To support businesses struggling during COVID-19 and to promote economic recovery post-COVID-19, the Australian Government has temporarily relaxed the limit on working hours for Student (Subclass 500) visa holders and the six-month employer work limitation for Working Holiday Makers (Subclass 462 visa and Subclass 417 visa holders). Working Hours… Read More »
How long do visa applications take? Visa application processing times vary significantly. Updated processing times for most visa types are issued every month by the Department of Home Affairs and are indicative of the actual processing time for recently finalised applications. Processing priorities are usually established by Ministerial Direction… Read More »
The Australian government announced various visa changes throughout COVID-19 and post-pandemic we expect the government will continue to review migration settings to attract skilled migrants to Australia during a competitive period for international talent. Though legislative and policy changes take time, here’s an overview of how we might see migration… Read More »
COVID has impacted access and processes associated with securing essential visa documentation. Gathering required documents takes time. If you have already identified skilled candidates that are eligible to be nominated for a position, prepare for their visa documents as soon as possible. Essential documents in focus| Expected delays… Read More »
It’s been nearly two years since the Australian border shut against COVID-19. We have seen many changes to the migration program in response to COVID that have resulted in labour shortages in parts of the economy and government responses to alleviate those shortages. COVID restrictions have intensified the difficulty of… Read More »
It has certainly been another bumpy ride this year but it seems like we may be ending it on the cusp of positive change for international travel to Australia as the Government begins to focus on post-pandemic recovery. Australia’s international border re-opened to fully vaccinated skilled migrants and international students… Read More »
Travel Ban Southern Africa | Australia Lifts Travel Ban on Arrivals from Southern Africa Australia has lifted its travel ban on arrivals from the below southern African nations: South Africa Lesotho Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia Mozambique Malawi Eswatini Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents and fully vaccinated eligible visa holders travelling from the above nations can now… Read More »
WA Open Borders | 5 February 2022 Reopening Date | What this means for Travellers Western Australia’s (WA’s) Premier, Mark McGowan yesterday announced WA state and international borders will reopen from 12.01 am on 5 February 2022. Mr McGowan had vowed to announce a reopening date once WA reached… Read More »
Australian International Travel Omicron | Updates Prime Minister, Scott Morrison met with State and Territory leaders at a National Cabinet meeting last Friday 10 December 2021 to discuss the new Omicron variant and the approach for Australian international travel. According to Mr Morrison’s media statement following the National Cabinet meeting,… Read More »
Bridging Visa Australia | Bridging Visa Holders and Others with a Section 48 Bar are Now Eligible to Apply for Skilled Permanent Residence Non-citizens with a Section 48 Bar are now eligible to apply for some Skilled Visas to remain in Australia following Government legislative changes on 13 November… Read More »
Omicron International Travel Australia | How Omicron Has Already Impacted Australia’s Plans to Re-open International Travel Like much of the world, Australia is seeking further advice on the new COVID-19 Omicron variant’s level of transmission, whether it causes severe illness and if existing vaccines will still be effective. While these factors are still… Read More »
Travel Exemptions Australia 2021 | Fully Vaccinated Eligible Travellers to Come to Australia from 15 December 2021 | Travel Exemptions Removed Update on 14 December 2021: After almost two years of waiting to enter the country for many Skilled Visa holders and International Students, the emergence of Omicron had… Read More »
International Arrivals WA to Double in November 2021 Western Australia (WA) Premier, Mark McGowan yesterday announced that the international arrivals cap to WA will double from 20 November 2021, when the State expects to reach a 70% double-dose vaccination rate. This will allow 530 people to enter WA from… Read More »
International Travel WA | WA’s Roadmap to Re-open Borders Update on 2 December 2021: Yesterday, WA Premier Mark McGowan stated that ‘at this point’ the State’s plans to open borders in late January or early February 2022 are still proceeding, but advice on the new Omicron strain would be… Read More »
Leaving Australia Travel Updates | Travel Exemptions for Outbound No Longer Needed for Vaccinated Australians Families separated from their loved ones overseas will be happy to know that from 1 November 2021, fully vaccinated Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be able to leave Australia without applying for Government permission… Read More »
Vaccine Passport Australia 2021 | Available From 19 October 2021 Australia is moving towards easing international border restrictions with new COVID-19 vaccine certificates to be available from tomorrow – Tuesday 19 October 2021. Here’s what you should know. How will Australia’s International Vaccine Passports Work? Can Visa Holders Use the… Read More »
International Arrivals Australia 2021 | Quarantine to End for International Arrivals to New South Wales New South Wales (NSW) Premier, Dominic Perrottet has today announced a plan to open the State to fully vaccinated international arrivals. He revealed that in two weeks: NSW will allow international arrivals with two doses… Read More »
