Priority Skilled Visas Australia | Interstaff Insights Update August 2021: In addition to the below, the occupations Hospital Pharmacists, Retail Pharmacists and Industrial Pharmacists were recently added to the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) to assist with distributing COVID-19 vaccines. This brings the number of occupations on the… Read More »
Agriculture Visa | Interstaff Insights Acting Prime Minister, Michael McCormack yesterday announced plans to deliver a new Agriculture Visa by the end of September 2021, in time for Australia’s harvesting season. The new visa will provide agricultural businesses greater access to overseas workers and ease a growing shortage of farm workers, which has worsened… Read More »
Permanent Residency in Australia | Interstaff Insights Over one year on from the start of the pandemic, the Government remains focused on the nation’s post-pandemic recovery. One trend that has emerged is a priority for visas that drive economic growth and investment – including Employer Sponsored Visas for Permanent Residency in Australia. Below we… Read More »
Federal Budget Changes for migrants | Here’s a summary. Following on from our updates on the Federal Budget and implications for Australia’s international border and the 2021-22 Migration Program, here’s how the Budget impacts specific visa holders and businesses. A four-year wait for Permanent Residents to access benefits, such as Paid Parental Leave | What this means for migrants and businesses… Read More »
Federal Budget Immigration 2021 | Australia’s International Border The Federal Budget Immigration 2021 announcements confirmed the Government’s assumption that Australia’s international border may only begin to gradually re-open from mid 2022. Here’s some of the main announcements for migrants from the 2021 Federal Budget: Australia’s International Border Assumed To Re-open From… Read More »
Australia’s International Border Unfortunately, it looks like Australia’s international border may not re-open any time soon. Finance Minister, Simon Birmingham has today told The Australian global outbreaks and new COVID-19 strains have meant Australia’s international border would likely remain shut until the end of 2022, despite the rollout of the… Read More »
The Global Talent Visa Sectors and Statistics The Global Talent Program may appeal to highly skilled individuals because it provides fast-tracked visas with a streamlined path to Permanent Residence. The program is designed to attract the best and brightest talent from across the world to boost Australia’s post-COVID-19 economic… Read More »
India Australia Travel Ban | Jail Penalties Scrutinised Update as of 7 May 2021: Prime Minister, Scott Morrison today confirmed the India-Australia travel ban would end on 15 May and repatriation flights would follow. Urgent cases will be prioritised and arrivals will need to undergo rapid antigen testing before… Read More »
India Flights Suspended Temporarily | Australia Further Tightens Travel Restrictions To and From India After a meeting with the National Security Committee of Cabinet, Prime Minister, Scott Morrison yesterday announced all direct flights to and from India have been suspended until 15 May 2021 due to a devastating surge of COVID-19 cases in India.… Read More »
Australia – India Travel Restrictions Tightened | Australia Tightens Travel Restrictions To and From India At yesterday’s National Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced travel restrictions to and from India have tightened as India experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases. Here’s a summary: Flights from India to Australia… Read More »
The Australia New Zealand Travel Bubble Opens After months of anticipation, the Australia New Zealand Travel Bubble commenced from 19 April 2021 to allow two-way quarantine-free travel between both countries. However, keep in mind that quarantine-free travel could be paused or suspended by either country at any time in response to… Read More »
The 408 Pandemic Visa | What You Need to Know In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government established the Pandemic Event Stream of the 408 Visa to provide flexible temporary arrangements for visa holders in Australia. Here’s what you should know about this visa option to extend your stay.… Read More »
Leaving Australia in the COVID-19 Era | Outbound Travel Exemptions With reportedly more than 11,000 Australians getting Outbound Travel Exemptions to head overseas each month, there are many reasons why a person may need to leave Australia – for example, for Compassionate circumstances or Critical Work overseas. According to… Read More »
Travel Bubbles Australia | Discussions to open travel with Singapore, New Zealand, Fiji, Japan and South Korea This month, Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack told ABC News the Government is working with Singapore on a plan to create an Australia-Singapore Travel Bubble, which could start from as early as… Read More »
Vaccine Passport Australia | What is a vaccine passport and how will it influence travel post COVID-19? The COVID-19 vaccine has started rolling out in Australia and many people are wondering how international travel could safely begin to reopen. Will the vaccination make it safe to resume international travel?… Read More »
FIFO travel has been impacted by suspended flights between Australia and Papua New Guinea. As announced yesterday by Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, all flights were suspended between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia from midnight last night, as PNG experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases. While Australia’s international border… Read More »
