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National Innovation Visa Free Assessment: https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/services/national-innovation-visa.html
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SCRIPT:
February Immigration News
February has been an eventful month in Australian immigration, bringing pressing questions and updates on visa policies and pathways. Many applicants and businesses have successfully secured visas, and we continue to monitor significant developments, including the next 189 invitation round, potential migration changes with the upcoming federal election, state closures for 190 and 491 visas, the future of the Significant Investor Visa, visa processing times, and what to do when a visa is expiring.
189 Visa Invitation Round: What to Expect
The federal government does not have a fixed schedule for 189 visa invitation rounds, but trends can be identified based on planning allocations and previous rounds.
Updates on the 186 Employer-Nominated Visa
The 186 visa remains one of the most sought-after pathways to permanent residency in Australia. Recent updates clarify the policy for applicants transitioning from a 482 visa to the TRT stream. Applications can now be lodged a few days before completing the two-year requirement to avoid the need for a new 482 visa. Additionally, time spent on bridging visas between two 482 visas can now count toward the two-year work requirement.
Federal Election and Migration Policy Changes
Some journalists predict that the federal election will take place on or before May 17. A change in government typically leads to policy shifts, including migration reforms. As soon as the government announces the election date, we will provide updates on potential impacts on immigration policy.
Significant Investor Visa (SIV)
States and Territory 190 and 491 Visas
QLD has used approximately 50% of its state nomination allocations and is prioritizing onshore 491 applicants. The 491 Small Business Owner program still has places available, though competition is high with 16,000 registrations of interest. In NSW, 491 Pathway 1 is now closed for new applications for this program year. The NT has suspended new EOI applications for both the 190 and 491 visas, having already received enough to fill their total allocation for 2024-25. The ACT held a skilled migration nomination invitation round on January 30, 2025, issuing 230 nominations for the 190 visa and 314 nominations for the 491 visa.
Why Are Some States Closing Their Nomination Programs?
State allocations this financial year have been limited, and some states have already filled most of their available places. The volume of EOIs received far exceeds the number of invitations states can issue. While EOIs remain in the system, most will not be invited. Those who have not received an invitation should consider other visa options, such as employer-sponsored pathways.
Employer-Sponsored Visa Updates and Salary Challenges
The new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) now includes Child Care Workers, allowing them to apply for the 482 or 186 visas. However, meeting the minimum salary requirement of AUD 73,150 remains a significant challenge.
Growing Interest in DAMA Agreements
DAMAs are regional labour agreements that provide flexibility in age, salary, and English language requirements for employer-sponsored visas, including the Subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas.
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