Border reopening for eligible visa holders
It was announced on 22nd November that Australian borders will reopen on 1 December 2021 to allow travel to Australia without the requirement for travel exemptions for eligible visa holders. Other requirements for Australian Travel declarations and pre flight COVID testing will continue.
The list of eligible visas has been published on the Department of Home Affairs COVID site, and includes the TSS/482 visa, Working Holiday and 485 visas.
A useful travel preparation list is also available on the website detailing each step required in planning to come to Australia.
These travellers will still be subject to the specific quarantine requirements for their Australian arrival destination. As each state’s and territory’s quarantine requirements are different, it is necessary to check on their specific requirements.
States and Territories Skilled Visa Updates
Victoria
Victoria has updated its target industries for STEMM skilled migration nominations, adding the Creative Industries to that list of industries.
…The creative industries play an important role in Victoria’s cultural life, economic prosperity and social well-being. The Victorian Government’s Creative State 2025 strategy is designed to secure Victoria’s reputation as a global cultural destination.
To further support this strategy, Victoria is seeking applicants working in the screen industry using their STEMM skills in visual effects or digital animation.
Tasmania
The Tasmanian Business Migration State Nomination Program is now open with some new parameters.
The key features include:
- Nominations available in the Business Innovation and Entrepreneur Streams. Nominations in the Investor and Significant Investor Streams will not be offered this program year.
- Interested candidates must submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) outlining their business or entrepreneurial proposal and skills. The strongest proposals will be selected from the register and the proponent invited to apply for nomination.
Details of the new program and requirements are on Migration Tasmania Business Migration webpage.
Questions regarding the new program can be emailed to business@migration.tas.gov.au
New South Wales
A new NSW Business and Skilled Migration Update is available.
The update contains the following summaries:
- Clarifying NSW complying investments for BIIP visas
- Defining ‘headquartered in NSW’
- October submission window now closed – Subclass 491 visa.
Minister announces changes for some STSOL visa holders and international students
The media is reporting a number of changes to the migration programs including pathways to PR for 482 short term stream visa holders in health and hospitality and longer SC 485s for international students studying Masters by course work.
The only information available at this time is through media reports and Ministerial media releases. No further detail is available at the moment, but we will update you when it becomes available.
This newsletter only provides general information related to current migration matters. The information contained in this communication does not constitute specific migration advice, and should not be construed or relied on as such. Professional advice should be sought for the specifics of your situation prior to any action being taken. BD Welsh and Co disclaims any liability (including, without limitation, for any direct or indirect or consequential costs, loss or damage or loss of profits) arising from anything done or omitted to be done by any party in reliance, whether wholly or partially, on any of the information contained in this newsletter. Any party that relies on the information does so at its own risk. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.