COVID-19 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 meet specific requirements to be in or outside Australia at the time…
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 of up to 12 months for critical work, or up to 3 months…
On 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 of the ‘Plan to Transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response’ and vaccination targets: Phase A – Vaccinate, Prepare and…
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 WA businesses an alternative option to support employees or engage skilled migrants for occupations in high demand industries…
The National Cabinet agreed last week 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, unless medical advice recommends otherwise. Commercial flights will be cut, however repatriation flights will increase…
Prime Minister, Scott Morrison last week 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 and Pilot Australia to reach a set ‘vaccination target’ – a specific number of people to be vaccinated in Australia to effectively prevent the spread of the Delta…
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 and travel bubble updates. Read on to find out about: The Biosecurity Emergency Period and Outbound Travel Restrictions Outbound Travel Exemptions | How long do they last? Are…
Acting Prime Minister, Michael McCormack recently 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 since COVID-19 international travel restrictions began. Here’s a summary of what has been announced…
Update in 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 PMSOL to 44. Immigration Minister, Alex Hawke recently announced 22 occupations have been added to Australia’s Priority Skilled…
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 explore: How the Government is prioritising Employer-Sponsored Visas How this impacts migrants without an employer sponsor Which occupations…
