Are you considering applying for a skilled migration visa to Australia? If so, it’s essential to understand the latest developments in the application process.
Recently, the Department of Home Affairs in Australia made changes to its policies regarding the acceptance of skills evaluations. Now, applicants can submit their visa application even if their skills assessment was expired at the time of the invitation. This is great news for potential candidates who may have missed their chance to apply for a visa previously.
However, it’s important to note that a suitable skills assessment for their chosen occupation is still required for applicants for the following GSM visas that are points-tested: Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), Skilled Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 489), and Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491). The appropriate assessing authority for the applicant’s selected occupation must be contacted to obtain a skill evaluation, and this should be arranged well in advance of submitting the visa application.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that each assessing authority has its own policies, deadlines, and fees, and that the evaluation may take some time. Candidates are also ineligible to apply for a skilled migration visa if they receive a negative assessment result.
As an experienced immigration expert, I always advise clients to schedule their skills evaluation before they plan to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. This way, they can ensure that they have a valid skills assessment at the time of invitation to apply.
In conclusion, it’s essential to stay up to date with the latest changes in immigration policies and procedures. With the right skills assessment and proper planning, you can increase your chances of successfully obtaining a skilled migration visa to Australia. As always, it’s important to seek advice from qualified professionals to ensure that you are making informed decisions.