In what could be described as a relief for applicants wishing to apply for state nomination for permanent residency, South Australia will consider giving priority to the processing of applicants with pending visa expiry or those who will no longer qualify for state nomination due to losing points for age.
The state government’s immigration website on September 27th announced priority processing for applicants facing visa expiry or issues related to ‘age eligibility’.
“Earlier processing consideration is given to onshore applicants already residing in South Australia with pending visa expiry or will no longer qualify for state nomination due to losing points for age,” it stated.
“We cannot guarantee faster processing, but we will flag the application for consideration, priority will be given to applicants already residing in South Australia.”
South Australia is open to temporary visa holders currently working in the state for state nomination visas – Subclass 190 and Subclass 489.
“With pathways to employer-sponsored migration tightening, temporary visa holders currently working in South Australia may be eligible for State Nomination for a Permanent or Regional Provisional* visa via the General Skilled Migration program.”
Applicants require:
- A valid skills assessment for an occupation on the State Nominated Occupation List or Supplementary Skilled List; and
- Must be currently working (for a minimum 20 hours per week) in the nominated (or closely related) occupation for the last 6 months in a country region of South Australia or for the last 12 months in Greater Adelaide
- Meet all other State Nomination and Department of Home Affairs requirements at the time of application (for example be under 45 years of age, have competent English, be able to obtain 65 points).
Indian cricket fans at Adelaide Oval during India Vs Pakistan match on Sunday 15th February 2015. Source: SBS
"Lowest population growth in a decade"
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show Adelaide recorded its lowest population growth figures in more than a decade, growing by just 0.7 per cent in 2016-17.
Adelaide's total population increase of 9,600 people was entirely met by overseas arrivals.
South Australia’s Premier Steven Marshall had then said these population growth figures were ‘completely unacceptable’.
“One of the highest priorities of my government will be addressing low population growth in Adelaide and the regions, and driving a population growth agenda is integral to creating more jobs here in South Australia,” he had said.
Compared to NSW and Victoria, South Australia has a small but significant India-born population. More than 27,594 people born in India call South Australia home, according to the Census 2016 figures.
*Regional Provisional visa holders (subclass 489) are afforded the same work rights and conditions as a permanent resident visa holder. The only difference is that you need to show you have been living and working in a regional area, such as anywhere in South Australia, to apply for permanent residency after at least two years.
