Exciting Changes Coming Soon for Subclass 482 Visa Holders
The Australian Government has announced expanded pathways to PR for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) visa holders. Subclass 482 visa holders will also be eligible to apply for permanent residence (PR) after only two years.
What is changing?
1. STSOL occupations to also qualify for PR
Only occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) as well as ROL List are eligible for PR under the current regulations. However, from the end of the month, occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation list will also be eligible for PR.
2. PR after 2 years
Currently, Subclass 482 visa holders must work in a position with their sponsoring employer for three years before being eligible for nomination for PR. This requirement is changing, and Subclass 482 visa holders will be eligible for nomination after only two years.
3. Multiple Subclass 482 applications allowed
From the end of the month, the limit of two Subclass 482 applications per short-term stream visa holder ceases to exist. Subclass 482 visa holders will be allowed to submit three or more visa applications to extend their stay in Australia before applying for PR.
Why are the changes being made?
The Australian Government wants to attract the skilled workers Australia needs, retain skilled workers already in the country, and provide employers who sponsor these workers with more certainty.
These reforms follow the development of the Outline of the Migration Strategy and are in response to the Review of the Migration System 2023.
What skilled workers will benefit from the changes?
Skilled workers with occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) will be eligible for the positive changes announced by the Australian Government.
Some of the occupations on this list include:
- Poultry Farmer; Sales and Marketing Manager; Human Resources Manager; School Principal; ICT Project Manager; Hotel Manager; Photographer; Print Journalist; Financial Investment Adviser; Web Designer; Primary School Teacher; Retail Pharmacist; Nurse Educator; Web Developer; Baker; Florist; and Jeweller.
You can view all the occupations on the Australian Government’s website.
When are the changes coming into effect?
The changes to the Subclass 482 visa will apply to new applications lodged on or after 25 November 2023, subject to the approval of regulation changes.
Contact us today to apply for your Subclass 482 visa
Intergate Emigration’s team have assisted countless migrants to successfully apply for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) visas.
Let us do the same for you!
The first step is booking a consultation call with our licensed advisor Katrin Maja O’Flynn .
Katrin will determine your eligibility to apply for a Subclass 482 visa and discuss the best way forward. You’ll also get to ask any questions you may have about the immigration process. Our team will then work with you to compile and submit your visa application.
However, if you’d prefer to do your immigration yourself, you can purchase our Migration Report. This Report is specifically for skilled workers interested in immigration to Australia.
The Migration Report includes an eligibility assessment, visa information, and information about living in Australia. It also includes a free 30-minute consultation call with a licensed advisor.
Whichever route you choose, we look forward to speaking with you soon.
- Published in Australia
Canadian Express Entry Draws: October 2023
In October, the IRCC held four Express Entry draws. These draws took place on 10 October, and again each day from 24 to 26 October.
Express Entry Draw, 10 October
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 3,725
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 500
The IRCC did not specify a program for this Express Entry round, but it issued invitations to candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry Draw, 24 October
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 1,548
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 776
The IRCC issued invitations to candidates from the Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry Draw, 25 October
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 300
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 486
This draw was a category-based invitation round. Invitations were extended to eligible candidates with French language proficiency in the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Express Entry Draw, 26 October
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 3,600
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 431
This draw was a category-based invitation round. Invitations were extended to eligible candidates in healthcare occupations in the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
What is the Express Entry Draw?
Express Entry is an online system that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to manage immigration applications from skilled workers.
During Express Entry draws, IRCC selects candidates from the Express Entry pool and invites them to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
What is a CRS score?
All Express Entry candidates get a score out of 1,200, based on the four parts of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) formula.
IRCC invites the highest-ranking candidates from the Express Entry pool to apply for permanent residence.
Find out if you qualify to immigrate to Canada
The Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program are all managed through Express Entry.
Find out if you qualify for either of these programs by booking a consultation call with our regulated consultant, Nwando Oranye.
You’ll discover your visa options during the 30-minute consultation, and you’ll get to ask any questions you may have.
- Published in Canada
Canadian Express Entry Draws: September 2023
In September, the IRCC held five Express Entry draws. These draws took place on 19 and 20 September, and again each day from 26 to 28 September.
