So, Tasmania has made changes to their requirements, but what does this really mean?
Oh no! Migration Tasmania has announced they’re close to filling their full nomination quota for the 2020-21 Skilled Migration Program and new requirements will be in effect. It’s really frustrating when requirements change unexpectedly and this can be daunting, but don’t worry – take some time to think through these changes and consider your next steps.
What’s the ‘nomination quota’?
The nomination quota is a specific number of state nominations for different types of visa pathways.
The visa types are:
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) – 1400 places
- Skilled Nominated – 1000 places
- Business migration – 45 places
Can you still apply now the quota is nearly full?
If you meet the original minimum requirements, yes! But there are now extra conditions to how applicants are screened by Migration Tasmania. The Department of Home Affairs has declared “all nominations must be justifiable in relation to their likely contribution to Australia’s economic priority”. Applicants in ‘critical roles’ or who are thought to be directly helping Tasmania’s economic recovery are given first priority.
What counts as a critical role?
In Tasmania, people classified as working in a critical role include those who are considered directly involved in the State’s COVID response. They put some specific rules around this on the Migration Tasmania website. In short, there is a significant emphasis on skilled work to qualify. Migration Tasmania specifies “lower skilled positions such as retail workers, harvest labour, delivery drivers, or warehouse staff are not considered to be critical roles”.
Which jobs are classed as helping ‘economic recovery’?
Many professions which don’t directly relate to Tasmania’s COVID-19 response will not be classified as critical roles but you still might be able to apply on the basis of ‘meaningful’ economic contribution. Does this mean any other job which contributes to the economy is eligible? Unfortunately, no. Migration Tasmania has particular rules around which jobs count in this classification, but it may be your best pathway to justify the worthiness of your role.
So, if I fit at least one of these priorities, can I still apply for a Skilled Migration Visa in Tasmania?
Yes, however, applicants working in ‘critical roles’ are given first priority for consideration over applicants who aren’t. Even if you have already applied prior to this change, and if you don’t work in a critical role, your application will not be assessed until after those who do.
Because your application is so contingent on proving relevance to Tasmania specifically – either in its COVID-19 response or its broader economic recovery goals – it’s possible that applicants already living in Tasmania may have a natural advantage.
Should I still consider applying?
YES: if you were previously planning to apply under the standard requirements, there may still be ample opportunities for you! If you’re unsure about your standing, or if you need assistance to strategise a new pathway, we are here to help: