Unlocking the Mysteries of Skilled Visa Processing Priorities

Unlocking the Mysteries of Skilled Visa Processing Priorities

Are you considering applying for a skilled visa to work or live in Australia? Navigating the visa application process can be a complex endeavour, but understanding the processing priorities can give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

We'll break down the key aspects of skilled visa processing priorities, shedding light on the criteria that guide the order in which applications are processed by the department.

The Roadmap: Ministerial Direction No. 100

Skilled visa applications are not processed in a haphazard manner; instead, they follow a carefully defined set of priorities established by the Australian government. These priorities are detailed in Ministerial Direction No. 100. This directive outlines the specific processing priorities for various skilled visa categories, streamlining the process and ensuring fairness.

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Skilled Visa Categories Under Ministerial Direction No. 100

Several skilled visa categories fall under the umbrella of Ministerial Direction No. 100. These include:

- Subclass 124 (Distinguished Talent)

- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)

- Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme)

- Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment) (Provisional)

- Subclass 189 (Skilled - Independent)

- Subclass 190 (Skilled - Nominated)

- Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence - Skilled Regional)

- Subclass 457 (Temporary Work - Skilled)

- Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage)

- Subclass 489 (Skilled - Regional - Provisional)

- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional - Provisional)

- Subclass 494 (Employer Sponsored Regional - Provisional)

- Subclass 858 (Global Talent)

- Subclass 887 (Skilled - Regional)

- Subclass 888 (Business Innovation and Investment - Permanent)

Priority Sequence: The Processing Order

Skilled visa applications are meticulously sorted into different priority categories, ensuring that the processing aligns with specific criteria. Here's the sequence in which these applications are handled:

?1.????Healthcare or Teaching Occupations: Applications related to healthcare or teaching professions, such as health professionals and school teachers, take precedence. This recognizes the importance of these critical fields.

2.????Employer Sponsored Visas with Accredited Status: Applications for employer-sponsored visas where the applicant is nominated by an approved sponsor with accredited status are given special attention.

3.????Designated Regional Area Occupations: Applications tied to occupations intended for designated regional areas receive priority.?

4.????Migration Program Eligible Visa Applications: Permanent and provisional visa applications that contribute to the migration program fall into this category. However, the Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment - Provisional) visa is excluded. ?

5.????All Other Visa Applications: This is the catch-all category that encompasses all remaining visa applications.

It's important to note that within each category, priority is granted to holders of eligible passports and to visa applications where the primary applicant is outside Australia at the time of lodgement.

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The Spotlight on Healthcare and Teaching Occupations

A specific subset of occupations is designated as healthcare or teaching occupations. This includes roles such as various health occupations (registered nurses, medical practitioners), schoolteachers, health and welfare support workers, and more. This prioritization acknowledges the significance of these roles in Australia's economy and infrastructure.

For all other skilled visa applications, processing is based on the date of lodgment. This means that applications are handled in the order in which they were submitted.

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Employer Sponsored Applications

Importantly, Employer Sponsored applications follow a similar priority with nominations being prioritised in the following order:

1.????Nomination applications in relation to a healthcare or teaching occupation.

2.????Nomination applications lodged by an Approved sponsor with Accredited Status.

3.????Nomination applications in relation to an occupation to be carried out in a designated regional area.

4.????All other nomination applications.

Priority will be given to nominations that nominate applicants, or proposed applicants, for a visa who are located outside Australia at the time the nomination application is made.

Decision Ready Applications

At Gilton Valeo Lawyers, we endeavour to lodge decision ready applications for clients which assists to expedite the processing of a skilled visa application.?It's vital to submit a complete application along with all required supporting documents as early as possible.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the intricacies of skilled visa processing priorities can significantly enhance your journey towards working or residing in Australia. By aligning your application with the established criteria and providing complete documentation, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the process effectively. Remember, clarity on the path ahead can make all the difference in achieving your visa goals.

Gilton Valeo can answer your questions about Australia’s immigration system

As experts in Australian immigration, Gilton Valeo can guide you in identifying the best immigration pathways to bring people over to start your Australian office, provide you with strategic consulting along the way, and connect you with our partners to make sure everything goes smoothly.

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