Editor: The following is an overview of the status of the various state/territory visa programs as they currently stand at the date of publication.Read More

What methods does the government use to help determine which occupations should be given priority for migration and visa purposes?   The Government established the National Skills Commission (NSC) in July 2020 in order to provide expert advice provides expert advice on Australia’s labour market and current and future workforce skills needs.Read More

Additional Occupations added to Priority Skilled List   The government has recently announced that additional 22 occupations have been added to the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) designed to ensure that critical skills shortages as a result of the global COVID pandemic can be met.Read More

Pandemic Event Visa (408) critical Sectors Added The tourism and hospitality sectors has been added to the critical sectors of agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care and child care for eligibility for the Subclass 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa.Read More

State and Territory Business and Independent Skilled Visa Update Recently, several states have announced changes to their business and independent skilled visa programs:   1. Business and Skilled Migration Queensland BSMQ State Nomination ProgramRead More

Australian Study Requirement Updated   The Australian Study requirement that is relevant in relation to various independent skilled visas, has recently been updated to take into account travel results caused by the Covid pandemic:Read More

COVID Concessions Extended to Additional Visa Subclasses   1. Offshore Partner and other visas do not require the visa applicant to be outside Australia at time of visa grant, from 27th February 2021:Read More

s485 CONCESSIONS AS A RESULT OF COVID PANDEMIC   These concessions aim to ensure that international students are not disadvantaged by COVID related travel restrictions and other factors:Read More

MAJOR PANDEMIC RELATED CONCESSIONS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE PATHWAYS FOR CERTAIN TEMPORARY WORKERS   The Department Home Affairs has announced that from 24th November 2020, temporary workers whose employment has been adversely affected as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, may still qualify for permanent residence if the changes to their employment were: Changed as a…Read More

Updates in relation relaxation of Travel Exemptions   The Federal government has recently updated its travel advice in relation to the COVID pandemic and the following do not need a travel exemption to enter Australia: An individual who has resided in New Zealand for at least 14 days immediately before travelling to Australia; A person…Read More