Today, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) became the second Australian state to reveal their approved State Migration Plan. The ACT website has been updated with their Skilled Migration page confirming the SMP has been signed, along with a new list of occupations the ACT government is offering to sponsor.

What are State Migration Plans?

State Migration Plans (or SMPs) are set to play a critical part in the future of the Australian General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, as they have been developed by State/Territory governments to essentially determine which applicants will be eligible for state sponsored visas on the basis of their occupation.

What will the benefits be to being sponsored under a State Migration Plan?

One of the main benefits of being sponsored under a State Migration Plan is how it will affect Australian visa processing timeframes. Applicants who appear on the ACT's new list of occupations will be moved to Priority Group 2, according to the current processing directive. This means that these applicants should see their applications finalised within 12 months.

When can applications for sponsorship under the ACT's State Migration Plan be made?

Applications for sponsorship with the ACT will be accepted immediately.

- Lauren Mennie is Casework Department Manager for the Australian Visa Bureau.

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