Lexi Webster
Australia's SkillSelect program facilitates immigration by allocating available places to skilled independent visa applicants. Certain occupations are subject to pro-rata arrangements to ensure the availability of invitations throughout the program year. These pro-rata occupations, such as accountants, auditors, and engineers, typically require a higher threshold of points than other occupations. The minimum score required for a pro-rata occupation varies and has been steadily increasing over time, impacting the waiting times for invitations. The program has also been affected by the issue of re-invitation, where applicants who have changed their plans continue to be invited, leading to a significant number of wasted invitations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pro-rata occupations | Accountants, Auditors, Software Programmers, Electronic Engineers, Industrial Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Production Engineers |
| Minimum score required for pro-rata occupations | 60 points |
| Minimum score required for a 189-invitation for Auditors, Company Secretaries, and Corporate Treasurers | 75 points |
| Minimum score required for a 189-invitation for Accountants | 65 points |
| Waiting time for a 189-invitation for applicants with 65 points | 2 months |
| Maximum waiting time for a 189-invitation | 3 months |
| Minimum score required for occupations in the Industrial, Mechanical, and Production Engineers group | 65 |
| Maximum score required for occupations in the Industrial, Mechanical, and Production Engineers group | 75 |
| Waiting time for a 189-invitation starting from the beginning of 2017 | 2 months and 15 days |
| Maximum waiting time for a 189-invitation as of 2017 | 4 months and 15 days |
| Number of invitations issued for State and Territory Government-nominated visa subclasses in January 2020 | 1000 |
| Number of invitations issued for subclass 189 applicants in January 2020 | 1000 |
| Number of invitations issued for the new SC491 family-sponsored applicants in January 2020 | 300 |
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What You'll Learn
Pro-rata occupations with higher point thresholds
In Australia, pro-rata occupations are those that receive a very high number of EOI (Expression of Interest) applications. Due to the popularity of these occupations, the number of invitations issued is staggered to ensure that quotas for these high-demand places are not filled too quickly. This system allows higher-scoring applicants to be considered throughout the programme year.
Pro-rata occupations typically have a higher threshold than the standard 60 points required for the SkillSelect program, and only a limited number of places are released each invitation round. The minimum required score for most pro-rata occupations has dropped over time, except for Accountants, for whom it has increased.
For example, between April and June of 2021, the point score for at least eight pro-rata occupations, including Accountants, Auditors, Software Programmers, and Electronic Engineers, increased. However, the required scores for these occupations started to drop, except for Accountants. Similarly, in the invitation round starting in April 2017, the points score for Computer Network Professionals increased to 75 and remained at that level until the end of June before dropping to 70 in July.
The waiting times for a 189-invitation vary depending on the occupation and the applicant's point score. For instance, in the latest round, applicants with 65 points waited a little over two months for an invitation, while those with 75 points experienced shorter waiting times.
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Accountants, Auditors, Software Programmers, and Engineers
Pro rata, in the context of Australian immigration, refers to the allocation of invitations to certain occupations based on a points system. Each year, the Minister for Immigration sets an 'occupation ceiling' or quota for the number of skilled migrants allowed per year for each occupation category. Occupations that are in high demand and reach this ceiling before the end of the financial year are subject to pro-rata arrangements. This means that the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) releases a limited number of invitations each month to maintain a steady intake of these popular occupations throughout the year.
For accountants, auditors, software programmers, and engineers, here are some key considerations and instructions regarding pro rata arrangements for Australian immigration:
Accountants and Auditors
Accounting and auditing have been popular occupations under the General Skilled Migration programme in Australia. However, the number of invitations has fluctuated over the years, and the points requirement has increased. To improve your chances of receiving an invitation (ITA) to apply, aim for the maximum points to be selected on a pro-rata basis. Here are some tips to maximise your points:
- Achieve a "proficient/superior" English score on exams like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. The Australian government gives extra points for English proficiency, and anything below "proficient and superior" receives 0 points.
- Complete a "Professional Year" programme in Australia. These programmes prepare you for professional employment in Australia and can fetch you 5 extra points for migration.
- Consider migrating to a low-population growth or regional area. The Australian government allots extra points for migrating to certain special states to encourage population distribution. For example, Visa 489 is a provisional visa that turns into permanent residency after 4 years of living and working in a regional area.
- Gain relevant overseas work experience. The longer the duration of relevant experience, the higher the points. For example, 3 years of overseas experience is equivalent to 1 year of Australian work experience.
- Take the NAATI language exam. This exam can get you 5 extra points, as it encourages multiculturalism and contributes to "community language points".
Software Programmers
Software programmers or developers fall under the ANZSCO code 261312, which includes applications developers and ICT programmers. To immigrate to Australia in this occupation, you must generally score an IELTS 7 in all four components: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Other English language tests may also be accepted. Additionally, all applicants must meet Australia's health requirements. To maximise your chances of receiving an invitation, consider the following:
- Developer programmers can obtain a significant portion of the required points up to 50% simply by being in the right age group.
- Complete a "Professional Year" programme in Australia. As mentioned earlier, these programmes can fetch you 5 extra points and substitute for one year's worth of work experience.
- Gain relevant work experience. The points you receive will be relative to the years of experience you have in the field.
Engineers
Although specific details for engineers were not readily available, the general principles of pro-rata arrangements apply. To maximise your chances of receiving an invitation, focus on accumulating as many points as possible by considering the factors mentioned above, such as English proficiency, completing a "Professional Year," migrating to regional areas, and gaining relevant work experience. Additionally, keep in mind that job hunting should not be the first step. Instead, start with an immigration assessment to determine if you have the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience to live and work in Australia. Ensure you qualify for skilled migration or any other visa category that allows you to work in the country before beginning your job search.
