Skilled Migration Australia

Home Affairs updated their Skilled Migration Occupation Ceiling quota recently.  The skilled migration occupation ceiling affects applicants wishing to apply for a permanent subclass 189 visas. 

Occupation ceiling values are based on a percentage of stock employment figures for each occupation. Stock employment figures are provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and represent the number of people employed in Australia in each occupation.  It is worthwhile mentioning that occupation ceilings do not apply to 190 State/Territory Visas.

The following occupations are given the highest priority by the Department:

Registered Nurses - 17,322

Electricians - 9,303

Carpenters and Joiners - 8,372

Secondary School Teachers - 8,480

Software and Applications Programmers - 7,271

Metal Fitters and Machinists - 6,989

Motor Mechanics - 6,099

Civil Engineering Professionals - 3,510

Accountants - 3,753

Management consultant - 3,894

Livestock Farmers - 4,841 

Construction Managers - 5,982

The process of receiving an invitation for General Skilled Migration somewhat complex process given the there is no information published regarding ranking of applicants who file their expression of interest. The highest ranked clients by points score are invited to apply for the relevant visa. For applicants who have equal points scores, the time at which they reached their points score for that subclass (referred to as the date of effect) determines their order of invitation. Expressions of Interest with earlier dates of effect are invited before later dates.

The second round of invitations was issued on 11 August. Whilst slightly lower in comparison to last year’s August intake, there were a total of 2490 Skilled Independent Visa Invitations issued and a total of 10 Subclass 489 Skilled Regional Invitations issued.

Skills select first allocates places available to subclass 189 visas followed by provisional regional subclass 489 visas.  The current points cut off for subclass 189 visa is 70.  Provisional regional 489 visas points cut off is 80.

There is current no information available on any states or territories issuing subclass 190 nominations for the new financial year.

Key2VisasSummary

Home Affairs will continue to issue invitations for General Skilled Migration visas once a month.  Therefore, applicants with pending visa expiry who are in Australia may benefit from applying for another visa as an interim solution to remain in Australia whilst their expression of interest is processing. 

Contact one of our consultants today to discuss your circumstances.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case specific information or advice, please contact  Key2visas

Training Visa - Subclass 407

Restrictions around sponsored subclass 482 visas is forcing migrants to look at alternative visa options to remain in Australia.  These options may include subclass 407, Training Visa.

Subclass 407 visa aims to promote international goodwill by allowing Australian organisations to sponsor persons to travel to Australia to participate in occupational training activities, including classroom-based professional development activities. Whilst the visa is not designed to fill labour shortages and is, therefore, not an appropriate visa for persons whose sole intention is to undertake work. However, it does allow the visa holder to undertake occupational training with a sponsoring organisation that is consistent with the purpose of the visa granted.  This type of training may lead eligibility for another visa at a later date such as sponsored subclass 482 visa.

Briefly, subclass 407 visa allows persons who want to improve their occupational skills through participation in training in Australia with an Australian organisation, government agency or foreign government agency, including:

• training in the workplace that is required to obtain registration to be employed in the occupation of the visa applicant; or
• a structured workplace training programme tailored to enhance the existing skills of the visa applicant in an eligible occupation; or
• training programme that promotes capacity building overseas which includes the following subcategories:​

1. overseas qualification
2. government support
3. professional development

It is important to keep in mind that subclass 407 visa applicants must be sponsored by an organisation who is either an approved temporary activity sponsor.  An applicant is unable to apply for this visa without an employer.

Where a sponsoring organisation is not a Commonwealth agency, the sponsor is required to nominate the subclass visa applicant to undertake the proposed occupational training

Occupational training must be provided directly by the sponsor unless an exemption exists.

The duration of stay should be consistent with the training requirements of the visa holder and nomination type.  Generally, the visa is valid for a period of two years.

Key2visas Summary

There are currently over 90 visa subclasses available for applicants to travel to or remain in Australia.  The complexity of our immigration framework makes it important to determine the right visa type depending on the purpose of stay.  Subclass 407 visa is an excellent alternative to more complex visas such as subclass 482 (TSS Visa) as it allows less experienced migrants to gain further experience in order to qualify for skilled migration.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case specific information or advice, please contact Key2visas.

