ABC Radio Interview | Interstaff Registered Migration Agents Just how broken is Australia’s migration system? Interstaff’s Managing Director, Sheila Woods was interviewed on ABC Radio Perth last month to comment on the Federal Government’s response to a ‘Review Into the Exploitation of the Migration System’ by Former Chief Commissioner… Read More »
Permanent Residence 482 TSS Visa | Interstaff Registered Migration Agents The Department of Home Affairs has revealed that employer-sponsored Permanent Residence (PR) pathways for Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa Holders will change from 25 November 2023, subject to the approval of regulation changes. Which Visas Will Be… Read More »
State/Territory Visa Nominations | Interstaff Registered Migration Agents Australia’s state and territory nominated visa options to migrate without an employer sponsor have become more competitive due to the government significantly reducing its 2023-24 allocations for these visas. Nomination allocations refer to the number of new primary applicants each state… Read More »
Visa Sponsorship Compliance | Interstaff Registered Migration Agents Just how broken is Australia’s migration system? One of the government’s focus areas in 2023 has been to address worker exploitation in the migration system, as recently seen in an increase in sponsorship audit requests of sponsor companies. As the government… Read More »
408 Visa Closing | Interstaff Registered Migration Agents The Subclass 408 Pandemic Event Visa will close on 1 February 2024, signifying the normalisation of the migration program after years of pandemic recovery efforts. The 408 Visa was originally intended to allow temporary visa holders to extend their stay for… Read More »
Parent Visa Grants | Australia Australia allocated almost double the amount of placements to Parent Visas in 2022/23 (8,500 placements) compared to the previous year (4,500 placements), and another 8,500 places have again been allocated in 2023/24. But although the Government is continuing to focus on granting Parent Visas,… Read More »
Australia Trade Agreements | UK | India UK and Indian passport holders are set to benefit from new visa and mobility arrangements that have been recently negotiated in Australia’s Trade Agreements. The Australia – UK Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) came into effect on 31 May 2023 and will soon… Read More »
Aged Care Labour Agreement Australia | Greater Flexibility to Sponsor Visa Holders The Government has made an industry-specific Aged Care Labour Agreement immediately available to aged care providers across Australia. Recognising that the aged care sector is an essential industry experiencing persistent skills shortages, it allows aged care providers… Read More »
TSMIT and New PR Pathways | Q&A’s with Interstaff Significant changes in skilled migration were announced by the Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil last month, such as an increase in the TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Threshold) minimum salary for employer sponsored visa holders and new PR pathways, but what… Read More »
New Skilled Migration Program | The Government’s Vision – What Strategy Documents Reveal The Government aims to deliver a better targeted, more efficient and outcomes-focused migration system, as revealed in its recently released Migration Strategy Outline, ‘A Migration System for a More Prosperous and Secure Australia’. As part of… Read More »
Federal Budget 2023 Immigration Australia | What the Federal Budget Means for Migration to Australia The government’s first Federal Budget since it was elected in 2022 has revealed the size and composition of the migration program will continue to focus on skilled migration in 2023-2024. Here’s a summary of the main Budget… Read More »
TSMIT increase – minimum salary for visa holders and PR pathways | Employer-sponsored visa changes Following Home Affairs Minister, Clare O’Neil’s announcements on changes to the skilled migration program a few weeks ago, here’s how some of the changes will be implemented. The minimum salary requirements known as the TSMIT (Temporary… Read More »
Government Skilled Visa Changes | Interstaff’s Insights on ABC Radio Perth Interstaff’s Managing Director, Sheila Woods was live on ABC Radio Perth on Thursday evening to discuss how Home Affairs Minister, Clare O’Neil’s skilled migration announcements will impact businesses and visa holders. In case you missed it, have a listen… Read More »
Skilled Visa Changes Australia 2023 | Announcements by Home Affairs Minister, Clare O’Neil Update on 27 April 2023: Interstaff’s Managing Director, Sheila Woods was recently live on ABC Radio Perth on 27 April 2023 to discuss how the Government’s recent skilled migration announcements will impact businesses and visa holders.… Read More »
International students could be the first category of temporary visa holders to return to Australia, as universities work with the government to propose health and safety measures that may make this possible. Last month, Australia’s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison announced it would consider lifting border restrictions for international students and… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 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 »
There will be major changes to the Partner Visa process as the Government has passed legislation governing the way in which couples can apply for a Partner Visa. Find out what has changed and why, as well as how the changes impact you and your partner. Partner sponsors to… Read More »