Applying for a Partner Visa is still possible during the pandemic – here’s a summary of recent concessions affecting Partner and Family Visa applicants – plus what you should know about applying for a Partner Visa in the COVID-19 Era. There are two main types of Partner Visas in Australia –… Read More »
International Travel Australia | Will Australia’s International Border Re-Open in 2021? Yesterday, Health Department Secretary, Brendan Murphy predicted it is unlikely there will be a return to widespread overseas travel this year, even with COVID-19 vaccinations being rolled out across the world. According to Mr Murphy, the prospect of… Read More »
The Government has announced new rules for travel to Australia, which include the need to take a COVID-19 test before travel and mandatory requirements to wear a mask. The changes were agreed by the National Cabinet on 8 January 2021 in response to the new COVID-19 strain that is more… Read More »
International Quarantine Australia | Exemptions and what you need to know when arriving in Australia As part of Australia’s international travel restrictions, all travellers to Australia need to quarantine for 14-days, except for: Travellers who have been in New Zealand for 14 days prior to travel (although this may differ between Australian States… Read More »
Business Visa Australia Update | Longer Stay and Direct PR for Business Owners, Investors and Entrepreneurs Business owners, entrepreneurs and investors will gain access to a longer visa period in Australia and a direct Permanent Residence (PR) pathway following changes to the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) from… Read More »
Updated 19 January 2021: According to recent news, quarantine-free movement between Australia and New Zealand is still planned for April 2021. This is despite caution over the new COVID-19 strain and Government discussions as to whether Australia will re-open its international border in 2021. New Zealand’s COVID-19 Response Minister has… Read More »
Australia Travel Declarations | What to do before travelling The Government has introduced a new process to better manage contact tracing and quarantine plans. All international travellers should complete an Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before departing for Australia. This includes: Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents People who are automatically exempt… Read More »
Travel Exemption and Priority Migration We are continuing to see Travel Exemption categories gradually expand and occupations added to the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) while Australia seeks to ensure it has the critical skills needed to boost the economy during the pandemic. Australian Travel Exemptions to… Read More »
Child and Partner Visa applicants in Australia will be pleased to know temporary immigration changes will make it easier to stay in the country with their families. Applicants for the below Child and Partner Visas who are in Australia will soon be able to remain in the country while their… Read More »
With Australia’s international travel restrictions, it is becoming more important for employers to be aware of all visa options available in the migration program for professionals. Here’s what employers and skilled individuals should know about the Global Talent Program. What is the Global Talent Program? The Global Talent Program is designed… Read More »
State border restrictions were recently discussed at the National Cabinet meeting on Friday 13 November 2020. State, Territory and Commonwealth leaders met to discuss a plan to re-open Australia’s internal borders by Christmas. Here’s an update on state border restrictions and how they may apply to your interstate travel arrangements.… Read More »
Given recent news that a COVID-19 vaccination will be available in Australia as early as March 2021, it seems international travel restrictions could be lifted sooner than anticipated. In last month’s Federal Budget announcements, the Government indicated Australia’s international border would be closed until late 2021, based on the assumption that a COVID-19 vaccination would… Read More »
Australia Travel Exemption | Critical Work and Compassionate Travel Exemptions Article last updated: 3 December 2021. Update on 2 December 2021: After almost two years of waiting to enter the country for many Skilled Visa holders and International Students, the emergence of Omicron has delayed plans to remove the need… Read More »
The 2020-21 Federal Budget Immigration has confirmed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be felt in Australia’s migration program for years to come. While Australia’s migration program has historically been a significant economic driver, it will be severely limited by international border restrictions in the coming years.… Read More »
Health Minister, Greg Hunt yesterday confirmed Australia’s international travel restrictions will stay in place until 17 December 2020. Following medical advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), the Government has extended the emergency period under the Biosecurity Act 2015 by an additional three months to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Biosecurity… Read More »
Visa sponsors will soon need to meet an additional Labour Market Testing (LMT) requirement before nominating an overseas skilled worker on a Subclass 457 / 482 TSS Visa or a Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa. Currently, employers must make two national advertisements to test skills availability in the local market. The… Read More »