Australia International Travel 2021 Prime Minister, Scott Morrison announced in a Press Conference today that Australia’s international border will re-open from next month (November 2021) for States with an 80% vaccination rate – starting with New South Wales (NSW). This is very welcome and highly anticipated news. Australia’s international… Read More »
Skills Shortages Australia 2021 | Businesses Call on Government to Review Permanent Residence Pathways for Skilled Visa Holders In over 18 months since Australia closed its international border to all but essential travellers, more than 500,000 temporary migrants have left Australia. Many have been unable to return due to international border restrictions. Coupled with the fact that businesses… Read More »
Agriculture Visa Australia Updates The Government first announced it would introduce a dedicated Agriculture Visa in June to allow migrants from certain countries to come to Australia for agricultural work that cannot be filled locally. Since the announcement, farmers and skilled migrants have been eagerly waiting for further details to… Read More »
Permanent Residency Visas Australia | Migrating to Australia During the Pandemic Latest Government statistics show Australia granted 160,052 Permanent Residence Visas in the 2020-21 Migration Program – which equates to 20,000 more visas than the previous year. It is encouraging to see the full cap of 160,000 placements was reached as per 2020-21 ceiling planning… Read More »
Australia International Border Updates Update: On 1 October 2021, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that Australia’s international border will re-open from November 2021 for States with an 80% vaccination rate – starting with New South Wales (NSW). This is very welcome and highly anticipated news. Australia’s international border has been… Read More »
Prospective Marriage Visa Travel While Australia’s international border is still closed to all but essential travellers until the country reaches a higher vaccination rate, Travel Exemptions to enter and leave Australia are constantly being reviewed by the Government. Here’s a few updates. New Travel Exemption for Prospective Marriage Visa… Read More »
Travel Exemptions for Australians Normally Living Overseas | Interstaff Insights Health Minister, Greg Hunt has removed an automatic Travel Exemption that previously allowed Australians who normally live overseas to travel to their country of residence without needing permission to leave Australia. Effective from 11 August 2021, expats currently in… Read More »
Covid19 Concessions Visas | Interstaff Insights Covid19 Concessions are available during the pandemic to assist visa holders that are disadvantaged by border closures, business restrictions or the economic downturn. In some cases, visa applicants may have additional time to enter the country. Other applicants may no longer need to… Read More »
408 Visa Changing Employers | Interstaff Insights The 408 Pandemic Event Visa provides visa holders in Australia an option to extend their stay for two reasons – either to undertake critical work or because they cannot travel due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Applicants may be granted a stay period… Read More »
Exploitation of Visa Holders | Interstaff Insights In Australia, visa holders have the same workplace rights as local Australians. In most cases, these rights are supported by employers, but unfortunately from time to time, cases do arise where visa holders are exploited. Read on to find out your rights… Read More »
Australia Vaccination Rate and International Travel | Interstaff Insights On Friday 30 July 2021, Prime Minister, Scott Morrison specified Australia must reach a 70% vaccination rate before it can move to the next phase of reopening international travel. Building on the National Cabinet’s Four-Stage Plan announced last month, here’s a summary… Read More »
International Arrivals Vaccination Australia | Interstaff Insights The Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) form and Travel Exemption request forms have been updated to ask applicants to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status. It is yet another sign that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 could enable Australia to reopen international travel, in line… Read More »
Skilled Migration WA | Interstaff Insights A total of 134 new occupations were added to the Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) this week, providing a Permanent Residence (PR) pathway to Temporary Skilled Visa holders already in Australia who wish to live and work in WA. Effective immediately, the expanded WASMOL also provides… Read More »
International Arrivals Halved Australia | Interstaff Insights The National Cabinet has agreed this morning to halve the number of international arrivals to Australia: International arrivals will reduce from 6,370 down to 3,035 people per week by 14 July 2021. This will be in place until at least the start of 2022,… Read More »
Four-Phase Plan Australia | Plan to Re-open International Travel and Emerge From the Pandemic | Interstaff Insights Prime Minister, Scott Morrison today announced a Four-Phase Plan to re-open international travel to pre-pandemic levels and manage the pandemic. Here’s what you need to know. Phase 1 – Vaccinate, Prepare… Read More »
Travel Exemption Updates | Travel Bubbles | Interstaff Insights With the rapid pace of international travel news, it can be hard to know what’s changed and how it may impact you. Here’s the latest travel exemption updates and news about upcoming travel bubbles. Read on to find out about:… Read More »
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 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 coming years. The Budget revealed several key assumptions… 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 »
