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Australia, with its diverse landscapes and thriving economy, attracts individuals from around the globe seeking new opportunities. For skilled professionals, the Australian government offers various pathways for immigration, each tailored to different needs and qualifications. Among these pathways are the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 491). In this guide, we’ll explore each of these visas in detail, highlighting their advantages and eligibility requirements.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Overview

The skilled worker visa is a permanent visa option that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia without needing sponsorship from an employer or family member.

Advantages

• Study and work rights in Australia: Holders of the Subclass 189 Visa can pursue educational opportunities and work in any occupation.
• Multiple entries and exits: Visa holders have the flexibility to travel in and out of Australia as needed.
• Potential eligibility for Australian citizenship: After meeting residency requirements, visa holders may apply for citizenship.
• Sponsorship opportunities for family members: Visa holders can sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa:

1. Achieve a minimum of 65 points in the skilled migration points test.
2. Have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
3. Undergo a skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
4. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Overview

The Skilled Nominated Visa is for individuals nominated by a state or territory government in Australia.

Advantages

• Permanent residency in Australia: Visa holders can live and work anywhere in Australia.
• Work and study rights: Holders of the Subclass 190 Visa can pursue employment and educational opportunities.
• Access to Medicare: Visa holders are eligible for healthcare coverage through Medicare.
• Sponsorship opportunities for family members: Family members can be sponsored for permanent residency.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Subclass 190 Visa:

1. Be nominated by a state or territory government agency.
2. Score at least 65 points in the skilled migration points test.
3. Meet age, English language, health, and character requirements.

Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

Overview

The Skilled Regional Visa is designed for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.

Advantages

• Residency for 5 years: Holders of the Subclass 491 Visa can live in Australia for up to five years.
• Study and work rights in regional areas: Visa holders can pursue education and employment opportunities in regional Australia.
• Multiple entries and exits: Visa holders have the flexibility to travel in and out of Australia.
• Potential pathway to permanent residency: After meeting certain requirements, visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Subclass 491 Visa:

1. Obtain nomination from a state or government agency.
2. Score a minimum of 65 points in the skilled migration points test.
3. Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
4. Meet health, character, and English language proficiency requirements.

In conclusion, Australia offers several pathways for skilled workers to immigrate, each with its own set of advantages and eligibility criteria. Whether you’re seeking independence with the Subclass 189 Visa, state nomination with the Subclass 190 Visa, or regional opportunities with the Subclass 491 Visa, careful consideration of your qualifications and goals is essential.

Starting April 30, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will raise Canada’s immigration fees for permanent residency applications. This increase is part of a biennial adjustment trend that began in 2020. In 2022, fees went up by a modest 3%, but the upcoming hike will be steeper, around 12-13%. The new rates are calculated based on the cumulative percentage rise in the Consumer Price Index over the last two years (2022 and 2023), as reported by Statistics Canada, rounded to the nearest five dollars. Notably, applicants for permanent residency are exempt from paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, except for dependent children and protected individuals.

New Canada Immigration Fees Effective April 30, 2024

Program	Applicants	New fees (April 2024–March 2026)	Current fees (April 2022– March 2024)	Previous Raise (2020-2022)
Right of Permanent Residence Fee	Principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$575	$515	$500
Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker – Provincial Nominee Program Quebec Skilled Workers	Principal applicant	$950	$850	$825
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$950	$850	$825
Accompanying dependent child	$260	$230	$225
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot)	Principal applicant	$635	$570	$550
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$635	$570	$550
Accompanying dependent child	$175	$155	$150
Business (federal and Quebec)	Principal applicant	$1,810	$1,625	$1,575
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$950	$850	$825
Accompanying dependent child	$260	$230	$225
Family reunification (spouses, partners, and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives)	Sponsorship fee	$85	$75	$75
Sponsored principal applicant	$545	$490	$475
Sponsored child (principal applicant under 22 years old and not a spouse/partner)	$85	$75	$75
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$635	$570	$550
Accompanying dependent child	$175	$155	$150
Protected persons	Principal applicant	$635	$570	$550
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$635	$570	$550
Accompanying dependent child	$175	$155	$150
Humanitarian and compassionate considerations and Public policy	Principal applicant	$635	$570	$550
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$635	$570	$550
Accompanying dependent child	$175	$155	$150
Permit holders	Principal applicant	$375	$335	$325

in a momentous development, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the results of the most recent Express Entry draw on February 28th.

