The Assistant Minister set a cap for offshore General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas which takes effect on 22 September 2015. The following offshore General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas are affected:
- Skilled Independent (subclass 175)
- Skilled Sponsored (subclass 176)
- Skilled Regional Sponsored (subclass 475).
The cap sets the maximum number of places that can be granted in the 2015–16 financial year for these visa subclasses. This total has already been reached. Therefore, applications for these visas that were not finalised before 22 September 2015 are taken not to have been made and the relevant visa application charge will be repaid to affected applicants.
If your application is affected by the Cap and Cease determination, the DIBP will send you, or your authorised recipient (if you have one), a letter of notification.
To learn more about the Cap and Cease arrangements visit – http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/CapandCease