VETASSESS has announced that its Melbourne head office will close for the summer break, with the last working day being Friday, December 20, 2024. The office will reopen on Monday, January 6, 2025. During this period, Priority Processing applications will be paused, resuming on January 6.
For trade occupations, due to the Trades Recognition Australia summer shutdown, the last assessment outcome letters for 2024 will be issued by the week ending December 20, and the process will resume on January 13, 2025.
Additionally, VETASSESS has introduced webchat functionality on its website, allowing agents and applicants to contact the customer service team directly. The webchat is available Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 4:45 PM AEDT.
To claim gold, green or orange-plus attributes related to employment, the role must be skilled ANZSCO Skill Level 1, 2 or 3.
When evaluating a claim to be in ANZSCO Skill Level 1, 2 or 3 role, Migration Tasmania considers 3 main factors: the applicant’s skills and qualifications, the duties they undertake, and their pay rate.
A pay rate above the current Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (currently $73,150) can also be an indicator of skilled employment. However, this will still be considered in conjunction with the other indicators mentioned in this section.
Migration Tasmania may also compare pay rates to those of other roles in the same industry and the pay those roles normally receive.
In cases where there is some overlap between lower (ANZSCO 4-5) and higher (ANSZSCO 1-3) roles there must be a substantial proportion of duties listed on the applicant duty statement that are consistent with an ANZSCO occupation classified as Skill Level 1, 2 or 3. For the Tasmanian Skilled Employment pathway, there should be at least a 70 per cent match between the duties of the applicant role and the duties listed for the position on ANZSCO.
For the Tasmanian Skilled Graduate and Tasmanian Established Resident pathways; the match should be at least 40 per cent.
Key statistics (as of 26 November 2024)
Since 1 July 2024
Registrations of interest (ROIs)
1,924 submitted
1,230 invited to apply for nomination (64 per cent)
Applications for nomination
1,235 lodged (includes ROIs invited before 1 July 2024)
755 approved
7 withdrawn
356 yet to be processed
108 declined
The primary reason applications are declined is the submission of false or misleading information. This includes fabricated employment details or exaggerated claims, such as:
Claiming gold, green, or orange-plus attributes without working in a skilled role.
Misrepresenting salary levels or other employment details.
Skilled Migration Update: Construction Trade Occupations Prioritised for Visa Nomination
The Victorian Government has announced updates to its skilled visa nomination program for the 2024-25 period. Certain construction trade occupations will be prioritised under the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) and Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) categories.
The prioritised occupations are listed below:
ANZSCO Code
Occupation Name
331211
Carpenter and joiner
331212
Carpenter
331213
Joiner
333111
Glazier
333211
Fibrous plasterer
333212
Solid plasterer
334111
Plumber (general)
334112
Air conditioning and mechanical services plumber
334115
Roof plumber
341111
Electrician (general)
341112
Electrician (special class)
342111
Electrical lines worker
342411
Cabler (data and telecommunications)
394111
Cabinetmaker
Submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI)
To be considered for Victorian skilled visa nomination, eligible candidates must first submit a Registration of Interest (ROI).
Key Points:
The online ROI form takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
There is no cost to submit an ROI or nomination application.
Steps to Apply:
Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) on the Australian Government’s SkillSelect system.
Complete the Registration of Interest (ROI) on the Live in Melbourne website.
If invited, submit your nomination application on the Live in Melbourne portal.
Once nominated, proceed to submit your visa application to the Australian Government.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced the recommencement of Evidence Level updates under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), with the latest changes effective from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM AEDT today. This update follows the temporary pause announced in September 2024 and is based on visa outcomes from 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024.
The new updates aim to reward education providers demonstrating improved performance while ensuring integrity within Australia’s student visa program. Adjustments will support genuine education providers to prepare for semester 1 of 2025, with country-specific Evidence Levels also being revised.
Key Highlights of the Update
Improved Performance: Providers showing better Evidence Level ratings will advance in Evidence Levels.
Addressing Decline: Providers with deteriorating Evidence Level ratings will be downgraded, except those in higher education, schools, and public vocational education and training sectors, which remain paused at their current levels.
Monitoring Integrity: The Department will closely monitor outcomes and may implement further interim changes if inappropriate recruitment practices are detected.