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SkillSelect program competitiveness
SkillSelect is an online immigration program run by the Australian government. It matches skilled international workers with employers in the country. The system is free and easy to understand, similar to an online job portal. It is becoming increasingly competitive.
To use SkillSelect, skilled workers or business people looking to migrate to Australia for work must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect platform. The EOI answers a series of questions about the applicant's skills, background, work experience, educational background, personal background, and business experience. A skill assessment test is also carried out for certain programs. The EOI remains in the SkillSelect database for 2 years, after which it is automatically removed. It is the applicant's responsibility to update their EOI as the situation demands. However, no changes can be made to an EOI after receiving a nomination for a visa application.
Australian employers or state and territory governments can view the profiles and nominate individuals for visas. If an applicant is successful, they will be issued an invitation to apply for the skilled migration visa they have conveyed interest in. They may also be found and nominated by an Australian employer or the State or Territory Government if they have skills and qualifications that are required in Australia.
A number of pro-rata occupations on the MLTSSL have higher thresholds than the standard 60 points required for other occupations. The minimum required score for most pro-rata occupations has dropped, except for accountants. However, it appears that only applicants with 65 points received invitations for non-pro-rata occupations.
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Re-invitation and its effects
The re-invitation issue has had a significant impact on the SkillSelect invitations program. The problem arises when applicants change their plans or choose to migrate to another country but fail to withdraw their Expressions of Interest (EOI). As a result, they receive an invitation to apply but do not proceed within the given 60-day period. According to the Department of Immigration rules, these applicants are then re-invited, which can occur once more. This issue has led to a significant wastage of invitations, with an estimated 20-40% of invitations being wasted in many occupations. For instance, in January 2020, out of approximately 1000 invitations, only about 600-800 may have been utilised, resulting in 200-400 wasted invitations.
The re-invitation issue has plagued the SkillSelect program, and the Department of Home Affairs has struggled to address it effectively. This problem has significant implications for the efficiency and effectiveness of the program, potentially delaying the invitation process for other applicants. It also affects the overall migration numbers and distribution of invitations across various occupations and visa subclasses.
The SkillSelect program has seen fluctuations in the number of invitations issued in different rounds. For instance, the September 2019 round saw a significant drop to 100 invitations, while October 2019 witnessed a substantial increase to 1500. The November and December 2019 rounds were disappointing, with only 250 invitations each. The January 2020 round saw a slight improvement, with 1000 invitations for subclass 189 and 300 for the new subclass 491 family-sponsored applicants.
The pro-rata occupations within the SkillSelect program have experienced changes in the required point scores. Occupations such as Accountants, Auditors, Software Programmers, and Electronic Engineers witnessed an increase in the point score between April and June, with Accountants being the only occupation where the required score hasn't dropped. The waiting times for a 189-invitation have also been variable, ranging from one day to four weeks for most rounds, with applicants possessing 65 points waiting around two months.
The Northern Territory (NT) Migration Occupation List offers an alternative pathway for applicants whose occupations are not listed on the NT list but are on the Department of Home Affairs' Combined current list. These applicants can apply for NT Government nomination and pursue state-nominations simultaneously, often resulting in permanent residency invitations within 2 to 3 months. This provides a faster alternative to the SkillSelect program, which is becoming increasingly competitive, emphasising the need for students to maximise their scores through measures such as improving their English ability.
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Northern Territory Migration Occupation List
Australia's Northern Territory Migration Occupation List (NT Migration Occupation List) includes occupations that are in high demand in the region. The list is designed to address labour shortages in the Northern Territory by attracting skilled workers from overseas.
The NT Migration Occupation List is applicable for those seeking nomination for a subclass 491 visa under the Priority Occupation stream. A subclass 190 nomination is typically only offered in exceptional cases, such as when the applicant has strong ties to the Northern Territory.
The list is divided into categories, from A to P, each with specific qualifications and experience requirements that must be met by overseas workers. These requirements may include relevant qualifications, work experience, age, and English language proficiency. For example, occupations marked with '!!' require high-level communication skills, while all other occupations have a minimum English requirement of IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent.
The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) allows for the nomination of overseas workers across 325 occupations. The NT DAMA occupations list is developed based on the NT Skilled Occupations Priority List (NTSOPL) and other labour market intelligence. It is reviewed and updated annually in collaboration between the NT Government and the Australian Government.
The NT Migration Occupation List is specific to the Northern Territory, and each Australian state and territory maintains its own list of occupations, requirements, and processes for nomination. The list is subject to change, and interested applicants are advised to refer to the official sources for the most up-to-date information and specific occupation categories.
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Frequently asked questions
Pro rata occupations are those that are in high demand and have a limited number of invitations that can be issued per ANZSCO unit group during the migration program year.
Accountants, Auditors, Software Programmers, and Electronic Engineers are examples of occupations that are subject to pro-rata arrangements.
The minimum required score for most pro-rata occupations has dropped, except for Accountants. However, only applicants with 65 points received invitations for non-pro-rata occupations in recent rounds.
Waiting times for a 189-invitation vary depending on the occupation and the number of available places. In some cases, waiting times have increased due to high demand and the impact of "re-invitation".
Yes, applicants can consider state-nomination options, such as the Northern Territory (NT) Migration Occupation List, which includes occupations in demand in the NT eligible for NT nomination under the General Skilled Migration Program.
