Australia’s migration policy continues to evolve, with the latest developments in September 2024 focusing on skilled migration to address critical labour shortages. This article breaks down the key updates from the September 189 invitation round, offering insights for individuals seeking to migrate to Australia.
In the September round, over 7,900 invitations were issued under the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, making it one of the largest rounds in recent months. This visa is highly sought after as it offers permanent residency to skilled workers without requiring sponsorship from an employer, state, or family member. The Subclass 189 visa is designed to attract workers in fields where Australia faces skills shortages, ranging from engineering and IT to healthcare and education.
Importantly, no invitations were issued for the Subclass 491 Family-Sponsored visa in this round. The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia. This omission underscores the government’s current focus on filling immediate gaps in high-demand industries rather than prioritizing regional migration through family sponsorship.
These changes highlight the Australian government’s strategic prioritization of skilled migration to support economic recovery and address workforce needs across key industries. For those considering migrating to Australia, the Subclass 189 visa presents a prime opportunity, particularly for those with skills that align with Australia’s occupational demand lists, such as the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Individuals who receive an invitation can expect to move quickly through the application process, as Australia continues to ramp up its skilled migration intake.
This latest invitation round reflects Australia’s strong emphasis on attracting talent in critical areas, positioning itself as a top destination for skilled professionals globally. Prospective migrants should ensure their skills assessments and expression of interest (EOI) are up-to-date to capitalize on the ongoing focus on skilled independent migration.
For more information on visa requirements and upcoming rounds, it is recommended to monitor updates on our newsletter and facebook page.