Priority Processing Cat 2...what does it mean?

[MarkandVerlie]

Evening everyone,
Can anyone tell me in simple to understand terms what the second sentence in Catagory 2 means?

Cat 2:
Applications from people who are nominated by a state/territory government agency under a state migration plan agreed to by the minister.

Thanks!
Mark

[matjones]

Evening everyone,
Can anyone tell me in simple to understand terms what the second sentence in Catagory 2 means?

Cat 2:
Applications from people who are nominated by a state/territory government agency under a state migration plan agreed to by the minister.

Thanks!
Mark

Cat 2, or Priority 2, is a new processing priority for visas that was introduced in February. This priority will be for anyone who falls under the State Migration Plans, that are currently in the working. The State Migration Plans are a list of occupations, agreed upon by the states and DIAC, that are deemed to be in demand and worthy of a higher priority. We are expecting the first Plans to come into play mid year, although no firm word on this.

Hope that helps!

[MarkandVerlie]

So, as I understand, when the new SOL comes out, If my occopation is on it, then I am Cat 2, if not then I'm Cat 5?
Thanks for the help!

[Welshtone]

No, no no.

To be nominated by a State under a new State Migration plan - that would give you Cat 2 priority processing. Occupations on State Migration Plans may or may not be in occupations on the new SOL.

Regards

Tony

[MarkandVerlie]

Ahhh Right, I see thanks. I am a little bit worried about the new SOL, as I'm applying for WA SS 176, TRA was done as "Fitter" the draft SOL (which i realise isn't final) mentioned "precision metal workers" and "other engineering professionals" both of which I am, but my TRA says Fitter, does anyone know, if my nominated TRA assesed occupation isn't on the new SOL, would this screw up my application?

[Welshtone]

If you have not applied for your visa by 01 July, or whenever new SOL comes in, and your occupation is not on the new SOL, you are then reliant on the Occupation being on an approved State Plan and that State agreeing to sponsor you.

I would consider applying for a 175 now, as a Fitter, assuming your husband has 12 months recent work experience as a Fitter. As long as WA eventually agree to the 176 sponsorship, DIAC will then process your 175 application as a 176 application. If DIAC assess your points prior to receiving notice of State Sponsorship, as long as you score 100 but less than 120 (without counting 10 points for State Sponsorship) they will place your 175 application in the POOL for 2 years. As long as they receive a 176 sponsorship notification within the POOL period, they will then process you as a 176 applicant. The obvious risk here is that if WA, or some other State refuse to sponsor you for a 176 visa, or if a relative in Australia does not sponsor you, your application will be refused after 2 years in the POOL. If you go ahead with this and Fitters end up on the new WA State Plan, I assume all Fitters in the WA state pipeline, and those already sponsored by WA, will be incorporated into the new State Plan anyway - but who knows ? You just have to try and give yourself the best chance of success.

Regards

Tony

[MarkandVerlie]

Thanks for that,
Another quick question, sorry. What happens if I apply now, like today, for a state sponsored 176 visa. I already have WA state sponsorship. Have applications been suspended pending the new SOL?
Mark

[Ladygray]

Sorry to interject but may I ask a question.

Much keeps being said about the State Sponsored applicaitons that fall under the 176 category, these I have determined fall into category 5 if the occupation is not a CSL occupation. Do applications that have been state sponsored under the 475 programme where occupations are not on CSL fall into category 5 or not.

Many thanks for clarification.

[VickyMel]

Thanks for that,
Another quick question, sorry. What happens if I apply now, like today, for a state sponsored 176 visa. I already have WA state sponsorship. Have applications been suspended pending the new SOL?
Mark

As far as I am aware applications are still being accepted on the old SOL and will likely be until the new SOL comes into force.

Sorry to interject but may I ask a question.

Much keeps being said about the State Sponsored applicaitons that fall under the 176 category, these I have determined fall into category 5 if the occupation is not a CSL occupation. Do applications that have been state sponsored under the 475 programme where occupations are not on CSL fall into category 5 or not.

Many thanks for clarification.

Yes 475 nonCSL are in category 5.

[Thamby]

If i was to apply for 176 WA and my occupation (bricklayer) is on the new state plans will my application be moved into cat 2 in june/july?

If someone could share their view would be much appreciated.

Thamby