George Lombard

The following extract from the Australian parliamentary hansard is interesting, particularly with respect to the processing of applications which are not state sponsored or on the CSL. Probably Dr Stone could have obtained slightly better answers if the question had been phrased slightly differently.



Question by Dr Stone:

In respect of visa categories 176, 457, 475, 886, 487 and 887, for each category:

(a) how many visas were issued from 1 July
2008 to 12 May 2009 for principal and secondary applicants; and

(b) have principal applicants with occupations not on the
Critical Skills List been processed since 1 January 2009; if so,

(i) which of these visa categories are affected by the policy to
give processing priority to occupations on the Critical Skills List, and

(ii) does the policy on this matter vary according to
whether the applicant is sponsored by a State or Territory government or by a relative; if so, how.


Answer on behalf of the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship:

(a)
Subclass 176 Principal Applicants 1886
Secondary Applicants 3517
Subclass 457 Primary Applicants 44910
Secondary Applicants 44800
Subclass 475 Principal Applicants 988
Secondary Applicants 1335
Subclass 886 Principal Applicants 2830
Secondary Applicants 792
Subclass 487 Principal Applicants 354
Secondary Applicants 113
Subclass 887 Principal Applicants 1126
Secondary Applicants 1595


(b) Yes. A total of 546 applications without nominated occupations on the CSL were processed after 1 January 2009 to 12
May 2009 where there were exceptional circumstances, including:
• Applicants affected by the designated security issue;
• Applications remitted from the Migration Review Tribunal;
• Applications where the occupation was subsequently removed from the CSL;
• Onshore applicants required to depart Australia where a pre-grant letter has already been sent, and
• Other compelling and compassionate cases.

(i) 176, 475, 886

(ii) Yes. Applicants sponsored by a State or Territory government receive priority processing regardless of whether their occupation is on the Critical Skills List (CSL). Those sponsored by a relative receive priority processing if their occupation is on the CSL.



Cheers,

George Lombard