Today, the Department of Home Affairs released the much-anticipated SkillSelect data for May and June 2020, providing some insight into recent series and closing off skilled invitations for the 2020 Migration Program year.

While the available data is minimal, suggestions have been made by the Department that the dates of invitations - historically on the 10th or 11th of each month - will now be subject to change, causing further unpredictability.

Below, the tables summarise the May and June figures along with those provided in earlier months.

Prediction Over the Coming Months

Each year, Australia’s Migration Program is set through the annual Budget which is generally announced in the lead-up to 30 June.

As the fallout from COVID-19 continues to include international travel bans (expected to until at least January 2021) and increased unemployment rates, the Australian Government is working hard to manage the economy causing the Budget to be released on 6 October 2020. In the interim, an Economic and Fiscal Update has been provided.

The Economic and Fiscal Update predicts Australia’s net overseas migration will fall significantly from 154,000 in 2019-2020. As Australia's migration program focuses on the country's need for immediate and specific skills, the uncertainty of invitation rounds as experienced in recent months are likely to continue.

Invitation Rounds – January 2020 to June 2020

In May and June, it appears that attention was given to issuing invitations to Other Engineering Professionals Registered Nurses, Other Medical Practitioners, General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers sitting on at least 70-85 points.

Other Engineering Professionals appeared to be the only occupation from the ‘pro-rata’ group that received an invitation, requiring at least 95 points to secure an invitation.

Invitations issued to the ‘non pro-rata’ group focuses on Registered Nurses, Other Medical Practitioners, General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Chemists, Life Scientists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists.

Based on the Department’s data it appears no occupations from the ‘pro-rata’ group received an invitation.

Conclusion

While the Budget hasn't yet been released, the Migration Program was reset on 1 July 2020 with the intake expected to mirror that of the previous year.

However, with an erratic pandemic impacting Australia's borders, offshore processing has slowed considerably and any onshore visa holders may need to consider alternative options that would allow them to manage their obligations and lawful immigration status in Australia.

Contact Astra Australia Immigration for more information, or advice on your specific needs.