Changes for Australian Skilled and Family Visa Program

From 1st July 2017, Processing Fees are set to increase in line with the forecasted Consumer Price Index. Visa fees will be indexed annually from July 2017 onwards. A number of changes will be introduced to the Australian Skilled and Family Visa Program:

• Reduction of the Maximum Age: The maximum age for the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa applicant is set to be below 45 years.
• Revision of Skilled Occupation Lists: MLTSS and STOL occupation lists are likely to be reviewed and some flagged occupations, particularly in the engineering sector are likely to be removed.
• Limitation of Skilled Invitation Numbers: Occupations ceilings representing maximum numbers of invitations that can be issued to the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 and Skilled Regional Provisional Subclass 489 visa applicants will be introduced.
• State Sponsorship: Nominated Skilled State Migration programs will reopen. Many occupations are expected to be filled quickly so that applicants should to lodge their applications as early as possible.

Stay informed and contact us: 

Migration Agent