Context and Trends
Student visa applications for the first quarter of 2024-25 have decreased by 28% compared to the same period last year, with 99,868 applications lodged compared to 112,605 in 2018-19. Encouragingly, some offshore markets are seeing improved visa application quality and lower refusal rates. However, refusal rates for older onshore applications have risen due to stricter integrity measures and the introduction of the Genuine Student test.
Ongoing Engagement and Support
The Department has committed to expanding communication with the education sector and recently announced workshops on recruiting genuine students. These workshops have seen substantial interest from education providers.
Providers are encouraged to submit high-quality, decision-ready visa applications to facilitate timely processing for the 2025 academic year.
About Evidence Levels
Evidence Levels, updated biannually in March and September, reflect adverse immigration outcomes such as visa refusals and cancellations. These updates guide the financial and English language requirements for student visa applicants. The Department stresses the shared responsibility among education providers, migration agents, and students to maintain the integrity of Australia’s international education sector.
Routine Evidence Level updates are scheduled to resume in March 2025, with ongoing monitoring ensuring the program aligns with trends in visa outcomes and recruitment practices.
South Australia’s 2024-2025 General Skilled Migration Program has experienced unprecedented levels of Registration of Interest (ROI) applications for the following occupations:
Chef
Motor Mechanic (General)
Enrolled Nurse
With interest so high, Skilled & Business Migration (SBM) is advising current and prospective applicants for these occupations to consider exploring alternative visa options, such as SBM’s DAMA Program. Clients can discuss visa options with their current employer and migration agent.
Currently, the number of ROI’s submitted exceeds the quota available to SBM.
SBM will continue to send invitations to clients living and working in South Australia on a weekly basis across all available occupations.
The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) will commence operation on Monday, 14 October 2024 and it will replace the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). To assist with the transition the Administrative Review taskforce have developed a factsheet which provides information about the new Tribunal and what it means for people who are seeking review of decisions, or have current matters in the AAT. Members are encouraged to distribute the factsheet to their clients and colleagues. Download the factsheet.
On 27 September 2024, the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) made an announcement regarding legislative updates. These updates included important information about State nomination updates.as following:
ACT Skilled migration nomination invitation round
ACT held a skilled migration nomination invitation round on 19 September 2024.
During this round, a total of 68 nominations were issued for the Subclass 190 visa, and 62 nominations were issued for the Subclass 491 visa. Below is a detailed breakdown of the invitations provided:
Canberra residents Matrix nominating Small Business Owners Matrix submissions for Small Business Owners were not considered in this invitation round. Matrix nominating 457 / 482 visa holders 190 nominations: 12 invitations 491 nominations: 1 invitation
An update from The Tasmanian skilled migration webpage on 26 September 2024 included important details about the requirements and processes for Sc 190 and Sc 491 skilled migration nominations, applications, and Registrations of Interest (ROI) as follow:
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: Nominations – 360 of 2100 places used Nomination applications lodged but not decided – 211 Invitations to apply for nomination issued but not yet accepted – 100 Registrations of interest on hand – 402
Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: Nominations – 104 of 760 places used Nomination applications lodged but not decided – 81 Invitations to apply for nomination issued but not yet accepted – 45 Registrations of interest on hand – 386
Australia Unveils New International Student Profiles for 2025
Australian higher education providers have released updated international student profiles for 2025, outlining key attributes and academic backgrounds of prospective students. These profiles aim to help institutions attract a diverse global student body and strengthen Australia’s position as a top education destination.
For further details, a full proposal is available as a downloadable PDF.
Invitation rounds will be run periodically during the program year for:
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored.
In each round, invitation numbers may vary depending on the number of onhand applications.
State or territory government nominations for skilled visas will not be affected by the departmental invitation rounds.
For results of previous SkillSelect invitation rounds, see Previous rounds.
Occupation ceilings
Occupation ceilings do not apply to these visa subclasses:
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – State and Territory Nominated
Invitation process
The highest ranked EOI, by points score, will be invited to apply for their visa before an EOI with a lower points score.
For EOIs who have equal points scores, we will determine the time and date at which the EOI reached its score for that subclass. We call this a ‘tie break’ or the ‘date of effect’. The EOI with an earlier date of effect will be invited before EOIs with a later date of effect.
