News - Updates December 2023

Government’s Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023

The released Migration Strategy outlines a new vision for Australia’s migration system, with a policy roadmap containing 8 key actions and over 25 new policy commitments and areas for future reform.

Efficient and full reform of the system which is the aim of the Migration Strategy and related Action Plan, cannot be realized overnight, but we are expecting significant positive changes through 2024.

2024 promises to be a whirlwind of changes, which, at initial evaluation, we see as positive both for current visa holders, potential migrants and the Australian community.

Changes include pathway to permanent residence for temporary skilled visa (482) holders whether their occupation is on the MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL which was implemented at the time of the release.

In brief the following issues are reforms included in the Action Plan:

Targeting temporary skilled migration to address skills needs and promote worker mobility
Reshaping permanent skilled migration to drive long-term prosperity
Strengthening the integrity and quality of international education
Tackling worker exploitation and the misuse of the visa system
Planning migration to get the right skills in the right places
Tailoring regional visas and the Working Holiday Maker program to support regional Australia and its workers
Simplifying the migration system to improve the experience for migrants and employers

[Source: Department of Home Affairs & Federal Register of Legislation]

As always we will be on full alert for even minor changes, acting swiftly to request details & clarifications, if required, so that we can provide you with forthright advice and assistance whether you are a new client or we already manage your case.

Not sure how this may or may not affect you?

Contact us - click the questions marks

News - Updates November 2023

24/11/2023

COVID-19 CONCESSION PERIOD CEASES 25/11/2023

By Legislative Instrument as required under the Migration Regulations, the Covid-19 Concession Period which began 1 February 2020 ceases 25 November 2023.

IN BRIEF

Family visas

Applicants for certain Partner and Child visas (usually granted outside Australia) who applied/apply before 26 November 2023, and who were in Australia at any time during the concession period, will continue to be eligible to be granted a visa in Australia (if they meet all other visa criteria) after the end of the concession period.
The COVID-19 concession arrangements will not apply to Partner and Child applicants who were not in Australia at any time during the COVID-19 concession period.
The COVID-19 concessions for certain Parent visa applicants, only applied during the COVID-19 concession period, from 1 February 2020 to 25 November 2023.

Employer Sponsored visas

Periods of reduced work due to COVID-19 will not count towards meeting the work experience requirements for new ENS/RSMS TRT stream nomination applications.
The COVID-19 concession to the age exemption for high income earning applicants will not apply for new ENS/RSMS visa applications.
The age exemption for legacy 457 workers in Australia for 12 months during the pandemic from 1 February 2020 to 14 December 2021 will apply for ENS visa applications lodged before 1 July 2024.

Temporary Graduate visa

From 25 November 2023 all applications for any stream of the Temporary Graduate visa must be lodged in Australia.
Subsequent entrant applications can be lodged in or outside of Australia.
The ability to grant applications to applicants who are either in or outside of Australia (but not in immigration clearance) will continue.

Skilled Regional Visa subclass 887

Applicants can only access the employment requirement concession if they:
1. held an eligible skilled provisional visa during the concession period, and
2. make a valid application within 3 months of Monday 26 February 2024.

The ending of the concession period will end any other concessions for the subclass 887 visa.
After 25 November 2023 eligible skilled provisional visa holders applying for a subclass 887 visa must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when applying.