A Year in Limbo — The Long Wait for Permanent Residence
In early 2023, we were confidently telling our clients: “Based on current processing times, we expect your Permanent Residency application to be finalised within the next 4 to 8 months.” As the year progressed, those estimates shifted — first extending to 10 to 12 months, and now some applicants are waiting 13, 15, even 17 […]
Navigating Australian Immigration: A Personal and Professional Journey
Working as an immigration consultant at Roam Migration Law, I have been privileged to witness and contribute to countless transformative journeys. My own story began in 2017, when I arrived in Australia as a dependent on my spouse’s Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189). At that time, the pathway to permanent residency was not only simpler […]
Top 10 Immigration Changes Effective July 1, 2024: An Overview
1 July 2024 marks the start of the new Migration Program year (2024/25) and this year, in particular, there are several significant changes. Here’s our top 10. Upcoming Lodgement Fee Increases: Starting the new financial year, the Department of Home Affairs is expected to increase lodgement fees for various visa categories, with details to be […]
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement Replaced with Genuine Student (GS)
On 18 March 2024, the Department of Home Affairs announced changes to Australia’s student visa – Subclass 500 requirements. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion will be replaced with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, effective for applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024. Under the Genuine Student test, applicants must answer targeted questions about […]
International Graduates in Limbo: Grattan Institute’s Call for Visa Reforms
Australia’s status as a favoured destination for international students is well-known. Our generous post-graduate work opportunities for international students have long been a source of hope for thousands of graduates seeking to build their careers Down Under. However, a recent report by the Grattan Institute, titled “Graduates in Limbo: International Student Visa Pathways after Graduation,” […]
Australia-New Zealand ‘travel bubble’ to begin on April 19 in pandemic milestone
New Zealand will allow Australian travellers to enter their country without mandatory hotel quarantine or a travel exemption from 19 April 2021. This is a positive development that could mark the start of international travel for Australians with similar exemptions touted with Singapore, Japan and South Korea. However, the travel bubble is not without risk. […]