Newsletter 187

ASF17 v Commonwealth of Australia

The Government presented its case in the High Court on April 17, 2024, opposing the release of individuals held in immigration detention. The Court has since adjourned to review the arguments presented.

State and Territory Updates

The Victoria Registration of Interest (ROI) deadline announcement:

The Victorian Government Skilled and Business Migration department has announced the closure of the 2023-24 state nominated skilled visa program for new Registrations of Interest (ROI) on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 5 p.m. (AEST).

In the 2023-24 program year, the Australian Government allocated 3,300 skilled visa places to Victoria, with approximately 3,200 nominations already utilized. The Victorian Government will continue evaluating submitted ROIs for any remaining nomination places in this program year.

Further information can be found on the Victorian Government’s website.

ACT Government nomination invitation round update:

On April 5, 2024, the ACT Government conducted an invitation round.

For Canberra residents, a total of 121 Sc 190 nomination invitations and 142 Sc 491 nomination invitations were issued, with the majority being in the Critical Skills pathway.

For Overseas residents, there were 19 Sc 190 nomination invitations and 103 Sc 491 nomination invitations issued.

The ACT Government has not provided a specific date for the next invitation round, indicating it will depend on operational requirements.

VETASSESS Trade Skills Assessment changes

VETASSESS has announced several adjustments to the trade skills assessment process, effective from April 23. Here are the key changes:

Alterations in Application Submission:

Applicants will only be required to pay for a skills assessment once VETASSESS confirms that the application meets the ‘assessment ready’ criteria. Upon application submission, VETASSESS will review the provided information and documents to ensure they possess adequate evidence for assessment. Once the application is deemed ‘assessment ready,’ VETASSESS will accept it and provide instructions for payment of the assessment fee.

Resumption of New Applications for Certain Occupations:

Following discussions with Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), VETASSESS will recommence accepting new applications for three trade occupations: Cook (ANZSCO Code 351411), Diesel Motor Mechanic (ANZSCO Code 321212), and Motor Mechanic (General) (ANZSCO Code 321211). However, new applications under Pathway 1 and Pathway 2 remain suspended for Chef (ANZSCO Code 351311), Fitter (General) (ANZSCO Code 323211), Electrician (General) (ANZSCO Code 341111), and Metal Machinist (First Class) (ANZSCO Code 323214).

Changes for Pathway 1 Trade Applications:

VETASSESS is modifying the assessment process for Pathway 1 applications for all trades, except for Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic, Electrician (General), Electrician (Special Class), and Plumber (General). Stage 2 of the assessment process will now entail three steps:

Video Evidence: Applicants need to provide a selection of videos demonstrating their trade skills during the Stage 2 application. Photographic evidence is no longer mandatory unless requested by the assessor.
Australian Industry Standards Online Assessment: Applicants must complete a brief online course on Australian industry standards relevant to their trade. Following the course, they have 7 days to complete an assessment evaluating their understanding of these standards.
Technical Interview: Upon successful completion of the online assessment and meeting video evidence requirements, VETASSESS will schedule the applicant’s technical interview. This interview, lasting about two hours, can be conducted either online or face-to-face at one of VETASSESS’ assessment venues.

New ACS Migration Skills Assessment portal live

The ACS Migration Skills Assessment portal was inaugurated on April 15.

For applications initiated before 5 p.m. (AEST) on Friday, April 15, 2024, with pending payment, a fresh application must be submitted through the new portal.

Further details are available on the ACS website.