Skilled migrants can now apply for a Travel Exemption to work in Australia under an expanded scope of Critical Skills and Sectors. Here’s what you need to know. The Australian Border Force (ABF) Commissioner has added several new categories of Travel Exemptions for critical work – including services for mining,… Read More »
Economic Outlook Immigration | The Government’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook released today shows the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across all parts of the Australian economy, including immigration. The Outlook revealed a few key assumptions on how the pandemic will continue to affect migration to Australia: Between July and December 2020,… Read More »
On Friday 10 July, Prime Minister, Scott Morrison announced the rate of international arrivals into Australia would be halved to just over 4,000 people per week from Monday 13 July to avoid straining quarantine systems and better manage the risk of COVID-19 infections. International arrivals have been capped for several states: Perth: 525… Read More »
As part of Australia’s response to a new security law enacted in Hong Kong last week, Prime Minister, Scott Morrison yesterday announced several changes that will allow Hong Kong citizens to extend their stay in Australia. Here’s what you need to know: Hong Kong citizens who hold a Skilled or Graduate… Read More »
COVID-19 Impact Australian Travel | International travel restrictions due to COVID-19 are continuing to impact Australian travellers in many ways. Here’s a summary of the situation at present for Australian visa holders, permanent residents and citizens. 1. Only Australian citizens, permanent residents and visa holders with a valid travel… Read More »
The Government has released new statistics, which reveal the impact of the pandemic on arrivals to Australia. Here are our insights on entering and exiting Australia. Sharp Reduction in Arrivals to Australia As to be expected under an international travel ban, Government statistics show there was a 97% decrease… Read More »
In these challenging times, many visa applicants may be wondering how Government visa processing times have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government has provided the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) with an update on the status of skilled visas applied from offshore. Here’s a summary. Skilled Visa… Read More »
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Temporary Visa holders who have lost their income due to business shutdowns and job losses have not been able to access the Federal Government’s support JobKeeper and JobSeeker arrangements. In recognition of the financial hardship, some temporary visa holders are experiencing while being unable to safely… Read More »
With travel bans across the world making it difficult for Temporary Visa holders to return home, applying for the new Subclass 408 Visa (COVID-19 Pandemic Event Stream) can provide a last resort to lawfully stay in Australia, or to work in critical sectors during the crisis. Here’s what you need… Read More »
Businesses and visa holders have had to adapt very quickly to Australia’s Travel Ban and quarantine requirements, however exemptions for travel to Australia are available under limited circumstances, such as for critical work or compelling and compassionate cases. These travel restrictions may be with us for some time to come, although… Read More »
The Government is strongly encouraging offshore Skilled and Business Visa Holders to remain compliant with visa conditions, such as Condition 8504, which requires a person to enter Australia by the initial entry date specified on their visa grant notice. However, it has also recognised this may not always be possible and provisions may be available due to the… Read More »
Red Cross support for visa holders may be available to some migrants who are currently in Australia. The Government has announced that Temporary Visa holders who cannot access Centrelink, Medicare or similar services may be eligible for funding from the Red Cross if they: Are in Australia on a Temporary Visa; Are… Read More »
The Government has created a new COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa Stream under the 408 Visa for essential workers to lawfully remain in Australia. To apply for the new Stream under the 408 Visa a person must: Have either 28 days or less remaining on their current Temporary Visa, or previously held… Read More »
On Saturday 4 April 2020, the Government announced changes to support most Temporary Visa holders who have been stood down or have lost work hours due to the COVID-19 crisis. Here’s what you need to know. Temporary Skilled Visa Holders Temporary Skilled Visa holders that have been stood down… Read More »
COVID-19 border closures, quarantines and travel restrictions are taking place at a global, national, state and regional level in Australia and Government announcements are coming through at a very rapid pace. We hope our updates are helpful in understanding the impact of these announcements for visa holders and that you and… Read More »
Student Visa work hours have temporarily been relaxed for international students currently working in the aged care sector or supermarkets. Usually, visa conditions prevent Student Visa holders from working more than 40 hours a fortnight during a study term, but these conditions have been relaxed to allow international students to… Read More »
It has now been a week since Australia’s extended COVID-19 Travel Ban commenced. The Government has faced unprecedented challenges to implement the ban within such a short time frame and the process of arranging necessary exemptions is continuing with the policy being developed urgently. Many people have been impacted as a… Read More »