The draw resulted in 1,470 talented workers receiving invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency, marking an important milestone in their path to establishing themselves in Canada.

Summary of the Express Entry Draw today

• Number of invitations issued: 1,470
• Rank required to be invited to apply: 1,470 or above
• Date and time of round: February 28, 2024, at 14:57:26 UTC
• CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 534
• Tie-breaking rule: January 16, 2024, at 03:51:05 UTC

With fewer invitations in today’s draw, we may see targeted draws in the coming days. Stay tuned for the latest news and updates.

Canada held its first Express Entry draw of the year today, and the first since November 23.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued invitations to 5,500 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 507. Eligible candidates were invited from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). All are programs that operate under the Express Entry system.

This draw marks an increase in the number of ITAs issued, and is the largest all-program Express Entry draw since they resumed last July. There were 750 additional invitations over the November 23 draw, which invited 4,750 candidates, as well as a higher CRS score than has been seen since the draw on September 28.

Today, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that Canada exceeded a record-breaking target for admissions of permanent residents in 2022.

In a Tweet, IRCC stated that Canada welcomed over 437,000 new immigrants last year. This is higher than the target they had set at 431,645 new immigrants and marks an all-time record for Canadian permanent residence admissions in one year. The previous record was set in 2021 when Canada landed over 405,000 new immigrants.

“Today marks an important milestone for Canada, setting a new record for newcomers welcomed in a single year.” said immigration minister Sean Fraser. “It is a testament to the strength and resilience of our country and its people. Newcomers play an essential role in filling labour shortages, bringing new perspectives and talents to our communities, and enriching our society as a whole. I am excited to see what the future holds and look forward to another historic year in 2023 as we continue to welcome newcomers.”

IRCC processed 5.2 million applications across all lines of business in 2022. This includes applications for permanent residence, temporary residence and citizenship and is double the number of applications processed in 2021.

IRCC credits new resources, new technology, streamlined processing, and bringing more processes online for the increase in applications processed, as well as the high number of admissions. The government also committed $50 million to IRCC for 2022-2023 in the Fall Economic Statement to address the ongoing backlog of applications, which stands at 1.09 million applications across all lines of business as of November 30, 2022.

This July marked the return of the Express Entry system for the Federal Skilled Worker Class, as Canada invited skilled immigrants from overseas for the first time since 2020.

There are three programs managed by the Express Entry system:

The Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP);
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP); and
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Candidates within the Express Entry pool are issued invitations to apply (ITAs), based on their Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS).

Roughly every two weeks, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues ITAs to candidates in the Express Entry pool who meet the CRS cut-off. This year, all Express Entry draws have been general, choosing candidates from the FSWP and the CEC.

CRS in 2022
On July 6th IRCC resumed Express Entry draws, inviting 1,500 candidates from the Express Entry pool who had a CRS score of at least 557.

As draws continued throughout the year, IRCC would increase draw sizes (eventually to 4,750 candidates in the most recent draw), while decreasing CRS cut-offs to below 500.

As Canada continues to grapple with a post-COVID reality, labour shortages remain high throughout the country. Canada has identified immigration as the primary means by which it can address urgent economic needs; likely a driving reason to Express Entry’s return, and the progressively lowering CRS score in 2022.

British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan have issued invitations to apply to candidates through their Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) this week.

Although provincial nomination is not in itself the same as a permanent residence, it can act as the first step towards gaining permanent residence from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Most Canadian provinces and territories (with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut) operate their own Provincial Nomination Programs. Through these programs, interested candidates may be invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Quebec’s immigration programs are administered by the province and are distinct from Canada’s immigration programs.

In an email to CIC News, an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) spokesperson has confirmed that there have been IT issues in the Express Entry system following the implementation of National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021. This includes Express Entry candidates who are in the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

While IRCC says the department is closely examining these issues and working to resolve them, no timeline has been given for such resolutions.

IRCC says they will update candidates as more information becomes available.