The Migration Queensland (MQ) Program has been opened on 16 August 2022 for all new applications.
The important fact is that Queensland will have new nomination criteria and fact sheets for these applicants.
Skilled Migration Program
Migration Queensland will only accept a brand new EOI submitted on Skill select from 16 August 2022, updating existing EOIs submitted prior to 16 August 2022 will not be invited.
All applicants need to ensure they have carefully read and understood the new criteria relevant to their stream or pathway, and that they meet the criteria before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
This 2022-23 financial year Skilled Migration Program will be open to both onshore and offshore applicants, and provide pathways for skilled workers, graduates, and small business owners.
Business Migration Program
Migration Queensland has been allocated a limited interim nomination allocation from the Department of Home Affairs for the business program.
The business program will continue to be open to the 188 – Business Innovation stream, the 188 – Investor stream and the 188 – Significant Investor stream.
From 16 August 2022, the new 188 – Entrepreneur stream is also open.
Migration Queensland says state nomination is a highly competitive program and not everyone will be invited for nomination.
However, due to a big backlog of visa applications processing time has been hurting applicants for the last few months. Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs has directed the Department of Home Affairs to devote more staff to address the current visa backlog.
The Immigration Department says it is prioritising the processing of key offshore caseloads – temporary skilled, students and visitors – so more people can travel to Australia and contribute to economic growth, and assist with labour shortages.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles has tasked the Department with dealing with the backlog as quickly as possible.
Minister Giles said the Department was working through large numbers of older cases, as well as seeing application volumes increase across key programs.
“The number of applications received in June 2022 is 6.5% higher than May 2022 – over the same period, there was a 10.6% increase in applications finalised,”
Minister Giles said.
“The former Government devalued immigration, with the visa application backlog increasing to nearly 1,000,000 on their watch. The Albanese Government is determined to reduce the backlog and restore the importance of the immigration function of our Government.” Minister Giles said.
