Did you know that skilled visa applications are now prioritised according to a different set of criteria? From 28 October 2022, the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List has been removed and replaced by the new Ministerial Direction Number 100. This Direction aims to reduce the number of priorities, which will in turn increase efficiencies and reduce visa processing times.
Exciting! Is my visa application eligible to receive priority processing?
The Direction applies to new and pending applications in the following visa subclasses:
• 124 Distinguished Talent
• 186 Employer Nomination Scheme
• 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
• 188 Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional)
• 189 Skilled – Independent
• 190 Skilled – Nominated
• 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)
• 457 Temporary Work (Skilled)
• 482 Temporary Skill Shortage
• 489 Skilled – Regional (Provisional)
• 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
• 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
• 858 Global Talent
• 887 Skilled – Regional
• 888 Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent)
What are the new skilled visa processing priorities?
Skilled visa applications are now priority processed per the following order:
• Healthcare or teaching occupation visa applications.
• Employer sponsored visa applications where the applicant is nominated by an approved Accredited Sponsor.
• Designated regional area occupation visa applications.
• Permanent and provisional visa applications that count towards the migration program, excluding the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional)(subclass 188) visa.
• All other visa applications according to date of lodgement.
Priority will be given to eligible passport holders. Permanent and provisional skilled visa applications (e.g. subclasses 190 and 491) will also be prioritised where the primary applicant is located outside Australia at the time the visa application is lodged, thereby helping small businesses that are seeking to hire skilled overseas workers.
What are the occupation groups being prioritised?
The following ANZSCO occupation groupings are now on the priority processing list:
• 134311 – School Principal
• 241 – School Teachers
• 25 – Health Professionals
• 411 – Health and Welfare Support Workers
• 1341 – Child Care Centre Managers
• 2346 – Medical Scientists
• 2721 – Counsellors
• 2723 – Psychologists
• 2725 – Social Workers
• 3112 – Medical Technicians
• Designated regional occupations
o 421111 – Child Care Worker (Group Leaders Only)
o 423111 – Aged or Disabled Carer
o 423312 – Nursing Support Worker
o 423313 – Personal Care Assistant
Is there anything else I should know about?
The Department of Home Affairs has emphasised that a complete application should be lodged with all supporting documents attached as soon as possible – this is something we already do for all our clients! A decision may then be made on the visa application without a request for further documents.
I understand, so how can I fulfill my dream of staying on in Australia?
We will be more than happy to assist you! Just get in touch with our friendly team via our website. Once you do that, sit back and relax as we guide you through the entire process of applying for the relevant visas!