Australia’s Immigration Minister, David Coleman is accelerating negotiations for regional migration agreements as part of the Federal Government’s plans to address labour shortages and alleviate population pressure in major cities. As a result, the Department of Home Affairs has been directed to fast track negotiations to establish Designated Area Migration… Read More »
Australia’s International Trade Agreements can determine whether employers are required to undertake Labour Market Testing for visa applicants from certain countries. Usually employers first need to have undertaken Labour Market Testing in the local labour market for suitable candidates before sponsoring a visa holder on a subclass 482/TSS visa –… Read More »
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is calling on State Premiers to prepare individual population policies for their state with an aim to reduce Australia’s permanent migration intake of 190,000 migrants per year. Australia’s permanent migration intake is historically reviewed by the Department of Home Affairs as a national figure, however as… Read More »
This week, Interstaff had the pleasure of presenting on the topic, ‘Reimagining Skilled Migration’ at the 2018 WA HR Leadership Forum. As you may know, this year’s replacement of the 457 Visa scheme with the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 Visa and broader changes in Australia’s migration arrangements have… Read More »
Employer sponsored migration will be a key focus for Australia’s Immigration Minister, David Coleman according to his speech to the Migration Institute of Australia in October 2018. Mr Coleman stated Australia’s skilled migration policies should emphasise visa categories providing the highest economic benefits, such as employer sponsored migration and regional… Read More »
The Government has announced it will relax Working Holiday Visa program restrictions relating to age limits, areas of work, employer flexibility and length of stay to help agricultural businesses struggling with labour shortages while the Government considers creating a dedicated agricultural visa for a long-term solution. The Working Holiday Visa… Read More »
Last week, the Government announced Irish and Canadian citizens can now apply for a Working Holiday Subclass 417 Visa in Australia up to the age of 35. Prior to the change on 1 November 2018, people over the age 31 were ineligible for the program. The increased age limit therefore… Read More »
Interstaff is pleased to welcome our new Registered Migration Agent to the team, Melissa Phan (MARN: 1808239). As part of our Registered Migration Agent team, Melissa advises clients on migration solutions for businesses and individuals according to current migration legislation and manages all aspects of the visa and/or sponsorship application process… Read More »
Interstaff had a great lawn bowls night recently with WA Singapore Business Connect. Have you ever tried your hand at lawn bowls? It was a first for a few of us in the Interstaff team at the South Perth Lawn Bowls Club. Trying lawn bowls for the first time and… Read More »
One Fine Day There’s plenty of free things to see and do in Perth and they don’t have to cost you the Earth! We are lucky to have so many natural attractions to visit and with the weather beginning to heat up, we’re excited to start heading out for a… Read More »
The latest on plans for Australia’s new migrants to live in regional areas Australia’s Population and Urban Infrastructure Minister, Alan Tudge recently confirmed the Government is progressing plans to develop a new landmark population policy that will introduce visa conditions requiring overseas workers to settle outside Sydney and Melbourne for… Read More »
The WA Graduate Occupation List is now in effect, which means that apart from our world-class universities, international students now have another reason to choose to study in WA – a priority pathway to stay in Australia. The WA State Government recently introduced the Graduate Occupation List to provide eligible… Read More »
How will Australia manage its population growth? Since Scott Morrison became Prime Minister, we have been keen to see how he would begin to shape Australia’s immigration policies and population growth. It seems he is already beginning to shift debate on the size of Australia’s annual immigration intake, revealing facts… Read More »
Interstaff is pleased to announce we have appointed Michelle Collins to join us in advising on your migration requirements as one of our Registered Migration Agents. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Law and Arts from the University of Notre Dame as well as a Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law from Murdoch University. She… Read More »
Skilled migration data has been released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics which reveals some fun facts about the people that choose Western Australia as their home to work and live. The below skilled migration data captures a broad snapshot of permanent migrants arriving in WA between 2000 to 2016.… Read More »
A day after being announced as Australia’s new Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge has confirmed he is exploring different ways to incentivise migrants to work regionally to help ease congestion in Sydney and Melbourne. Alan Tudge attributes Australia’s population pressures to the disproportionate number of migrants… Read More »
David Coleman will be sworn in as Australia’s New Minister of Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs on 29 August 2018, after last week’s leadership spill culminated in the appointment of Scott Morrison as Australia’s new Prime Minister and a subsequent cabinet reshuffle. Scott Morrison has decided Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural… Read More »