Retirement Visas Explained

Retirement Visas Explained

Until May this year, the Department of Home Affairs offered a temporary visa called, the Subclass 405/410 Visa aimed at self-funded retirees who have no dependents and wanted to live in Australia during their retirement years.  This visa enabled the applicants who are 55 years or older or allowed existing visa holders from this category holders with a set income of AUD$65,000 per year (or AUD$50,000 per year to live in a regional area).  Retirees who were able to demonstrate an investment were also eligible to make an application for this visa.  At the time the visa programme was available, the visa period was granted for four years with possibility of renewal.

Unfortunately, due to change of Australian laws earlier this year, this visa was closed to new applicants.

From 29 October 2018, the Government introduced a permanent visa option to 405/410 visa holders.  The pathway provides for certain holders or former holders of temporary retirement visas to obtain permanent residence in limited circumstances. The reason for this change is a response relating to concerns about the difficulties faced by retirees, including lack of access to health and other Government and community services, and disadvantage in relation to taxation and property issues faced by 405/410 visa holders.

Permanent Residence Options

To meet the requirements for permanent residence, an applicant must at the time of closure of this visa programme, was already a holder of a Subclass 405 (Investor Retirement) visa or a Subclass 410 (Retirement) visa.  In addition, the applicant must demonstrate that this was their first 405/410 visa application.

The retirees may apply for a Subclass 103 (Parent) visa or a Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent) visa. Retirees must apply in Australia, maintain adequate health insurance until the permanent visa is granted, and meet the relevant health, character and other public interest criteria for the grant of the permanent visa.

How we can help you

Key2visas offers immigration advice to diverse range of clients.  As part of our services, an experienced Senior Migration Agent will assess your eligibility, collate supporting documents and prepare your application to the highest standard.  If you currently hold a subclass 405/410 visa and would like to discuss your options to remain in Australia, please book a consultation with one of our Agents today.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case specific information or advice, please contact Key2visas

How Canada Student Visas for Indians have increased in last 5 years?

Canada Student Visas for Indians have increased phenomenally in the last five years. In 2017 around 75,000 Study Visas were offered by Canada to Indian students. It is projected that the numbers will reach 1, 25,000 in 2018.

The numbers of Indian students who are receiving the Canada Student Visas are increasing significantly year-on-year. The figures for 2016 were 52, 870, as quoted by the Hindu Business Line.

Sl no	Year	Numbers of Canada Student Visas approved for Indians
1.	2018	1, 25, 000*
2.	2017	75,000
3.	2016	52, 870
4.	2015	48, 730
5.	2014	39, 100

* Projected figures

India has emerged as the second largest source nation for Overseas Students in Canada. This is among 170 nations whose students arrive annually to the Maple Leaf Nation.

The increase in numbers of Indian students in Canada is a part of ongoing and larger trend. During the period 2008 to 2015, the population of overseas students in Canada enhanced by 92%. The figures reached 350,000 as per the Canadian Bureau for International Education. Especially noteworthy is the increase in the numbers of Indian students in Canada, said CBIE.

Toronto University officials have said that a 75% increase in enrollments of Indian students was witnessed in 2017 spring.

Canada has thus emerged as one among the top most sought-after hub for overseas higher education said the Expert.

The Top 10 Universities in Canada for Indian Students:

1. Toronto University
2. British Columbia University
3. University of McGill
4. University of McMaster
5. Montreal University
6. Alberta University
7. Waterloo University
8. Calgary University
9. University Dalhousie
10. University of Laval

Key2Visas offers a wide range of Visa and Immigration products as well as services for aspiring overseas immigrants and students including Student Visa for Canada, Work Visa for Canada, Canada Migrant Ready Professional Services for Express Entry Full Service, Canada Migrant Ready Professional Services for Express Entry PR Application,  Canada Migrant Ready Professional Services for Provinces, and Education Credential Assessment. We work with Regulated Immigration Consultants in Canada.