Current round
Invitations issued on 13 June 2024
The table below shows the number of EOIs invited, and the tie break month and year, for the SkillSelect invitation round on 13 June 2024.
Invitations issued by occupation and minimum score invited
Occupation*
Subclass 189* Minimum scored
Accountant (General)
100
Actuary
95
Aeronautical Engineer
95
Agricultural Consultant
95
Agricultural Engineer
95
Agricultural Scientist
95
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
65
Analyst Programmer
95
Architect
85
Audiologist
85
Biomedical Engineer
95
Biotechnologist
95
Bricklayer
65
Cabinetmaker
65
Carpenter
65
Carpenter and Joiner
65
Chef
95
Chemical Engineer
95
Chemist
95
Child Care Centre Manager
85
Chiropractor
85
Civil Engineer
90
Civil Engineering Draftsperson
85
Civil Engineering Technician
85
Clinical Psychologist
85
Computer Network and Systems Engineer
100
Construction Project Manager
85
Dancer or Choreographer
95
Developer Programmer
100
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist
85
Drainer
65
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
85
Economist
95
Electrical Engineer
90
Electrician (General)
65
Electrician (Special Class)
70
Electronics Engineer
95
Emergency Medicine Specialist
85
Endocrinologist
95
Engineering Manager
95
Engineering Professionals nec)
95
Engineering Technologist
95
Environmental Consultant
95
Environmental Engineer
95
Environmental Research Scientist
95
External Auditor
95
Fibrous Plasterer
65
Food Technologist
95
Forester
95
Gasfitter
65
General Practitioner
85
Geophysicist
95
Geotechnical Engineer
85
Glazier
65
ICT Business Analyst
100
ICT Security Specialist
100
Industrial Engineer
95
Internal Auditor
95
Joiner
65
Land Economist
95
Landscape Architect
85
Life Scientist (General)
95
Life Scientists nec
95
Lift Mechanic
65
Management Accountant
100
Management Consultant
95
Marine Biologist
95
Materials Engineer
95
Mechanical Engineer
90
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer
85
Medical Laboratory Scientist
85
Medical Practitioners nec
85
Metal Fabricator
85
Metallurgist
95
Microbiologist
95
Midwife
85
Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)
95
Motor Mechanic (General)
95
Multimedia Specialist
95
Naval Architect
100
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
85
Occupational Therapist
85
Other Spatial Scientist
95
Paediatrician
85
Painting Trades Worker
65
Pathologist
85
Petroleum Engineer
95
Physicist
95
Physiotherapist
85
Plumber (General)
65
Production or Plant Engineer
90
Psychiatrist
85
Psychologists nec
85
Quantity Surveyor
85
Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
85
Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)
85
Registered Nurse (Community Health)
90
Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)
85
Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)
85
Registered Nurse (Medical)
85
Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
85
Registered Nurse (Paediatrics)
85
Registered Nurse (Perioperative)
85
Registered Nurse (Surgical)
85
Registered Nurses nec
85
Roof Plumber
65
Secondary School Teacher
85
Sheetmetal Trades Worker
85
Shipwright
105
Social Worker
85
Software and Applications Programmers nec
95
Software Engineer
100
Solicitor
95
Solid Plasterer
65
Special Needs Teacher
85
Specialist Physician (General Medicine)
85
Speech Pathologist
85
Statistician
95
Stonemason
65
Structural Engineer
85
Surveyor
95
Systems Analyst
100
Taxation Accountant
95
Telecommunications Engineer
95
Telecommunications Field Engineer
100
Telecommunications Network Engineer
95
Telecommunications Network Planner
90
Transport Engineer
85
University Lecturer
95
Valuer
95
Veterinarian
95
Wall and Floor Tiler
65
Welder (First Class)
85
Zoologist
95
* Results could indicate that no EOIs were available to be invited, or EOIs were available but did not meet parameters to receive an invitation. Note – ‘nec’ means ‘not elsewhere classified’.
Total invitations issued during 2023-24 program year
The above figures do not include invitations issued for state and territory government-nominated visa subclasses. State and territory governments nominate throughout the month for specific visas.
