Western Australia updates minimum migration requirements to attract skilled migrants
This week, Western Australia opened its skilled migration program and tripled its sponsorship numbers compared to the last financial year with more than 8000 allocations available In addition to the increase in allocation, Western Australia has also relaxed its migration requirements in order to help address skill shortages.
Western Australia Skilled Migration Program Updates:
Key requirements changes
Waived the AUD 200 application fee
Employment contract requirement reduced from 12 months to 6 months
No longer required to show AUD 20,000 in bank account (just need proof of sufficient funds)
No additional English requirements for professionals and managers occupations
Reduced prior work experience requirement
Residents of regional Australia no longer required to have a contract
WA Overview of stream requirements
Occupations prioritised by Western Australia
With the opening of the WA migration program, more than 100 occupations have been added to the state’s priority occupation list. That includes health occupations, construction, hairdressing, driving instructor, panel beaters and butchers. (WA occupation list available here)
Other Australian Migration Updates
South Australia Business Innovation and Investment Program Opening Soon
South Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) to open next week Thursday, 8 September 2022. For F.Y. 2022-23, SA received an interim allocation of 70 BIIP nomination places.
BIIP Nomination Criteria for F.Y. 2022-23:
Subclass 188A (Business Innovation Stream)Applicants are required to submit an Intention To Apply (ITA) for consideration. To be nominated, ITAs from highly qualified applicants must prove their genuine and sustainable business opportunities in South Australia
Subclass 188B (Investor Stream) and Subclass 188C (Significant Investor Stream - SIV)Assessing applications from candidates for Subclass 188B and 188c by considering each application on its merits and the broader benefit to South Australia.
Subclass 188E (Entrepreneur Stream)Applicants for this stream are still required to have an endorsement of an approved Service Provider before lodging a state nomination application.
We are still waiting for further changes and updates on SA nomination criteria for BIIP which will be available next week when they open.
Australia may need to provide incentives to access more talent
With the demand for skilled labour increasing, Australian states and territories consequently open their skilled migration programs for the new financial year, providing more incentives for skilled migrants.
Last Wednesday during an interview, Peter Allen, Westfield Scentre Group Outgoing CEO, said, “we are competing for talent as a country and so, therefore, you look at other countries in terms of what they’re doing to be able to access that talent... we might be able to provide an incentive for bringing people into Australia.”
David Littleproud, Party leader of the National Party of Australia also commented “We should actually incentivise those migrants to come and grow regional Australia and give them pathway to permanent residency… not just in agriculture but in all the industries.”
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