Navigating Australia’s 190 Visa Process: Cuts, Challenges, and Solutions

Aspiring to become a permanent resident of Australia is no small feat, especially if you’re applying under the Skilled Independent (Subclass 190) visa category. With competition fierce, especially in the management consulting field, the odds seem to be against you with only 65-70 points. However, understanding the current challenges and potential solutions can help increase your chances.

Subclass 190 Visa and Points System

Applying for an Australian PR (Permanent Resident) visa under Subclass 190 requires meeting a set of criteria, including the points system. Currently, the points you possess – 65-70 – fall short of the usual minimum requirement in competitive fields such as management consulting, which often score around 85-95 points.

Educated Guess on Processing Time

The processing timeline for an invitation to apply under the Subclass 190 visa is a subject of considerable uncertainty. With the current trends and the impact of the pandemic, it’s not uncommon to hear that the wait can be extremely long, to the point where applicants might be waiting until they are too old. However, despite the delays, applications are still being accepted, and many others continue to secure invitations with higher scores.

Impact of the Pandemic on Visa Processing

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered migration policies. Currently, the intake for skilled workers is being heavily cut. This means that the chances of receiving an invitation are slim, especially considering the current low processing score threshold for many occupations, including management consulting.

Current State Nomination Process

For applicants hoping to secure a state nomination from New South Wales (NSW), the challenge is clear. NSW has listed your occupation as having only low availability, which significantly reduces your chance of receiving a nomination. The points you have (70) are considered low compared to the typical scores of successful applicants, which are around 85-95 points.

Realistic Chances Considering Points Score

Given the current trends, it’s highly unlikely that you will receive an invitation without a significant increase in your points score. The current cutoff for invitations is around 90 points, which means that you have to significantly improve your score to have a realistic chance of being accepted.

Exploring Other Visa Routes: The 491 Visa Option

If direct application under Subclass 190 seems out of reach, the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) might be a viable alternative. This visa is designed for skilled workers who are prepared to live and work in regional Australia. While it does have a lower points requirement, the applicant must be willing to relocate to a region and undergo relocation and adaptation training.

Potential Solutions

Here are some potential solutions to consider:

Increasing Your Points Score: Focus on any additional certifications or experiences that could boost your points score. Exploring Other States: Consider applying for state nominations from other states, particularly if your occupation is not listed as low availability in those regions. Understanding Regional Opportunities: Research and consider applying for the Subclass 491 visa to access the regional job market.

Ultimately, navigating Australia’s skilled migration system requires a nuanced understanding of the current market and policies. With persistence and strategic planning, even modest points scores can lead to a successful outcome.