 visas.
**Note: Can apply for PR under 191 visa after living in regional Australia for 3 years AND must have earned the minimum income of $53,900 for at least 3 years
C. Our Predictions
So, how are these changes going to affect everyone?
Simply put, single applicants get 10 points more without requiring any effort. Hurray!
On the other hand, applicants who intend to include their partners will be on the losing end UNLESS:
- They claim the 10 points by getting a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the same list and;
- They claim the 5 points for English
Therefore, those who lose out the most are applicants with unskilled partners.
Of course, we will have to wait for the release of the next invitation round to know how many points are needed to get an invitation. Check on Skillselect!
D. Conclusion
With such frequent law changes, you should always seek professional advice immediately in order to stay ahead of your competition(so that you can get an invitation ASAP).
Also, with our experience, we can recommend the best pathway based on your situation, preferences and even budget.
Finally, we know that migration matters can be stressful and costly, so you must get it right the first time.
Let us help by getting in touch right away!
PS: Part 2 explains the changes from the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187 visa) to the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494 visa). Click here to read more!