State and Territory nominations
2024-25 program year
The number of EOIs that have received nominations from state and territory governments from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
The Australian Government has announced that a National Planning Level will apply to the international education and training sector from 2025.
On 27 August 2024, the Australian Government announced that a National Planning Level (NPL) will put limits on the growth of international student programs each year. For 2025, new student commencement numbers for Australia’s universities will be set at around 2023 levels.
Why has an NPL been put in place?
Australia remains a top study destination globally and there have been large increases in the number of students choosing to study in Australia in recent years.
A new NPL will help Australia’s education and training providers to manage this growth. It will also help to ensure that providers can continue to deliver high-quality programs, offer comprehensive student support services and best prepare their students for future employment in their chosen career.
What are the numbers?
National Planning Level limits will apply from 1 January 2025, with a total of 270,000 new international student commencements for the 2025 calendar year. This does not include enrolments or offers. It is the actual number of international students starting a course. If a student starts a second course at the same provider, also in calendar year 2025, it will not be counted under that year’s planning limit.
From 1 January 2025, new commencements will be divided between Higher Education and VET:
Public universities will have a total of around 145,000 commencements.
Private universities and NUHEPs will have around 30,000.
VET providers will have around 95,000.
This means that most public universities in Australia will be able to enrol more new international students in 2025 than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Some universities will even welcome more new students in 2025 than in 2024.
Who is not affected?
Current international students will not be affected by these changes.
Other student cohorts that will not be affected by the NPL also include:
International students enrolled at an Australian provider or partner provider campus around the world, studying an Australian transnational education (TNE) or twinning program
School students
Higher degree by research students
‘Standalone’ ELICOS students
Non-award, including Study Abroad and Exchange students
Australian Government sponsored (and partner sponsored) scholars
Australia values and welcomes international students
International students from all over the world are welcomed and valued in Australia. International students bring new ideas and skills to our society, diverse perspectives to our classrooms and communities, and sought-after talent to Australia’s workforce.
There are many benefits to studying in a smaller student city in Australia. One advantage can be a cheaper cost of living compared to larger cities.
There are incredible benefits to studying in smaller student cities in Australia (also known as regional cities or centres). But it’s not just the relaxed lifestyle, unique environments and friendly communities in smaller cities that attract many international students each year. There are also some financial advantages.
If you’re thinking of studying in Australia, here’s a guide to help you understand how much your everyday life might cost if you choose a smaller city.
What are the smaller cities of Australia?
n general terms, smaller cities and major towns are those located outside of Australia’s major cities (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane).
The map below shows all the places across Australia where you can study:
The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs have created categories for the cities of Australia. This serves as a guide for the different incentives that are offered for studying in smaller cities and regional centres. For example, one of these incentives is additional post study work rights.
Cost of living
Some smaller student cities will have a similar cost of living to the major cities. But most do have more affordable rental accommodation, transport and entertainment options.
The cost of groceries won’t change too much from city to city across Australia, especially if you shop at one of the major supermarkets that operates nationally. However, you can usually find local markets with cheaper fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products.
How to research the cost of living in smaller cities
It’s very important to understand how much it costs to live in Australia so that you can plan to have enough money while you study.
1. Get an estimate of your salary
Start by working out how much money you could earn by working while you study, in line with your student visa conditions. Here are some ways to get an estimate of your potential earnings:
Go to a job search site such as SEEK.com and look at part-time and casual jobs that you could do when studying. Some ads will offer a salary guide.
You can only work up to 48 hours in a fortnight during study terms and semesters (unlimited during study breaks).
That’s why it’s important to come to Australia with some savings.
2. Use the Cost of Living Calculator
You can get an estimate of the cost of living in the major regional cities (Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin and Hobart) using our Cost of living calculator. The major cities (Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney) are also included in this tool so you can compare costs with some of the smaller student cities.
Check out the websites for major grocery stores in Australia such as Coles, Aldi and Woolworths to get an idea of how much your weekly groceries would cost.
5. Compare accommodation costs
When choosing where to study, accommodation is one of the most important considerations. The good news is that smaller student cities often have a wider variety of housing options and less competition for rental accommodation.
Start your education journey to Australia today. Use our Course Search tool to look at courses in the smaller cities. You can also use our university list as a guide.
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