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, supply chain logistics and food production.
Critical Skills for a Travel Exemption
Exemption categories for individuals with Critical Skills to support the supply of essential goods and services:
- Medical technology
- Critical infrastructure
- Telecommunications
- Engineering and mining
- Supply chain logistics
- Agricultural technology
- Food production
- Maritime industry
Critical Sectors for a Travel Exemption
Exemption categories for individuals delivering services in Critical Sectors for Australia’s economic recovery, in cases where no Australian worker is available:
- Financial technology
- Large scale manufacturing
- Film and television production
- Emerging technology
Other Travel Exemption Categories for Critical Work
- Travel at the invitation of the Australian Government or a State/Territory Government to assist with COVID-19 response
- Providing critical or specialist medical services, including air ambulance, medical evacuations and delivering critical medical supplies
- Travel for entry that would otherwise be in Australia’s national interest, with support by an Australian or State/Territory Government
Do I need to hold a visa before requesting a Travel Exemption for critical work?
No – a person that meets the Critical Skills criteria can apply for a Travel Exemption first. A valid visa will however be required to travel to Australia.
Applying for a Travel Exemption | Critical Skills Australia
Unfortunately, a significant number of Travel Exemption Applications are being refused for insufficient evidence in meeting the exemption criteria. Applicants must present a well-documented case with sufficient evidence for meeting the exemption criteria.
Read more about how Travel Exemptions work or view Interstaff’s FAQs on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Australian immigration.
Are you eligible? | Interstaff Migration Agents
The Government has recommenced visa processing for temporary and permanent migration, however delays are being experienced across the migration program.
We encourage you to get in touch if you have any queries about visa and exemption requirements for critical work. Our team of Registered Migration Agents can advise on your eligibility and guide you through the process of preparing your evidence requirements. Simply contact us at visas@interstaff.com or +61 8 9221 3388 (or National Free Call 1800 449 858).
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