Since Australia has repeatedly changed its Minister for Immigration, immigration policies have also been in constant flux. In July of this year, the Australian Department of Home Affairs implemented the largest reforms in history to skilled migration, affecting EOI points tables, application requirements, occupation lists, and visa fees. These policy changes have caused anxiety for many skilled migration applicants. A careful analysis of these new policies reveals that some aspects are favorable to applicants, while others are not, inevitably leading to mixed reactions. The following are the detailed changes to the 2018 Australian skilled migration policy:
I. Favorable aspects of the 2018 Australian skilled migration policy
1. NAATI community language accreditation now accepts TOEFL scores
NAATI is the official Australian accreditation for translators and interpreters. Passing either the translation or interpreting exam grants 5 points toward the community language requirement. In addition to exams, one can also earn points by completing a NAATI-accredited course; however, many were previously unable to enroll due to English proficiency requirements. Under the new policy, NAATI now accepts TOEFL scores, allowing applicants to meet course requirements and easily earn those 5 points upon completion.
2. Reduced EOI invitation rounds, increased quota
The 189 skilled migration invitations have been adjusted from twice a month to once a month, with the selection date set for the 11th of each month. Although the number of invitation rounds has decreased, the total number of invitations has increased significantly compared to the previous fiscal year, with 1,000 spots allocated. Overall, even if the EOI entry score rises, the increase in the quota means that the selection score will inevitably decrease over time. It is recommended that everyone enters the pool as early as possible to secure their status.
3. Rapid progress for popular professions
On September 11, the Australian Department of Home Affairs issued the third round of 189 skilled migration EOI invitations for the 2018-19 fiscal year, with the majority of the 2,000 spots allocated to popular professions. However, the issue of "high scores" persists in popular professions; for example, accounting and auditing remain stable at 80 points, with 85 points securing an immediate invitation, while computer and engineering scores remain in the 70-75 point range.
II. Unfavorable aspects of the 2018 Australian skilled migration policy
1. Increase in EOI points threshold
1) Due to the high demand for Australian migration quotas, the points threshold has been raised: for many years, the entry score for Australian skilled migration was 60 points. Effective July 1, the base scores were raised to 65 points for the 189 visa, 60 points for the 190 visa, and 55 points for the 489 visa. This is one of the most significant changes in recent Australian immigration policy and is undoubtedly a shock to many.
2) Strategies for coping with the increased points threshold: For some applicants who have just reached 60 points, there are still ways to quickly accumulate the necessary points. For example, achieving higher IELTS or PTE scores can add 10-20 points; if a spouse meets the eligibility criteria, submitting a joint application can add 5 points; and for specific professions such as IT, engineering, and accounting, points can be earned through a Professional Year program.
2. Stricter age limit for spouses
Previously, if an applicant's spouse was under 50, they could receive 5 bonus points from their spouse's skills assessment. However, as of July 1, the spouse must be under 45 to qualify for these points.
3. Victoria tightens state nomination application policy
1) Cancellation of the 457 visa holder category: The 457 visa was a temporary work visa designed to bring talent or skilled workers to local businesses. Applicants could apply for the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme after working in Australia for two years, but as of September 10, there is no longer a separate application pathway for 457 visa holders.
2) Standardization of processing times for PhD graduates: Previously, PhD graduates enjoyed priority processing. This has now been cancelled, and the processing time has been adjusted from the previous 2 weeks to 12 weeks.
3) Applicants in ICT-related, architecture, engineering, and nursing-related professions can only use the "Invitation Only" pathway.
The 2018 changes to Australian skilled migration policy are a mix of good and bad news. With the new Australian Prime Minister and Minister for Immigration in office, there will be greater focus on immigration, and the overall attitude is expected to be positive. Friends who have not yet obtained their green card need not panic; the road ahead is long, and steady progress in accumulating your points is the key to success.