Express Entry Draw, 19 September
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 2,000
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 517
The IRCC did not specify a program for this Express Entry round, but it issued invitations to candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry Draw, 20 September
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 1,000
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 435
This draw was a category-based invitation round. Invitations were extended to eligible candidates in transport occupations in the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry Draw, 26 September
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 3,000
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 504
The IRCC did not specify a program for this Express Entry round, but it issued invitations to candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry Draw, 27 September
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 500
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 472
This draw was a category-based invitation round. Invitations were extended to eligible candidates with French language proficiency in the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry Draw, 28 September
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 600
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 354
This draw was also a category-based invitation round. Invitations were extended to eligible candidates in agriculture and agri-food occupations in the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Provincial Nominee Program.
What is the Express Entry Draw?
Express Entry is an online system that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to manage immigration applications from skilled workers.
During Express Entry draws, IRCC selects candidates from the Express Entry pool and invites them to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
What is a CRS score?
All Express Entry candidates get a score out of 1,200, based on the four parts of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) formula.
IRCC invites the highest-ranking candidates from the Express Entry pool to apply for permanent residence.
Find out if you qualify to immigrate to Canada
The Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program are all managed through Express Entry.
Find out if you qualify for either of these programs by booking a consultation call with our regulated consultant, Nwando Oranye.
You’ll discover your visa options during the 30-minute consultation, and you’ll get to ask any questions you may have.
- Published in Canada
Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa
On 13 August 2023, Immigration New Zealand announced three changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa that are coming into effect on 27 November 2023:
- The introduction of a ‘maximum continuous stay’ for all AEWV holders
- Longer visa length for people earning at least the median wage
- Longer visa length for eligible care sector workers
Let’s look at these changes in detail.
1. Introduction of a ‘maximum continuous stay’
From 27 November 2023, the maximum continuous stay on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will be five years for migrants paid at least the median wage.
That means eligible migrants can spend up to 5 years in New Zealand on one or more Accredited Employer Work Visas. To apply for another AEWV after five years, migrants must spend at least 12 months in a row outside New Zealand if paid:
- at the median wage or above, or
- below the median wage in a role other than meat and seafood processing.
Meat and seafood processing workers who earn below the median wage must spend at least four months outside New Zealand before applying for another AEWV.
Despite the regulation about candidates earning at least the median wage, Immigration New Zealand is also introducing maximum continuous stays for sectors exempt from paying the median wage.
| Role | Maximum Visa Length | Maximum Continuous Stay | Time You Must Spend Outside New Zealand |
| Roles paid at least median wage | 5 years | 5 years | 12 months |
| Care workforce sector roles paid the level 4 pay rate | 3 years | 5 years | 12 months |
| Care workforce sector roles paid the level 3 pay rate | 3 years | 3 years | 12 months |
| Construction and infrastructure sector roles paid below median wage | 3 years | 2 years | 12 months |
| Transport sector roles paid below median wage | 3 years | 5 years | 12 months |
| Seasonal snow and adventure tourism sector roles paid below median wage | 7 months | 5 years | 12 months |
| Tourism and hospitality sector roles paid below median wage | 2 years | 2 years | 12 months |
| Meat processing sector roles paid below median wage | 7 months | 7 months | 4 months |
| Seafood processing (onshore) sector roles paid below median wage | 7 months | 7 months | 4 months |
What about visa holders on a pathway to residence?
AEWV holders on a pathway to residence will be able to apply for another AEWV without spending 12 months out of New Zealand.
This could include, for example, if the visa holder meets the skills threshold – occupational registration, qualification, or income – but needs more time to complete their skilled work experience.
Immigration New Zealand has said that it’ll provide more information on recognised pathways to residence in the future.
Please note:
The maximum visa length of a role might differ from the maximum continuous stay. If the maximum visa length is shorter, any further AEWVs a migrant applies for can only be approved for up to the length of the maximum continuous stay.
For example, let’s say you’re a bus driver in the transport sector and you’re paid below the median wage. Your maximum visa length will be three years, but your maximum continuous stay is five years. You can thus get a 3-year AEWV, which is the maximum visa length. At the end of the three years, you can apply for a second AEWV – but the visa length can only be up to two years. That’s because your total maximum continuous stay is five years.
2. Longer visa length for roles paid at least the median wage
The AEWV’s maximum length is three years. That increases to five years from 27 November for all applications where the job or job offer is paid at least the median wage.
