As alluded to in my last post, yesterday there were further positive and very exciting developments regarding offshore skilled visa applicants. This is largely because of the significantly successful national vaccine rollout, in which it is expected that the more than 80% of the national population will be vaccinated by the end of 2021.
Yesterday, South Australia announced a considerable increase of no less than 70 more occupations on their list for offshore applicants. Previously the list comprised about 30 post-covid recovery occupations but now that list has been made much longer.
In fact, many of the occupations which are now on the list had come off before, giving many applicants, who felt disheartened that they may have lost out on their dreams, renewed hope. For a look at the full list of occupations, please see this link - https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-09/70-offshore-occupations.pdf
Given the above changes, we are very pleased to say that several of our offshore clients who had previously finalised their skills assessments have proceeded to lodge a Registration of Interest (ROI) with the South Australian government seeking an invitation to apply for a skilled visa. As said, in some of these cases the clients were uncertain whether their occupations would indeed have positive prospects post-COVID.
I think what these changes do corroborate is my recurring point of view that once this nightmare is over there will be many more opportunities for skilled migrants. The government has clearly said that it intends to make up for lost ground by increasing the openings and options for offshore skilled applicants.
I expect that not only will South Australia keep increasing its occupation list to provide for more occupations in time to come but also that all the other states will follow suit, and you can rest assured that I will keep you updated as these changes happen.
However, and as stated, to be eligible to apply for these improved options an applicant must have successfully the skills assessment process. Without a positive skills assessment a skilled migrant cannot proceed with the skilled visa process.
Thus, and just like the abovementioned clients, NOW IS THE TIME to undertake and finalise the skills assessment process and get prepared for the upcoming improved visa conditions. Only starting when things have already improved will be too late, as the applicants who are ready and prepared will snap up the openings as they happen.
If your occupation is on the above list (or if you are interested in migrating to Australia generally) and you’re keen on living in Adelaide, the most liveable city in Australia and one of the best in the world, please send a copy of your CV to me at david@pathwaylawyers.com for a free review of your prospects.
