Migration Update : 20 May 2022
Content Summary
- QLD State Nomination 190 and 491 are now closed for 2022 financial year
- TGA removes age limit for BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) COVID-10 vaccine recognition for international travel to Australia
- 189 Invitation Round Update (Skilled Independent Visa)
1. QLD State Nomination 190 and 491 are now closed for 2022 financial year
The Migration Queensland Skilled Program (subclass 190 and 491 visas) is now closed due to the nomination allocation for 2021–22 program year being filled. If you have already received an invitation, your application will continue to be processed by Migration Queensland. However, it is important that you submit the required documents and pay the application fee within the required 14-day period, otherwise your application will be closed. If you have not received an invitation, you will need to submit a new EOI when the 2022–23 Skilled Program opens next financial year. EXCEPTION: If you are a 491-SBO applicant and have submitted your EOI and 491-Small Business Owners Assessment Form via MQ’s website by Friday 6 May 2022, you will still receive an invitation, however, given the large demand for this pathway the processing time may be up to 8–12 weeks.
2. TGA removes age limit for BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) COVID-19 vaccine recognition for international travel to Australia
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has determined that the BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) COVID-19 vaccine will be ‘recognised’ for all ages for the purpose of establishing a traveller’s vaccination status when entering Australia. The TGA first recognised the BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) COVID-19 vaccine for international travel in November 2021 for people under the age of 60 years at the time they entered Australia.
The decision to remove the age limit for recognition of BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) has been made following assessment of recently published information regarding its effectiveness at preventing infection and severe disease, as well as the change in the overall risk of progression to severe disease from COVID-19 in older people with the emergence of the Omicron strain of the virus.
Five recent studies, including one in subjects aged over 60 years of age, indicate a slightly higher efficacy of protection from two-doses of BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) than did the earlier studies. The new data shows an overall effectiveness of the vaccine of 67% in protection against infection with COVID-19 and an effectiveness of 82% in protecting against severe disease/hospitalisation due to COVID-19.
3. 189 Invitation Round Update (Skilled Independent Visa)
On 21/04/2022, a 189 invitation round happened this morning. Our clients received invitations: So far, we have received invitations for 95 points Early Childhood Teacher and 90 points Physiotherapist. Also Registered Nurses, Biotechnologist, Physiotherapist, Speech Pathologists also received invitations.