Australian Immigration Minister announces ACT State Migration Plan

The announcement of the State Migration Plan for ACT has been anxiously anticipated for potential Australian migrants, as it indicates the occupations that the state will consider for Australian Visa sponsorship. The Victorian State Migration Plan has already commenced, and other State Migration Plans are expected to be finalised over the coming weeks.
 
While state and territory governments have always had the capacity to nominate applicants for the purposes of the General Skilled Migration Program, the introduction of these plans is intended to improve the targeting of this part of the program.

Australian Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said State Migration Plans are part of the Gillard Government's continued commitment to supporting the Australian economy by attracting skilled migrants who can positively contribute to our workforce.

“The implementation of State Migration Plans will provide flexibility for state and territory governments to nominate skilled migrants in a broader range of occupations than are currently offered on the Skilled Occupation List.”

Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope said the ACT has amongst the strongest economy of any jurisdiction in Australia with extremely low unemployment.

“This has led to skills shortages in some areas and the State Migration Plan will complement ACT Government initiatives to help alleviate these shortages,” Mr Stanhope said. 

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The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people lodge their Australian Visa application with the Australian Embassy.