South Australia State Migration Plan Released

The South Australian Government has announced the signing of its State Migration Plan.

Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen has announced, in conjunction with SA Minister for Industry and Trade Tom Koutsantonis, the release of the South Australia State Migration Plan.

‘State migration plans are part of the government’s continued commitment to supporting the Australian economy by attracting skilled migrants who can positively contribute to our workforce,’ Mr Bowen said.

‘The implementation of state migration plans will provide flexibility for state and territory governments to nominate skilled migrants in a broader range of occupations than are currently offered on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).’

Australia’s points based immigration system allows foreign nationals with skills in occupations that exist on the SOL to apply for a permanent residence visa. Some of these visas require sponsorship from a state/territory government.

‘The state migration plan recognizes that there are specific occupations required by South Australia’s industry sectors in order for the state to build a prosperous economy,’ Mr. Koutsantonis said.

Mr. Koutsantonis also added ‘With more than $80 billion of major projects underway or in the pipeline, and strong prospects of outperforming the national economy over the next decade, there is a demand for skills in South Australia that may not be met by our local workforce.’

The agreement covers state sponsorship of skilled migrants to South Australia under the Skilled – Sponsored (176 and 886) and Skilled – Regional Sponsored (475 and 487) visas.

For the year 2010 to 2011 South Australia has a quota of 4890 visa grants, this number includes both visa applicants and their dependants. To access the full list of occupations open for visa applications go to the SA Website.

The South Australian Government will sponsor against each occupation listed on the State Sponsorship Migration Lists, which is limited by a planning level. This is being done to assist with managing to the visa grant cap, the number of skilled migrants that are sponsored.

• When an occupation on the SSML reaches its planning level, its status will shift from “Available” to “Not Available”.
• This means that no NEW applications will be accepted but for sponsorship applications that have already been approved and submitted to DIAC, will receive priority processing.
• However, occupations listed as “Not Available” will be available to onshore applicants who meet the same criteria listed under the Off List sponsorship criteria.
• When an occupation becomes “Not Available”, Immigration SA reserves the right to not proceed with any undecided but submitted applications (including those with all essential documents).
• Before making direct contact with Immigration SA, they request that you utilize their website to help answer any questions that you may have. The website provides comprehensive information on policy, criteria, application procedure and frequently asked questions.

South Australia has a strong economy, world class education system, offers a range of job opportunities, high quality of life and has one of the most livable cities in the world. It is the right time to start your migration before the quota is filled.