The Australian Capital Territory government abruptly partially suspended the state's guarantee skilled immigration program in June, leaving thousands of applicants in trouble. Recently, the Capital Territory government announced that it would reopen to applicants after making adjustments to the original plan.
The class 190 guarantee skilled immigrant visa program will be reopened on Nov. 29 to underemployed job applicants on the (ACT Skilled Occupation List) list of skilled immigrants, according to SBS.
Canberra government abolished the "first-come-first-served" principle and replaced it with an integral-based assessment rule. Capital Territory government said the new rules would bring the Territory closer to other state rules and more effectively meet the region's specific technology needs, according to the capital territory, which has a large number of applicants for visas.
The capital territory, government, has been criticised since the guarantee program was suspended. The government's sudden suspension of the program led to thousands of temporary immigrants and international students moving from across Australia to Canberra to lose their eligibility to apply for permanent residency. Some students said they were only a few weeks away from getting the state guarantee. A statement on government's website said the applicants would receive additional points.
It is reported that in September this year, hundreds of Canberra students and temporary immigrants held demonstration protest, on the government closure state guarantee program and proposed to increase the number of state guarantee places from the current 800 to 1500.
Capital Territory government said it had consulted various stakeholders on the new nomination ranking system, including applicants, immigration agencies, educational institutions and employers. "this is a long-term policy change that will provide more certainty for future applicants and will ensure that the nomination system is operational throughout the year without the need for a sudden shutdown."
While details of the new policy and guidelines have not been fully disclosed, there are concerns that international students affected by previous program closures may struggle to receive any compensation and may not be considered eligible to apply for permanent residency.