If you are wondering how SAF Fees apply in cases where TSS Visa holders are changing sponsors, the Government has indicated employers will only be required to pay a portion of the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Fees when engaging workers currently in Australia on a Subclass 457/482 Temporary Skills Shortage… Read More »
The WA State Government has announced a priority pathway to permanent residence will be made available for high-achieving graduates from WA universities through the introduction of a Graduate Skilled Migration List in coming months. WA University graduates with a PhD, Masters, Honours or other higher degree graduates will have access… Read More »
New legislation governing the Labour Market Testing (LMT) and advertising requirements to be undertaken before sponsoring a Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 Visa holder came into effect on Sunday. The below legislative changes apply to nominations made on or after 12 August 2018. Labour Market Testing Requirements At least two advertisements that meet the… Read More »
Further to our announcement last week, we would like to confirm the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) commenced on Sunday 12 August 2018 and is now in effect with SAF refunds available in some circumstances. Businesses are now required to pay a ‘Nomination Training Contribution Charge’ (NTCC) into the SAF for each visa holder sponsored on a: Subclass… Read More »
Changes to Australian Citizenship eligibility requirements are likely to be confirmed in coming months as amendments to the legislation have now been scheduled for review in parliamentary sittings. If the changes proposed in the Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment Bill are passed into law, we can expect the eligibility requirements to… Read More »
Contributions into the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy will be payable on all nomination applications for Subclass 482, 186 and 187 Visas from Sunday 12 August 2018. The SAF was approved by the Australian parliament in May 2018. The fund has been established to provide training for Australians in areas of need as identified by the… Read More »
This year’s Avon Descent is coming up on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August. Head on down to the events spanning Northam, Toodyay, Belmont, Bassendean and Bayswater and see competitors from around the world tackle our white waters. There will be free entertainment, an international food festival and lots of family fun. Don’t… Read More »
Citizenship Minister Alan Tudge has indicated it should become mandatory for intending migrants to first stay in Australia on a temporary visa to allow the Government time to assess their adoption of Australian values before granting permanent residence. While this has raised controversy and debate on whether there is a… Read More »
In a speech to the Australia/UK Leadership Forum in London recently, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Minister Alan Tudge discussed the Government’s plans to introduce an Australian values test before granting new migrants permanent residence. Why introduce an Australian values test? A significant part of the controversy is centred around whether… Read More »
Recently released statistics show the Department of Home Affairs only accepted 162,417 people on a permanent residence visa in 2017/18 in comparison to 183,608 in the previous year. The figure is well below the permanent migration planning level of 190,000 placements, and confirms several trends we have seen developing over… Read More »
The CEO of WA’s Chamber of Minerals and Energy, Mr Everingham has shown support for a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) to address shortages in WA’s Goldfields mining region. The Shires of Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Citizenship and Multicultural Minister, Mr Alan Tudge met last month to discuss the DAMA and… Read More »
The Department of Home Affairs has announced the pass mark has increased from 60 points to 65 points to become eligible for a visa under the General Skilled Migration program. This change came into effect on 1 July. The change in the pass mark demonstrates a further narrowing of Australia’s permanent skilled migration… Read More »
On 22 June, the Interstaff team mascots dropped by to say hello for Take Your Dog To Work Day. Needless to say they were spoilt with plenty of tummy rubs and treats. Meet Poppy and Astra, everyone! Head on over to our Facebook page to see more of our pictures!… Read More »
Over the past few years, the Interstaff team have seen the Government become increasingly selective of the occupations that get accepted onto Australia’s skilled occupation lists and become eligible for skilled migration to Australia. In April 2017, fundamental changes were announced which split eligible occupations into two skilled occupation lists.… Read More »
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced the Federal Government is considering changes to ensure all permanent residence applicants, including dependent partners or family members, can meet English requirements at least at a primary school level before being granted permanent residence. The Government is considering a range of options, from mandatory… Read More »
Over the past few months, the Interstaff team have noticed the Department of Home Affairs are requiring businesses to provide more substantial levels of evidence for Subclass 400 Visas. As you may know, the Subclass 400 visa enables businesses to engage highly skilled applicants with knowledge or experience that cannot… Read More »
