In the past few weeks, some Australian states and territories have opened for state nomination with limited places. There is a big focus on nominating applicants with 'critical skills' to help Australia's economic recovery post-COVID.

Critical Skills

In the past few months, there has been a lot of reference to 'critical skills' to contribute to Australia's post-COVID recovery. While occupations may vary, critical skills typically fall within one of the following:

• critical or specialist medical services:
  • air ambulance
  • medical evacuations
  • delivering critical medical supplies
• skills to maintain the supply of essential goods and services:
  • in medical technology
  • critical infrastructure
  • telecommunications
  • engineering and mining
  • supply chain logistics
  • agriculture
  • primary industry
  • food production
  • and the maritime industry
• in sectors critical to Australia’s economic recovery:
  • financial technology
  • large scale manufacturing
  • film, media and television production
  • emerging technology
• critical skills in religious or theology fields

Click here to learn more about what 'critical sectors' mean and what visas may be relevant for those working in critical sectors.

The Australian Government has announced a new Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) of 17 occupations that will be given priority and will be processed faster than other occupations.

2020-21 Occupation Ceilings

Unfortunately the occupation of accountants have been reduced to 1,000 places for 2020-21. However, there are increased opportunities for the following occupations:

• Construction managers
• Engineering managers
• Mechanical & production
• Early childhood workers
• Special school teachers
• University lecturers

State Nominations

Click here to learn more about the current state/territory nomination criteria.

Move to South Australia

Immigration SA has now rebranded to 'Move to South Australia'. South Australia also has a new process for state nomination applications.

Learn more about the new process by clicking here.

5 Year Visa for Hong Kong Passport Holders

International students and subclass 482 visa holders from Hong Kong will be eligible for a 5 year visa.

Click here for more information.

Global Talent Visa

The GTI visa is still being processed and has not slowed down. The Australian Government recently announced the creation of a Global Talent Taskforce to attract global talents to Australia.

There seems to be bigger opportunities for the GTI visa in this migration program year. Click here for the latest update on the GTI visa.

Do you need help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.