The new model known as outcomes-based-assessment (OBA) will commence in January 2020. All internationally qualified nurses and midwives with relevant but not substantially equivalent qualifications applying from 1st January 2020 will only be able to choose OBA, as this will completely replace the current bridging course from 2021.

The outcomes-based-assessment model or OBA consists of two parts. This includes a multiple-choice exam, followed by an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE), which is currently implemented in many countries.

While the first part is a computer-based multiple-choice cognitive assessment, the second part is behavioural assessment in the form of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

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The following changes to the points test for skilled visas are planning to commence in November 2019:

• points for having a skilled spouse or de facto partner - 10 points
• points for applicants nominated by a State or Territory government or sponsored by a family member residing in regional Australia - 15 points
• points for having certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) qualifications - 10 points
• points for applicants who do not have a spouse or de facto partner - 10 points
• points for applicants with a spouse or de facto partner who has competent English - 5 points

This will ensure that primary applicants without a partner (singles) will be ranked equally to other primary applicants who have the same human capital attributes. If all other points claims are equal, invitations for points tested visas will be ranked by the Migration Points Test as described below:

• First – primary applicants with a skilled spouse or de facto partner
• Equal First – primary applicants without a spouse or de facto partner
• Second - Primary applicants with a spouse or de facto partner who can demonstrate competent English but does not have the skills for skilled partner points (age and skills)
• Third - Primary applicants with a partner who is ineligible for either competent English or Skilled partner points. These applicants will be ranked below all other cohorts, if all other points claims are equal.

A sponsor for a new Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa s/c 870 will need to have a taxable income of at least AU$83,454.80

The taxable income test can be met by a single sponsor's taxable income or can be combined with the sponsor's spouse (de facto partner) income, or can be combined with one child of the permitted sponsor.

Applications for sponsorship will be available from 17 April 2019.

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