For applicants enduring uncertain waiting periods, your application is not lost but slowly making its way through an overwhelmed system working to catch up.

Applications that are incomplete, poorly documented, or lacking critical supporting evidence are likely to face even further delays or potential refusal. To reduce the wait and improve the chances of a successful outcome, we help our clients prepare ‘decision-ready’ applications – comprehensive, accurate, and well-organised documentation that directly addresses all visa criteria, anticipates potential queries, and minimises the need for additional information requests.

Despite the anticipation surrounding the new Skills In Demand (SID) visa (see our Newsflash), its exact launch date remains uncertain, though the DoHA has indicated it expects the visa to be implemented before the year is out.

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa is set to replace the current Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. We are working hard to lodge 482 applications before the closure deadline. The uncertain date of closure presents challenges, and we ask all our clients to actively assist by responding to queries and providing documentation as quickly as possible. Any 482 applications unable to be lodged before closure will be subject to all the new requirements of the upcoming SID visa.

A key feature of the new SID visa pathway is the reduction of the work experience requirement from two years to one. While the government had initially proposed this change for 23 November 2024, legislative amendments that would allow applicants to demonstrate only one year of work experience in their nominated occupation have been delayed. It is likely a strategic delay so that the change will align precisely with release of the SID visa.

We are committed to keeping our clients fully informed with timely updates as the SID visa launch approaches.

Like the SID visa, no date has been set for the National Innovation visa, which will replace the Global Talent visa (Subclass 858) and the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP).

Targeted at high performing entrepreneurs, major investors and global researchers who can contribute to sectors of national importance, the National Innovation visa will offer a direct pathway to permanent residency. There will be no age restrictions, but access to the visa will be invite-only, meaning only the most outstanding candidates will be selected.

Existing Global Talent Visa applications and invitations will continue to be processed and assessed against the eligibility criteria in place at the time of your submission. Those who lodged an Expression of Interest (EOI) but who have NOT been invited should consider whether they are eligible for the new National Innovation Visa.

The median processing time for partner visas is currently at around 10 to 11 months due to a 30% increase in lodgements compared to the same period last year. As with skilled visas, applicants should be prepared for extended waiting periods.

Our office will be closed for the Christmas holidays from Monday 23 December 2024 and reopening Monday 6 January 2025.