Several business industry groups met with Minister Alan Tudge this afternoon to discuss the impact of Australia’s extended Travel Ban restrictions, which commence this evening. Travel Ban Exemptions The Government advised it intends to be as flexible as possible within the constraints of the legislative framework – particularly for occupations that maintain essential and critical services… Read More »
The Government’s extended Coronavirus COVID-19 Travel Ban commences this evening at 6pm AWST / 9pm AEST. It applies to all travellers to Australia who are not Australian citizens or Permanent Residents or their immediate family members. We can confirm the travel ban applies to temporary residents including Subclass 457 and 482 Visa holders. However, Prime… Read More »
Travelling to Australia is changing before our eyes. Australia’s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has announced the Coronavirus COVID-19 Travel Ban will be extended to all non Australian citizens and non residents coming into Australia from tomorrow, 20 March 2020 at 6pm Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) / 9pm Australian Eastern Standard Time… Read More »
As more countries, including Australia, begin to impose new Coronavirus Travel Ban restrictions, here’s how the limitations currently impact travel to Australia. Coronavirus Travel Ban Updates Australia’s Coronavirus Travel Ban currently impacts travel to Australia for travellers from Mainland China, Iran, South Korea and Italy. Read our update here.… Read More »
Following on from our previous update, further restrictions for the Coronavirus Travel Ban have been added to include travellers from the Republic of Korea and Italy. Here‘s what you need to know: From 5 March 2020, travellers from Italy were required to undergo enhanced health screening and temperature… Read More »
Following on from our previous Coronavirus Travel Ban update, travel restrictions have been extended to travellers from Iran from 1 March 2020. The Government is denying entry to temporary visa holders who have departed or transited through mainland China or Iran within 14 days of arriving in Australia. At this… Read More »
The size of Australia’s temporary migration intake has again come under the spotlight. In a recent policy speech, Opposition Home Affairs spokeswoman, Kristina Kenneally, emphasised that while changes to immigration policies have reduced the annual permanent migration intake, temporary migration figures continue to increase. Ms Kristina Kenneally highlighted that according… Read More »
Australia’s Working Holiday Maker Visa rules are changing to offer backpackers an extra 6 month stay in Australia if they choose to assist with bushfire recovery efforts. The migration policy changes will benefit farmers and businesses in bushfire-affected areas as well as young travellers seeking to travel, work or volunteer… Read More »
Australia Has One Of The Most Powerful Passports | The Australian passport has again ranked in the world’s top 10 most powerful passports for 2020 according to the Henley Passport Index, which measures the most travel-friendly passports across the globe. Australia ranked number 9 alongside New Zealand, Malta, Czech Republic… Read More »
The Government has announced that the Coronavirus Travel Ban from China to Australia has been extended from 15 February 2020 for a further week. Impact for Temporary Visa Holders Travel restrictions to enter Australia will continue to apply to Temporary Visa holders (excluding Permanent Residents) who have been in… Read More »
Why are more migrants choosing to study in Perth? With the Federal Government’s recent classification of Perth as a ‘regional’ area for visa and migration purposes in November 2019, the city is certainly becoming an even more attractive destination for international students. Perth International Students | New Visa Benefits Perth international… Read More »
Australia’s upcoming Skilled Occupation List changes will determine which occupations are eligible for skilled visas in 2020, so it’s important to understand how the lists may change. What is a Skilled Occupation List? | Skilled Occupation List Changes To work or migrate to Australia on a skilled visa, a person… Read More »
The Government has confirmed the eligible occupations for Australia’s new Regional Visas and importantly, the lists will establish new Permanent Residence (PR) pathways for skilled migrants from 16 November 2019. The 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Visa The 494 SESR Visa will enable businesses with operations in Perth, the Gold Coast and regional/remote areas to… Read More »
Over the weekend, the Government announced the new definition of ‘Regional Australia’ will change to encompass all areas of Australia except for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane from 16 November 2019. As a result, both Perth and the Gold Coast will be reclassified as regional areas for visa and migration purposes… Read More »
This week, Interstaff’s Managing Director, Sheila Woods commented on how the upcoming Regional Skilled Visa changes will impact businesses in the Resource Industry in an article for The Australian Mining Review and The Australian Oil and Gas Review newspapers. With the new Regional Skilled Visas commencing on 16 November 2019, the… Read More »
Australia’s permanent migration intake has fallen to its lowest level since 2008 with only 160,323 permanent residence visas granted in 2018-19, according to recent Department of Home Affairs statistics. In 2019/20 and over the next four years, we can expect this figure to plateau with Australia’s new planning cap formally… Read More »
