SkillSelect Update –

SkillSelect Update
The Department of Home Affairs has just released their first Skill Select Invitation Round data for the new migration year 2018/2019. Among this is advice that subclass 189 and 489 family sponsored invitations will be issued once on the 11th of each month. This is a change from last year when invitations were issued every two weeks.
Invitation numbers have increased
In good news, Invitations for 189 occupations have increased by almost 40 percent from 600 places per month to 1000 places per month.
Point scores for non pro-rata occupations have decreased
The points score for non-pro rata 189 has also decreased to 70 points, down from 75 points at the end of last program year.
A person who has lodged an Expression of Interest for a 189 non pro-rata occupation can expect to wait approximately 4 months for an invitation if they have reached 70 points.
489 Family Sponsored visas
There is no change to 489 family sponsored applications.
Invitations for this subclass remain at 10 per month, requiring a point score of 80.
Most of the pro-rata occupations were invited in less than 4 weeks. It is possible these scores may drop in the upcoming rounds. We will be able to better gauge trends in the next few months.
Pass mark increased
The pass mark for all applicants increased from 60 to 65 on 1 July 2018.
That 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 190 and 489 regional?
The point score for most states and regions is still 65, including either:
5 points for state sponsorship
10 points for regional sponsorship
Some states such as Victoria and NSW places are competitive for some occupations and a higher point score may 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