SC 485 – Provisional skills assessment concessions Prior to the recent election, previous Minister Hawke’s announced on 25 November 2021 that as a concession during the COVID-19 pandemic, the stay period on the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) Graduate Work Stream visa will increase from 18 to 24 months and application requirements would be streamlined…Read More
‘Legacy’ 457 Visa Holders Age Restriction Waived for s186 Applications. Reg 186.221(b) allows an exemption from the age requirement for specified persons, in this case legacy 457 workers.Read More
As is normally the case, there were several announcements associated with the migration program contained in the Federal Budget. These are summarised as follows:Read More
Australian Agricultural Worker Visa (subclass 403 Stream) The Australian Agricultural Worker stream visa opened for applications on 5 March 2022.Read More
A Happy New Year to all our readers. We open the first Newsletter of the new year with some good news for international travellers and businesses.Read More
Seasons Greetings to all our Visa Newsletter readers. Wishing you a relaxing and joyous Christmas and New Year break. TRAVEL EXEMPTIONS As the COVID pandemic continues to evolve, the situation regarding travel exemptions, is also undergoing changes. The Departmental position regarding travel exemptions for certain visas, and Bridging visas has been further clarified.Read More
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.Read More
New Agricultural Worker Visa This new visa stream will be available to sponsored applicants who wish to participate in the Australian Agricultural Worker Program (AAWP) and will provide a visa for workers for the primary industry sectors, including horticulture, dairy, wool, grains, meat processing, fisheries and forestry.Read More