General Skilled Migration Invitations Update – July 2018

The Department of Home Affairs has provided information with respect to changes in the way the SkillSelect program will issue its invitations.

We have been advised that SkillSelect invitation rounds for Skilled – Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Regional Provisional – (subclass 489) will now occur only once each month on the 11th Day of each month.

These changes will come into effect on the 11 August 2018.

The Department has clarified although there will only be one invitation round per month, there will be no chances to the overall number of invitations provided each month.

Occupational ceilings and occupation lists have not been updated for the coming year as of yet, however this is expected to occur in the near future.

It is important to note:

• The pass mark for invitations is now 65 points
• Points claimed for a skilled partner must have their age under 45 years old
• Any invitations that were issued to apply for a visa prior to 1 July 2018 with 60 points and.or claimed points for a skilled partner under 50 years of age will be assessed on the old provisions (that is, the provisions that were applicable at that time)