General Skilled Migration applications which are State/Territory sponsored, or which have nominated occupations on the new Critical Skills List will be processed. There will be no visa grants to other applicants until further notice, which is not likely to be before 1 July 2009, and may be much longer.

This is the order Visa's will be processed.

1. Employer Nomination Scheme includes Regional Sponsored Migration
2. State/Territory Sponsored General Skilled Migration subclasses 176 offshore and 886 onshore http://www.migration.wa.gov.au/media/documents/WAOIDL_JANUARY_2009.pdf  
3. Those who have occupations on the Critical Shortage List http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/critical-skills-list.pdf
4. Those who have occupations on the Migration Occupation in Demand List http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/skilled-occupations/occupations-in-demand.htm
5. All other General Skilled Migration Occupations or family sponsored applications

The State Government and Territories all have occupational lists of their own [Go to Visa Categories to see all State Sponsored Lists of Occupations], however, Western Australia appears to have the largest number of occupations.  The Government has indicated a faster processing time for these applications so they have to be completed and “decision ready” when CMS lodge. 

All other programs i.e., Family, business migration remain unchanged at this stage.

If CMS can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact CMS on 9361 0088 or email Admin.