Existing AEWV holders can apply for another AEWV from 27 November 2023 to receive the balance of five years, provided they:
- have or had an AEWV approved before 27 November 2023, and
- have a job or job offer paying at least the median wage at the time of the application for another AEWV.
Migrants who have already spent 12 months outside New Zealand may be eligible for an AEWV for up to five years.
3. Longer visa length for eligible care sector workers earning below the median wage
The maximum length of an AEWV for care workforce workers paid below the median wage is increasing from two to three years. This change applies to all applications approved from 27 November 2023, where the job or job offer pays at least the level 3 pay rate.
This change will have the following advantages:
- You’ll have enough time to complete the level 4 qualification and move to the higher pay rate and pathway to residence if you earn at the level 3 pay rate. If you move to the level 4 pay rate, you’ll be able to apply for a further AEWV to get the maximum continuous stay of five years.
- If you earn at the level 4 pay rate, you’ll have enough time to apply for residence after you’ve completed the required two years of work experience.
Need help with your AEWV application?
Do you have an Accredited Employer Work Visa that you’d like to extend? Our licensed advisor can assess your eligibility to apply for a further AEWV and ensure that you’re ready to submit in November. Simply book a consultation call to get started!
- Published in New Zealand
Canadian Express Entry Draws: August 2023
In August, there were four Express Entry draws. These draws took place each day from the 1st to the 3rd of August and again on 15 August.
Express Entry Draw, 1 August
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 1,000
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 531
The IRCC did not specify a program for this Express Entry round, but it could issue invitations to candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry Draw, 2 August
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 800
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 435
This draw was a category-based invitation round. Invitations were extended to eligible French language proficiency candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry Draw, 3 August
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 1,500
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 388
This draw was a category-based invitation round for candidates in trade occupations. Candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program were eligible for this round of invitations.
Express Entry Draw, 15 August
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 4,300
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 496
The IRCC did not specify a program for this Express Entry round, but eligible candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Provincial Nominee Program could receive invitations.
What is the Express Entry Draw?
Express Entry is an online system that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to manage immigration applications from skilled workers.
During Express Entry draws, IRCC selects candidates from the Express Entry pool and invites them to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
What is a CRS score?
All Express Entry candidates get a score out of 1,200, based on the four parts of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) formula.
IRCC invites the highest-ranking candidates from the Express Entry pool to apply for permanent residence.
Find out if you qualify to immigrate to Canada
The Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program are all managed through Express Entry.
Find out if you qualify for either of these programs by booking a consultation call with our regulated consultant, Nwando Oranye.
You’ll discover your visa options during the 30-minute consultation, and you’ll get to ask any questions you may have.
- Published in Canada
TOEFL iBT Acceptance for Australian Visas Paused
On 26 July 2023, the Australian Department of Home Affairs announced that it is temporarily not accepting TOEFL iBT tests for Australian visa applications.
The pause is due to ETS, the organisation that conducts TOEFL, revising the TOEFL iBT test. The Australian government is reviewing the changes, and the test is unavailable during the evaluation.
At this stage, it’s unclear how long the review will take.
What is changing?
ETS (Education Testing Service) made changes to the TOEFL iBT test to optimise the test-taking experience for candidates. Test takers can expect the following from the enhanced test:
- Shortened TOEFL iBT test: The test will now take less than two hours to complete, as opposed to three hours previously, due to:
- Streamlined instructions and navigation throughout the test
- A new, more modern “Writing for an Academic Discussion” task, which replaces the previous Independent Writing task
- A shorter Reading section
- The removal of all unscored test questions
- Simplified registration process: Test takers can create an account and register for an available TOEFL iBT test date quicker and easier than before. In addition, more localised benefits, such as additional local payment options, will be available in select markets and expanded over time.
- Increased score transparency: Test takers will see their official score release date upon completion of the test, in addition to getting real-time notification of changes to their score status.
“ETS is driving the future of assessment through product innovations across education and learning, and TOEFL is core to that effort,” said Amit Sevak, CEO of ETS. “TOEFL has been an industry standard for nearly six decades, and these enhancements further underscore its position. Most importantly, these enhancements were developed through the lens of our customers and stakeholders — because they are our highest priority to serve.”
What about migrants who took the TOEFL iTB test before the pause came into place?
