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17 Jun 2021

Permanent Residency | How employer-sponsored visas will be prioritised in 2021-22

Over one year on from the start of the pandemic, the Government remains focused on the nation’s post-pandemic recovery.

One trend that has emerged is a priority for visas that drive economic growth and investment – including Employer Sponsored Visas for Permanent Residency in Australia.

Below we explore:

How the Government is prioritising Employer-Sponsored Visas 

How this impacts migrants without an employer sponsor

Which occupations received the most invitations for Independent Skilled Visas

Permanent Residency | How Employer-Sponsored Visas Are Prioritised

In 2021-22, there will be a continued focus on Government processing of Employer Sponsored Visas – particularly for Onshore applications given that Australia’s border is still closed except to essential travellers.

It is possible to apply from Offshore, but the applicant must meet a Travel Exemption to enter with a Temporary Visa.

Priority for Employer-sponsored Visas is being given to occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).

In late June 2021, 22 occupations were added to Australia’s Priority Skilled Migration List (PMSOL).

A total of 41 occupations are now listed on the PMSOL for access to priority processing and Inbound Travel Exemptions. Other occupations on the PMSOL are listed in our article here.

It is still possible to apply under other eligible occupations for Employer Sponsored Visas, however the above occupations receive priority.

Given that the Government is focused on processing Employer Sponsored Permanent Residency in Australia, here’s a summary of some of the main options.

*Eligibility for visa sponsorship options depend on your unique circumstances. 

What this means for Skilled Migrants Without an Employer Sponsor | Permanent Residency in Australia

A focus on processing Employer-Sponsored Visas results incontinued scarcity of 189 and 190 Independent Skilled Visa invitations compared to pre-pandemic years.

As you may know, under an Independent Skilled Visa, you must lodge an Expression of Interest, meet a points test and receive an invitation from the Government in order to apply.

While 189 Visa applicants only require an invitation by the Federal Government, 190 Visa applicants require nomination by a State / Territory Government in addition to this.

It seems invitations for Independent Skilled Visas are targeted to Health, Engineering and ICT occupations for Permanent Residency in Australia.

Several other occupation groups also received invitations – but at a rate of less than 20 invitations across Australia per month.

As stated on the Department of Home Affairs website, ‘The Government is closely monitoring visa and migration settings to ensure they are consistent with public health measures, are flexible and do not displace job opportunities for Australians’. 

You will notice many of the occupations are also on the PMSOL for an Employer Sponsored Visa.

Occupation trends were similar for the 190 Independent Skilled Visa, with the addition of Accountants, Cooks, Engineering Technologists, Mechanical Engineers and Resident Medical Officers.

Exceptionally skilled migrants may wish to consider the independent stream of the Global Talent Program as an alternative, as this program is a focus for visa processing in 2021-22. However, it appears the Department is still reviewing Expressions of Interest lodged in 2020.

It should be noted that the Global Talent Visa process is very competitive as it is designed to attract ‘the best and brightest’ to Australia for work in specific sectors.

Other opportunities may exist in the independent stream of the 491 Regional Skilled Visa, which is designed to alleviate broader skills shortages in regional areas.

It is also possible to apply for Independent Skilled Migration as a business owner.

Immigracious | Perth Migration Agents

For skilled permanent residency in Australia, a migrant generally needs:

An eligible Australian employer that is willing to sponsor (unless applying through Independent Skilled Migration)

The skills, experience and Australian-equivalent qualifications for an occupation on a relevant Skilled Occupation List

Competent English language skills

To be under the age of 45 – unless exempt (Employer Sponsored pathways only)

To meet health and character requirements including a police certificate

We hope this is helpful – you may also be interested in other articles:

The Federal Budget | Changes for Migrants in 2021-22

Australia’s Border Could Re-Open in 2022 | Updates

Should you require advice on your visa or travel exemption options, we encourage you to get in touch with Immigracious’ Registered Migration Agents.

Source:
Immigracious’ Registered Migration Agents
The Department of Home Affairs
The Migration Institute of Australia
Federal Budget Papers 2021


Sheila Woods

Posted by: Sheila Woods

A very experienced migration agent, Sheila has always been fascinated by this field. Her university degree thesis was on Australia’s post-war immigration history (and it earned her first-class honours).


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