Thank you for your email enquiry regarding your visa application.
You will be aware that the Minister has made an adjustment to Australia’
s migration intake to ensure that the skilled migration program is
responsive to the worsening global economic situation. On 16 March 2009
a revised processing order for applications with identified skills in high
demand took effect. Applications with employer or state or territory
sponsorship continue to receive first priority, then those with business
skills and with an occupation on the Critical Skills List (CSL). The aim
is to improve the skilled migration program so that migrant workers are
meeting skills shortages and not competing with Australian workers for
jobs. The Minister is monitoring the migration intake and will aim to set
the 2009-2010 migration program to reflect the economic climate as part
of the Budget process.
You nominated a skilled occupation that is not on the CSL and your
application is not currently eligible for priority processing. While we
empathise with your circumstances, we are sorry to advise that your
application is not able to be finalised this financial year.
Applications that are currently ineligible for priority processing may be
progressed when the economy returns to growth. Should you be able to
secure employment in Australia, you may wish to consider an employer-
sponsored visa or alternatively seek State or Territory government
nomination. An eligible Australian employer could sponsor you and
guarantee to employ you for a period of time under the Temporary Business
(Subclass 457) visa, the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) or the
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS).