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 5 key assumptions about the future of migration…
Visa sponsors will 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 change will mean employers must also advertise…
Skilled migrants can now apply for a Travel Exemption to work in Australia under a more broad list of Critical Skills and Sectors. The Australian Border Force (ABF) Commissioner has added several new categories of international Travel Exemptions for critical work – including services for mining, supply chain logistics and food production. Here’s the lists.…
The Government’s recently announced Economic and Fiscal Outlook revealed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across all parts of the Australian economy, including immigration. Australia’s Economic Outlook revealed several forecasts based on a few key assumptions. Several of the assumptions indicate how the Government predicts the pandemic will affect migration to Australia over the coming…
Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has 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 hotel quarantine systems and better manage the risk of COVID-19 infections. International arrivals have been capped for several states: Perth: 525 people/week (or 75 people/day)Brisbane: 500 people/weekSydney: 3150 people/week…
Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has announced several changes to 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 Visa will be able to extend their stay by five years, followed by a pathway to Permanent Residence (PR). This is effective immediately. –Current…
International travel restrictions continue to impact Australian travellers in different ways – here’s a summary for Australian visa holders, permanent residents and citizens. 1. Limitations on who can come to Australia Under the international travel ban, travellers can only come to Australia if they are an Australian citizen, Permanent Resident or immediate family member, or…
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Temporary Visa holders who have lost their income due to business shutdowns and job losses have not been able to access the Federal Government’s support JobKeeper and JobSeeker arrangements. In recognition of the financial hardship some temporary visa holders are experiencing while being unable to safely return to their home country,…
Applying for the new COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa can provide some Temporary Visa holders a last resort to lawfully stay in Australia, or to work in critical sectors during the crisis. Here’s our answers to your FAQ’s, which you may find helpful. Can I apply for the Subclass 408 COVID-19 Visa? The visa may be…
Australia’s Travel Ban and quarantine requirements may be with us for some time to come, although it is encouraging to see some social distancing restrictions begin to ease. Read on to find out about Travel Exemptions that are available for limited cases. What is the process for travel to Australia? Currently, only very limited exceptions…