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 migration. The Outlook revealed a few key assumptions on how the pandemic will continue to affect migration to Australia: Between July and December 2020, only Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents,… 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 »
You may have seen in the media that the Government has forecast an 85% drop in Net Overseas Migration for 2020/21 compared to 2018/19 pre-COVID figures. This includes both temporary and permanent migration. This is a significant decrease and the Government is now considering how best to shape the 2020-21… 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 »
The Government’s recently announced Coronavirus travel ban means temporary visa holders will not be able to travel to Australia from mainland China despite having a valid visa. It will impact: Temporary visa holders in China who intend to travel or return to Australia Temporary visa holders who have recently transited through China This… Read More »
In Interstaff’s Q&A Video Series, our Registered Migration Agents answer your questions on how the introduction of the new Regional 494 Visa impacts businesses and skilled visa applicants. With Perth recently becoming classified as a regional city for visa purposes, we’ve had many people enquire how the new 494 Regional… 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 »
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 »
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 in regional areas, it’s important to know how the changes will impact permanent residence… 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 Department of Home Affairs has confirmed less invitations will be issued to skilled migrants for a General Skilled Migration visa in 2019-20. As per our previous article, last month in April only 100 invitations were issued for a Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa Australia-wide – the lowest amount offered… Read More »
WA Day! We’re very lucky in Western Australia to have a public holiday dedicated to everything that makes our state a great place to live, work and explore. This Monday 3 June is WA Day and there will be plenty of family activities on – both in Perth and right… Read More »
Following the 2019 Federal Election, we now have greater certainty of Australia’s immigration policy directions over the next three-year Government term. Prime Minister, Scott Morrison will continue to lead the Australian Government and immigration policy changes that were previously announced under his direction are likely to progress. This includes a… Read More »
After winning the 2019 Federal Election, Prime Minister Scott Morrison will lead the Coalition through its third consecutive term of Government in Australia and has already selected which Ministers will form the new Cabinet. While there were some changes in ownership across Ministerial portfolios, responsibilities for immigration and related policies… Read More »
The privilege to vote and have a say in the shaping of our nation is just one of many good reasons to become an Australian Citizen. For those who are Australian citizens – whether it’s your first time voting or not – why not celebrate your freedom to vote with… Read More »
Skilled visa applicants across Australia may face a longer wait to be invited by the Government to apply for a Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, due to a reduction in the number of invites being issued. The Subclass 189 Visa is highly sought by skilled migrants because it provides permanent… Read More »
In the lead up to the Federal Election, debate and discussion has again been raised on how Australia should manage its skilled migration programs. Congestion busting in metropolitan areas remains a contentious issue, and the Opposition has criticised the Coalition’s population policy for failing to address high numbers of temporary… Read More »
Recent debate in the lead up to the Federal election has highlighted the issue of extremely long wait times and high fees faced by many who apply for Australia’s Parent Visas. There is significant demand to bring parents to Australia, however only 7,371 permanent Parent Visas were issued in 2017-18.… 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. Currently, migrants can directly apply for permanent residence in regional areas through the Subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration… 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 »
From 17 April 2019, the Department of Home Affairs will begin accepting Sponsorship applications from Australian citizens/permanent residents and eligible New Zealand Citizens to sponsor their parent(s) to come to Australia for up to 10 years on the new Subclass 870 Temporary Parent Visa. As the visa will be capped… Read More »
The Australian Governor-General yesterday proclaimed that the Partner Migration Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) will commence on 17 April 2019. The changes may result in a more onerous and lengthier process to obtain a Partner Visa, and will particularly impact those lodging their application from within Australia. The legislative amendment will allow the Department of Home… Read More »
2019 Federal Budget outcomes Last night’s 2019 Federal Budget announcements confirmed Australia will continue to focus on encouraging migrants to live and work regionally, with nearly $50 million of spending to be allocated to new regional visas over the next five years. Other key take-aways for the migration program included: A 5.4%… Read More »
Employers and Subclass 482 Visa holders may be interested to know a new permanent residence option has opened up for an additional 31 occupations in the Oil and Gas, IT, Science, Professional services and Arts industries (among others) through the General Skilled Migration program. Prior to the Skilled Occupation List… Read More »
How does this impact your Australian visa, sponsored workers or travel?
