AUSTRALIA
New Processing Priorities for Certain Visas Announced
The Australian government has introduced a new framework for processing priorities that establishes a revised processing order for a range of visa applications under the “employer-sponsored, ” skilled, and regional migration categories, including the “Employer Nomination Scheme” (Subclass 186), “Skills in Demand” (Subclass 482), “Skilled Independent” (Subclass 189), “Skilled Nominated” (Subclass 190), “Skilled Work Regional” (Subclass 491), and “Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional” (Subclass 494).
Under the new framework, applicants in occupations that serve Australia’s interests in law enforcement and defense are given the highest priority, followed by applicants in certain healthcare, teaching, and construction occupations. Additionally, applicants already residing in Australia are given higher priority than those applying from overseas.