Case study – Subclass-190 visa

As a migration agency, effective time management is often our greatest tool in successfully lodging visa applications. Oftentimes, achieving results within the desired timeline seems near impossible, however with organisation and perseverance, this may still be achieved. Below, we discuss one of our success stories, of which, the applicant’s perseverance and our effective time management enabled the successful lodgement and subsequent grant of a Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) Visa.

The Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) Visa process can be complex with the applicant needing to meet many requirements to enable them to lodge an application. An applicant must nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupations list and show that they have the skills necessary to perform the position, which is demonstrated through a skills assessment.

In order to successfully lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa, the applicant must ensure they meet the relevant pass mark of 65 points on the General Skilled Migration points test. The applicant is also required to lodge an application with the State or Territory of their choice. The applicant must be nominated by their chosen State or Territory in order to receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs and lodge a valid visa application. One of the criteria that applicants must meet at time of receiving an invitation is that they must be below 45 years of age. Additionally, at the time of invitation it is a requirement that the visa applicant has a suitable skills assessment from the relevant skills assessing authority, in the nominated occupation.

Our client was a PhD graduate, who had first come to us when they were already 44 years old, so it was imperative that we worked quickly and efficiently in order to secure them an invitation before their 45th birthday. Furthermore, this was their last chance of getting a permanent visa through the General Skilled Migration Pathway, since under the current legislation, applicants who are 45 years or over won’t meet the minimum criteria to be eligible. The client needed to obtain at least IELTS 7.0 or equivalent in all four bands, in order to increase their points and meet the pass mark on the points test. Leading up to the applicant’s 45th birthday, they attempted to achieve the required score, but unfortunately scored below the requirement 3 times. However, their perseverance eventually paid off, and 3 weeks before the applicant’s 45th birthday, they successfully obtained the required English language score, ultimately meeting the pass mark required.

From that point, we were operating within a very constrained time limit. However, after corresponding backwards and forwards with the relevant skills assessing authority, we managed to successfully lodge and receive a positive skills assessment outcome within less than 2 weeks. We were then able to lodge a valid State Nomination with the State of Victoria leading up to the applicant’s 45th birthday. After explaining the details of the case to the relevant authorities from the State of Victoria, we managed to get the state nomination approved a few days after lodgement. Our client received an invitation on time, just 6 days before their 45th birthday. The applicant was then able to successfully apply for a Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa, which was subsequently granted.

Although this case was constrained in terms of time, it was extremely rewarding being able to assist our client obtain a visa that will help them continue on their path of professional development in Australia.

If you are in a similar position and would like to know if it is possible to lodge an application for your preferred visa subclass, please book a consultation with one of our migration agents.