In anticipation of 1 July 2011 changes to the skilled migration points test, the South Australian State Government have announced that they will temporarily close applications for State Sponsorship from 2 May 2011.

This means that, faced with the prospect of more applications than they can process, other State and Territory Governments are likely to follow South Australia's example in the lead up to July 1.

Applicants intending to apply for the State Sponsored Subclass 176 visa must act quickly to avoid missing out on State Sponsorship.

Under the new points test, applicants for the State Sponsored Subclass 176 visa will be awarded a reduced number of points and will no longer get the benefit of a reduced pass mark compared to Skilled Independent applicants as is currently the case.

For a table summary of the proposed new points test click here.