The Victorian Government has announced via its website it is now accepting nomination applications for its Skilled and Business Migration Program.
The state has suggested that a new process will apply to the applications for engineering, building and nursing occupations. This new process involves a selection by the state before lodging a Victorian visa nomination application. Applicants for the other occupations can apply directly without first being selected by Victoria.
Victoria has not made any changes to the occupation list, however, Queensland has made some changes to the occupation list.
Queensland is also accepting applications, with the State Government announcing on its : "BSMQ [Business and Skilled Migration Queensland] is now open to receive EOI’s for the General Skilled Migration Program (GSM)."
Both states have highlighted the change in the minimum points requirements for general skilled migration. The Department of Home Affairs has increased the minimum points threshold from 60 to 65.
States and territories in Australia run migration programs to meet skill and labour requirements, which enable them to sponsor applicants for different visa programs, including skilled visas. A visa nomination from a state carries additional points towards an applicant’s eligibility for points-based migration.
State nomination from a state or territory government helps applicants get additional points for points-based migration to Australia.