Migrants who took the old TOEFL iTB version on or before 25 July can rest assured that their test results will remain valid. Please speak to your licensed immigration advisor if you require more details.
Are the Department of Home Affairs still accepting other English proficiency test results?
The Department of Home Affairs still accepts these English proficiency test results:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Cambridge English (CAE), also known as C1 Advanced
- Occupational English Test (OET), for health professionals
To recap
The TOEFL iTB is on a temporary pause while Australia’s Department of Home Affairs reviews the enhanced test introduced by ETS, the organisation that conducts TOEFL. In the meantime, the Department of Home Affairs is still accepting all other English Proficiency Tests. Test results of migrants who took the TOEFL iTB before 26 July 2023, when the pause came into effect, will remain valid.
- Published in Australia
Canadian Express Entry Draws: July 2023
Canada held six Express Entry draws in July 2023. These draws took place each day from the 4th to the 7th of July and again on the 11th and 12th of July.
Express Entry Draw, 4 July
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 700
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 511
IRCC didn’t specify a program for this Express Entry round, but it could issue invitations to apply to the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry Draw, 5 July
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 500
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 486
The draw on the 5th of July was the second category-based invitation round. Invitations were extended to candidates in STEM occupations, and candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program were eligible for this round of invitations.
Express Entry Draw, 6 July
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 1,500
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 463
This draw was a category-based invitation round for candidates in healthcare occupations. Candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program were eligible for this round of invitations.
Express Entry Draw, 7 July
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 2,300
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 439
This draw was a category-based invitation round for candidates with French language proficiency. Candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program were eligible for this round of invitations.
Express Entry Draw, 11 July
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 800
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 505
IRCC didn’t specify a program for this Express Entry round, but it could issue invitations to apply to the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry Draw, 12 July
The results of the Express Entry Draw were as follows:
- Invitations issued: 3,800
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 375
This draw was a category-based round of invitations, with the category being French-language Proficiency. IRCC could issue invitations to apply to the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program through this Express Entry round.
What is the Express Entry Draw?
Express Entry is an online system that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to manage immigration applications from skilled workers.
During Express Entry draws, IRCC selects candidates from the Express Entry pool and invites them to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
What is a CRS score?
All Express Entry candidates get a score out of 1,200, based on the four parts of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) formula.
IRCC invites the highest-ranking candidates from the Express Entry pool to apply for permanent residence.
Find out if you qualify to immigrate to Canada
The Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program are all managed through Express Entry.
Find out if you qualify for either of these programs by booking a consultation call with our regulated consultant, Nwando Oranye.
You’ll discover your visa options during the 30-minute consultation, and you’ll get to ask any questions you may have.
- Published in Canada
Canadian Immigration News: June 2023
In June 2023, Canada announced a new healthcare immigration stream and a brand-new Express Entry invitation round for STEM professionals. Canada also extended its visa-free travel program to 13 more countries.
Please find the details below.
New immigration stream for healthcare workers
On 28 June 2023, the Canadian Government announced that it’ll hold a dedicated round of Express Entry invitations for healthcare workers to address the country’s severe shortage of healthcare workers.
Healthcare workers that are eligible for invitations include doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and optometrists.
The first round of invitations opened on the 28th of June and invited 500 healthcare workers to apply. A second round will invite 1,500 workers to apply, and will take place on 5 July 2023.
“In no sector is the labour shortage more prominent than in the health care sector. Today’s announcement will facilitate, fast-track, and streamline permanent residency applications and help improve health workforce recruitment efforts by bringing more qualified health professionals into Canada. In return, it will help patients get the timely quality care they need and deserve”, Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos said.
First-ever Express Entry invitations for skilled newcomers with STEM experience
Canada also announced on 28 June 2023 that its Express Entry system now provides a streamlined and efficient pathway for individuals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The first STEM round for category-based selection will open the week of July 5. This focus on STEM professionals will help Canada’s science and technology sector bring in the skilled talent that businesses need to drive innovation and achieve their growth potential.
Eligible occupations include, but are not necessarily limited to, data scientists, software developers and programmers, mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries, and electrical and electronics engineers.
“Canada’s ability to remain at the cutting edge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics depends largely on our country’s ability to recruit top talent from around the world. I’m excited to announce this STEM category-based selection round with my colleague, Minster Champagne, which will increase access to permanent residence for skilled workers with STEM experience. We look forward to welcoming these talented and innovative newcomers to our country”, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser said.
Eligible travellers from 13 more countries now qualify for visa-free travel to Canada
On 6 June 2023, Canada announced it’s extending visa-free travelling to 13 more countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Costa Rica
- Morocco
- Panama
- Philippines
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Seychelles
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uruguay
Travellers from these countries who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air. Individuals who already have a valid visa can continue to use it to travel to Canada.
Want to work in Canada in healthcare or a STEM field?
Book a consultation call with our regulated immigration consultant if you’re healthcare worker or STEM professional who want to live and work in Canada.
Our immigration consultant will assess your eligibility, advise on the process and costs involved, and you’ll get to ask any questions you may have.
- Published in Canada
Skilled Migrant Visa Changes Coming in October 2023
On 21 June 2023, New Zealand’s Minister of Immigration announced four upcoming changes to the Skilled Migrant Visa. These changes come into effect on 9 October 2023.
1. Simplified points system
The Skilled Migrant Visa is points-based. Under the current settings, migrants must score 100 points or more to lodge an Expression of Interest, and only migrants with at least 180 points who also meet all other requirements are selected to receive invitations to apply.
Migrants can claim points for:
- Their age
- Skilled employment in New Zealand
- Recognised qualifications
- Skilled work experience
- Their partner’s recognised qualification and/or skilled employment in New Zealand
Under the new settings, the points system is simplified and sets a clear skills threshold for residency.
From October, migrants must get 6 points to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Migrants will be able to claim points from:
- One of three skill indicators:
- New Zealand occupational registration, or
- Qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher), or
- Income from a job or job offer that’s at least 1.5 times New Zealand’s median wage.
- Skilled work in New Zealand
The following conditions will apply to how migrants can claim points:
- Migrants can only claim points from one of the three skill indicators.
- Migrants can claim one point for each year of skilled work in New Zealand, but only up to a maximum of 3 points.
- Migrants can combine points claimed from skilled work in New Zealand with points from one of the skill indicators.
Please also note the following:
- Migrants can use their occupational registration to claim points if it is on Immigration New Zealand’s list of eligible New Zealand occupational registrations.
- Migrants who want to use their skilled work experience in New Zealand to claim further points can only use experience they gained after getting their occupational registration.
- Migrants with qualifications from outside of New Zealand may need to get their qualifications assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
- Migrants with non-degree qualifications at NZQF Level 7 or below can no longer claim points under the new points system.
- The income skill indicator will replace the Highly Paid Residence Visa that was announced in 2022, meaning highly paid migrants will apply for the new Skilled Migrant Visa instead.
Summary of points system changes:
| CURRENT SYSTEM | NEW SYSTEM |
| Score 100 points or more to submit an Expression of Interest, and 180 points or more to receive an invitation to apply | Score 6 points |
| Claim points for: – Age – Skilled Employment in New Zealand – Recognised Qualifications – Skilled Work Experience – Partner’s Recognised Qualifications and/or Skilled Employment in New Zealand | Claim points for: – One of three skill indicators: New Zealand occupational registration, Qualification, Income – Skilled work in New Zealand |
2. Skilled job or job offer requirements
Under the current system, Skilled Migrant Visa applicants must have skilled employment or a job offer for skilled employment. This employment or job offer can be from any New Zealand employer.
From October, the skilled job or job offer must be from an accredited New Zealand employer. To be considered skilled employment, the job or job offer must be:
- At least 30 hours a week
- Either in an ANZSCO Level 1 to 3 occupation and paid at or above the median wage, or in an ANZSCO Level 4 to 5 occupation and paid at or 1.5 times above the median wage
- On a permanent contract or fixed-term contract for at least 12 months
Summary of employment change:
| CURRENT SYSTEM | NEW SYSTEM |
| Skilled job or offer of skilled job from any New Zealand employer | Skilled job or offer of skilled job from an accredited New Zealand employer |
3. No limit on the number of migrants who can get New Zealand residence
From October 2023, there won’t be a limit on the number of people who can get New Zealand residency under the Skilled Migrant Visa category. All migrants who meet the visa’s requirements and whose visa applications are accepted will obtain New Zealand residence.
4. A new Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa
Immigration New Zealand will grant a Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa to Skilled Migrant Visa applicants whose current temporary visa expires while Immigration New Zealand processes their application.
The Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa will enable visa holders to stay in New Zealand while their Skilled Migrant Visa application is processed. Migrants with Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visas will be able to travel in and out of New Zealand.
Further, any conditions that apply to the current visa will apply to the Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa, and Skilled Migrant Category Interim visa holders won’t be able to apply for another temporary visa.
The Skilled Migrant Category Interim will expire the soonest of:
- 24 months after its start date
- The date of residence approval
- The declining or withdrawing of the residence application, two months after Immigration New Zealand decided on the residence application.
Immigration New Zealand has stipulated that migrants who apply for the new Skilled Migrant Visa can also apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to stay in New Zealand.
Some migrants might prefer this route as it offers more certainty on how long they’ll be able to stay in New Zealand while waiting on the outcome of their visa application.
Some requirements aren’t changing
While the Skilled Migrant Visa is undergoing a lot of change in October, some requirements are remaining the same. Migrants must still:
- Be 55 or younger to apply for a Skilled Migrant visa
- Meet English language requirements
- Meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements
To summarise…
From 9 October 2023, the Skilled Migrant Visa will have a simplified points system. Under this system, migrants must get at least 6 points to apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa.
The points system will award points for New Zealand occupational registration, an eligible qualification, income from a job or job offer, and skilled work in New Zealand. However, migrants can only claim points for one of the first categories. The points for the chosen category can be combined with points for skilled work, though.
Furthermore, the job or job offer must be from an accredited New Zealand employer. Migrants who hold a visa at the time of applying for the new Skilled Migrant Visa will get a Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa when their visa expired. Migrants can also apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa instead to remain on a valid work visa in New Zealand.
Lastly, there won’t be a limit on the number of migrants who can get New Zealand residency. Considering this, please feel free to reach out to us closer to October to find out if you meet the requirements. While Immigration New Zealand isn’t setting a limit, all applicants must still meet the eligibility criteria.
- Published in New Zealand
Update: Australian State-Sponsored Visa Programs – June 2023
Thousands of migrants move to Australia each year through state sponsorship.
Several state-sponsored visa programs have recently undergone changes, and some programs have closed until the new financial year.
For these reasons, we wanted to summarise the status of Australia’s state-sponsored visa programs. Please find the details below.
Australian Capital Territory
- The next SkillSelect invitation round will be held before 14 July 2023.
- The ACT Nomination Guidelines have been updated:
- The eligibility criteria have been adjusted, and
- changes have been made to the Canberra Matrix.
- The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) has closed for this financial year.
New South Wales
- The state nomination program appears to remain open.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory has new offshore General Skilled Migration nomination criteria, including:
- Reduced work experience requirement – one year down from three years for most occupations
- More occupations added to the Priority Occupations Stream
- Expansion of the Family Support Stream to enable regional provisional (Subclass 489, 491 and 494) visa holders and those who hold bridging visas after having applied for regional permanent residency (Subclass 887 and 191 visas) to support family members who are applying for nomination
Queensland
- The state nomination program appears to remain open
South Australia
- General Skilled Migration Programs (Registration of Interest, Subclasses 491 and 190, 491 and 190 and the Business Innovation and Investment Program) closed to new applications on 8 June 2023. South Australia will:
- delete any applications that had commenced but weren’t lodged before 8 June 2023 from the system, and
- continue to assess existing applications that were lodged before 8 June 2023.
- Pending an allocation of Subclass 190 visa nominations from the Commonwealth Government for the 2023-24 program year, applicants who are assessed as eligible for Subclass 190 visa state nominations will receive a nomination in the upcoming program year.
Tasmania
- The state nomination program appears to remain open.
Victoria
- The Victoria state nomination program has closed to Registrations of Interest (ROI). Submitted ROI will continue to be assessed and selected for invitations to apply for Victorian visa nomination. If an ROI is withdrawn, applicants won’t be able to submit a new one until the 2023-24 program opens.
Western Australia
- The state nomination program appears to remain open.
Want to find out more about state sponsorship?
Book a consultation call with our licensed advisor if you want to know more about immigration to Australia through state sponsorship.
Our advisor can also assess you against its requirements to see if you can apply for one of the available work or business visas.
You’ll get all the details during your call and get the chance to ask any questions.
- Published in Australia