If you have applied for Australian Citizenship and are waiting to hear if it has been granted, you may wish to know the average Citizenship times for government processing have blown out from 12 months in March 2016 to 16 months this financial year. Interstaff looks into three reasons why.… Read More »
Permanent Residence pathway for Retirement Visas | The Government has announced that those on Subclass 405 or 410 Retirement Visa may soon become eligible to apply for permanent residence through Australia’s Parent Visa streams. Retirement Visa holders wishing to transition to permanent residence will not have to meet some of… Read More »
Businesses and Unions Defend Skilled Migration | Businesses and unions don’t always see eye to eye – but recently businesses and unions joined forces to release a policy document urging the Federal Government to maintain levels of permanent migration for the economic benefit of Australia. The signatories included the Australian… Read More »
Calls for more skilled visas in regional Australia and smaller cities | Rather than cutting Australia’s migration intake, think tank The Regional Australian Institute is calling for the Government to redistribute skilled migration to regional areas and smaller cities in need of a population boost – and it appears the… Read More »
Despite pressure to cut Australia’s annual permanent migration intake, the Government has confirmed the migration program ceiling will remain unchanged at 190,000 visas for 2018-2019. However, Interstaff migration agent, Sheila Woods says that unlike previous years, recent trends indicate the full quota may not be reached. Although the Government has… Read More »
SAF Levy Refunds Businesses | The 2018 Federal Budget handed down recently has revealed that employers will be able to access additional refund provisions for the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy. Businesses who sponsor visa holders will be able to apply for a refund of the SAF Levy fee under… Read More »
SAF Levy Labour Market | The Senate has today passed legislation for the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy after further debate on the Government’s bill. The SAF Levy is not yet operational however, and the Department of Home Affairs is yet to confirm when businesses will begin to be charged… Read More »
Are you currently sponsored by an employer on a 457 or the new Subclass 482 Visa? You may be wondering what your permanent residence options are now that the 457 visa has been replaced by the 482 visa. There are new eligibility requirements to transition to permanent residence which you… Read More »
In response to pressure from business leaders in the ICT industry, the Australian Government announced it would pilot a new visa from 1 July to provide tech businesses the ability to employ highly skilled ICT workers from overseas. ICT business leaders have widely expressed concerns of not being able to… Read More »
To permanently migrate to Australia through the General Skilled Migration program, the Department of Home Affairs advises you need a minimum of 60 points through various points-tested requirements before getting invited to apply. Migration agent from Interstaff, Sheila Woods however believes you may need to aim much higher than this… Read More »
The new Subclass 482 Visa | Changes for employers and skilled visa applicants The 457 Visa was Australia’s most commonly used employer-sponsored visa program for more than 20 years and its replacement with the 482 Visa on 18 March 2018 has resulted in significant changes to the way in which… Read More »
Debate on cutting Australia’s migration intake has continuously been discussed in the media since Former Prime Minister, Tony Abbot’s call to reduce Australia’s skilled permanent migration intake by 80,000 in February. Mr Abbott had argued that migration cuts were needed saying, “At least until infrastructure, housing stock and integration have… Read More »
Australia’s skilled migration intake is now 10,000 spots fewer due to the Government’s decision to merge a new skilled visa for New Zealanders with the existing skilled migration program without increasing the placements offered. New Zealanders who are already living and working in Australia on a Subclass 444 Visa will… Read More »
TSS Visa Implementation | The Government has today released legislation for the new TSS Visa and confirmed the new program will commence this Sunday 18 March 2018. The change will mean new applications will need to be made under the TSS Visa program rather than the 457 scheme from Monday… Read More »
If you are interested in establishing a business in Australia, there may soon be a new Business Visa option available to you. The Federal Government has proposed a new visa to enable overseas entrepreneurs and investors with innovative ideas and supporting business plans to apply for a temporary visa and… Read More »
Australian Citizenship changes continue to be a topic of interest in the media, with Peter Dutton, Minister of the Department of Home Affairs continuing efforts to win the Senate’s support for changes to citizenship laws, after the changes that were originally proposed were rejected by the Senate in October last… Read More »
Partner Visa Checks | To help ensure the safety of those on a Partner Visa, the Government proposed migration amendments that would require Partner Visa sponsors to meet police and character checks. The changes were expected to commence in 2017, however, the amendments still lie before the Senate and are… Read More »
The Government has advised on the eligibility requirements for 457 Visa holders to transition to permanent residence from March 2018, however the arrangements are still pending final Government approval. Transitioning to Permanent Residence as a 457 Visa Holder after March 2018 In line with the introduction of the TSS Temporary… Read More »
