GSM Skills Assessment obtained 60 days after invitation now acceptable
Skills assessments obtained within 60 days of receiving an invitation for a General Skilled Migration Visa will now be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs. Skills Assessment required for GSM visas To be eligible for a General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visa, applicants need to meet specific requirements, including having obtained a positive skills assessment. […]
A major overhaul of Australia’s migration system is underway
Australia’s immigration system is undergoing significant changes as the government strives to ensure that the country’s migration policies better align with its national interests and complement the skills and capabilities of its domestic workforce. These changes are being driven by the Minister for Home Affairs, the Honorable Clare O’Neil MP, who recently announced a comprehensive […]
22 additional occupations added to the Priority Migration Skill Occupation List (PMSOL)
Visa holders, who have been sponsored by an Australian business in a PMSOL occupation can request an exemption from Australia’s travel restrictions, and will receive priority processing on their application, but will still be subject to a mandatory 14 days quarantine. Existing skilled migration occupation lists will remain open, and the Department of Home Affairs […]
Some relief for certain 482/457 visa holders unable to return to Australia.
Following Australia’s international border closures, many 457 and 482 visa holders were stranded and unable to return to Australia to continue working for their employer sponsor. Now a concession will apply to certain 457 and 482 visa holders outside of Australia whose visas have expired or will expire and are required to return to Australia to work for their sponsor. No visa […]
Permanent Residency pathway for COVID affected 457 and 482 visa holders secured
Several amendments to legislative instruments were released last week, providing concessions for workers whose employment has been adversely impacted by the COVID pandemic, and securing their pathway to permanent residency. Concessions available for visa holders stood down and hours reduced At the onset of the COVID pandemic, as businesses were forced to follow strict lockdown […]
New Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List announced and changes to Labour Market Testing requirements
Travel exemptions extended to sponsored employees on new PMSOL, and strengthening of Labour Market Testing requirements. In a joint media release, Acting Minister for Immigration Alan Tudge and Minister for Employment Michaela Cash announced a new priority skills list and additional Labour Market Testing requirements that will allow small numbers of sponsored skilled workers to travel to […]
Visa holders affected by COVID-19
Is your visa expiring before your intended departure from Australia? There are no exceptions in place for expired visa holders. If you are in Australia and your visa is about to expire, you will need to apply for another visa to remain lawfully in Australia. If you do not apply for another visa you could […]
Managing your Sponsorship Obligations during COVID-19
We understand that these are extremely difficult times, and we are working to ensure that we help reduce any uncertainty around the implications for you as a business sponsor and for your visa holders. Travel bans and restrictions Please refer to our COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Immigration Updates page. Expiring visa holders If you have visa holders […]
Grandfathering Arrangements for 186 visas (5 Case Studies)
The significant changes to the Employer Sponsored visa categories in March 2018 limited access to permanent residency for many applicants. The assessment of eligibility for a Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (186 visa) visa under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream has become increasingly complicated, and requires a comprehensive analysis of an applicant’s circumstances. […]
Increase to Fair Work High Income Threshold
The high income threshold changes each year, and on 1 July 2019, the high income threshold increased from $145,400 to $148,700 under the terms of the Fair Work Act. If you were planning on seeking an exemption to the age criteria for a Subclass 186 or 187 visas, under the temporary residence transition stream, then […]