SkillSelect Update for August 2018
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By Josie Marr
Monday, 10 September 2018
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The Department of Home Affairs recently released data for the Skill Select Invitation round which took place on 11 August 2018.
This article compares these results to July and takes a look at how these changes may impact applicants.
The next invitation round is scheduled to take place tomorrow, 11 September 2018 however, we expect that information to be made available over the next few weeks.
Invitations
Again, we saw the number of invitations issued to visa applicant hopefuls increase.
2490 invitations were issued to prospective 189 visa applicants, up from 1000 last month, although the data also shows that people needed to score at least 70-75 points to be in with a chance.
10 invitations were sent to prospective 489 Regional Provisional visa applicants sitting on 80 points which has been no change from previous months.
Pro-rata occupations
Longer processing times applied to most pro-rata occupations that had a drop in point score whereas most of the pro-rata occupations that remained at the same point score continued to be processed in 4 weeks:
| Occupation ID | Occupation groups | Point score (July) | Date of effect | Point score (August) | Date of effect |
| 2211 | Accountants | 85 | 06/07/2018 | 80 | 15/03/2018 |
| 2212 | Auditors, Company Secretaries & Corporate Treasurers | 80 | 16/02/2018 | No change | 14/03/2018 |
| 2334 | Electronics Engineer | 75 | 16/06/2018 | No change | 19/07/2018 |
| 2335 | Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers | 75 | 19/06/2018 | 70 | 04/12/2017 |
| 2339 | Other Engineering Professionals | 80 | 27/06/2018 | 75 | 16/05/2018 |
| 2611 | ICT Business and Systems Analysts | 80 | 05/07/2018 | 75 | 07/04/2018 |
| 2613 | Software and Applications Programmers | 75 | 11/04/2018 | No change | 20/06/2018 |
| 2631 | Computer and Network Professionals | 75 | 11/05/2018 | 70 | 27/09/2018 |
Pass mark increased
Prospective visa applicants are reminded that the pass mark increased from 60 to 65 on 1 July 2018.
This means that people who do not have a minimum point score of 65 points will not be considered for the
189,
190, or
489
What options do you have if you have not reached the points score required?
State and Regional Sponsorship
State sponsorship is an exciting option for many clients who have not been able to reach the point score for occupations under the 189 pathway.
More occupation choices
While applicants for the 189 must have an occupation on the MLTSSL, states and regions may be able to sponsor for MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL occupations. This means that there may be a greater opportunity for a migration pathway by seeking state or territory sponsorship.
What is the point score for State 190 and Regional 489?
The point score for most states and regions is still 65, including either:
- 5 points for state sponsorship
- 10 points for regional sponsorship
However, some states such as VIC and NSW places are competitive for some occupations and a higher point score may still be required.
Other ways to increase your points
Additional points many be awarded in a number of ways including, but not limited, to:
- Increasing your level of English
- Higher education in Australia or overseas
- Years of work experience in Australia or overseas
- NAATI
- Professional Year
- Partner points
Conclusion
Whilst it is encouraging to see the points scores for invitation decrease and the number of invitations increase in some areas, legislative changes are continuing to be made to the
general skilled migration program and require close attention to detail. We strongly recommend prospective applicants to seek expert advice and guidance from a reputable
Registered Migration Agent or practicing solicitor that specialises in Immigration law.
If you would like to know more about how these changes impact you please
book a consultation with one of our advisors.