As part of Australia’s focus on skilled regional visa arrangements, the composition of the Australian Skilled Migration program has shifted to promote a larger percentage of migrants in regional areas. While this has created more opportunities for permanent residence in regional areas, the number of placements for visas that allow… Read More »
Interstaff’s Managing Director, Sheila Woods recently had the pleasure of presenting at the 2019 WA HR Leadership Forum to share insights on fundamental shifts in Australia’s Skilled Migration Program. Sheila discussed how Australia’s new regional policy direction will impact businesses with operations in regional or remote areas. Here’s a summary… Read More »
Out of 140 major cities across the globe, four Australian major cities made it into the top 20 most liveable cities in the world this year according to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s annual Global Liveability Index. Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide ranked in the top 10 most liveable cities, while Perth… Read More »
Figures released by the Department of Home Affairs show 229,000 people held a Bridging Visa in Australia in March 2019 while a decision was being made to grant their substantive visa. This is a significant increase considering the number of people on a Bridging Visa in 2014 was 107,000. The… Read More »
From 16 November 2019, a new visa known as the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Provisional 494 Visa will replace the existing regional visa sponsorship program, known as the Subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa. The new 494 Visa will provide employers greater flexibility to sponsor visa holders for… Read More »
The new Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) 494 Visa will commence on 16 November 2019 and replace existing permanent residence pathways to sponsor overseas workers in regional areas. If your business employs Subclass 457/482 Visa holders, it’s important to know how the changes will impact permanent residence options for employees.… Read More »
The Government has launched a parliamentary inquiry into Australia’s migration program as part of its focus on encouraging migrants to live and work in regional areas. While Australia’s permanent migration intake rate has already been formally reduced by 30,000 places each year over the next four years, temporary migration figures… Read More »
If you’re an expat moving to Australia, you would know navigating visa requirements is only one piece of the puzzle when seeking to work abroad. It helps to have access to a pool of resources and a supportive group of like-minded individuals. Recently, Interstaff have been working closely with Expat… Read More »
You may have heard in the media last month that the Courier-Mail reported the Government may not pursue legislative changes that will require permanent residents to wait longer and meet tougher tests to become eligible for Australian Citizenship. The Federal Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has since denied reports that changes… Read More »
Amended legislation to relax Australia’s Work and Holiday Visa arrangements commenced on 1 July 2019. The Work and Holiday Maker program is now available to more young migrants and provides a pathway for visa holders to stay an additional year to assist farmers and regional businesses with critical labour shortages.… Read More »
The Subclass 489 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa will soon be replaced by a new regional points-tested visa, known as the Subclass 491 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa on 16 November 2019. If you’re interested in becoming sponsored by an Australian State or Territory Government for skilled work in regional areas, read… Read More »
The bar has been raised even higher for skilled migrants requiring points for a 189 Visa invitation, particularly for high-demand occupations such as accountants, engineers and IT professionals. The 189 Visa is highly sought by skilled migrants because it provides permanent residence without the need for employer sponsorship. However, the… Read More »
The Government has introduced legislation for Australia’s new Skilled Regional Visa options, which will require migrants to work for three years in regional areas before becoming eligible to apply for permanent residence. Here’s what you need to know about the new Regional Visas. Currently, migrants can directly apply for permanent… Read More »
The Government’s points test changes from 16 November 2016 could mean migrants will be able to claim extra points to qualify for Australia’s independent skilled visas. Details of the revised points allocations were released under the Migration Amendment (New Regional Skilled Visas) Regulations 2019, as part of the Government’s review… Read More »
Overseas-trained nurses wanting to apply for permanent residence through the General Skilled Migration program may soon need to undertake an outcomes-based assessment instead of a three-month bridging program to qualify. The outcomes-based assessment will require overseas-trained nurses to be assessed based on cognitive and behavioural components, and previous qualifications and… Read More »
Perth is a great place to celebrate Easter with family and friends. There are always plenty of events and activities on offer each year. If you’re currently in Perth on a vacation (or staycation for permanent residents), here’s our rundown of things to do and places to see over the… Read More »
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that major changes to introduce a sponsorship application to the Partner Visa process will no longer commence on 17 April 2019. The Migration Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Act 2018 provides for a family sponsorship framework to be established, in which sponsors need… Read More »
