Natalia Arens, Migration Agent Marn0534230 - Immigration Help

06/12/2024

The Migration Amendment (2024 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2024, effective from 7 December 2024, introduces significant reforms to Australia’s skilled migration framework.

This update replaces the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa with the new Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa, aligning with the Government’s focus on addressing critical skills shortages and enhancing economic competitiveness.

Key Features of the Skills in Demand Visa:

New Visa Streams:

Specialist Skills Stream for high-income earners ($135,000+ annually) in key industries.

Core Skills Stream based on occupations identified as critical by Jobs and Skills Australia.

Labour Agreement Stream for specialised agreements with employers.

Work Experience Adjustments: The required minimum work experience has been reduced from two years to one year in the past five years.

Pathway to Permanent Residence: Employment under the SID visa contributes towards eligibility for the Subclass 186 visa through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

Implications for Employers and Applicants:
Employers now benefit from a streamlined occupation list to address labour shortages, while visa holders gain increased mobility, allowing them to change employers more easily within the framework.

Purpose and Alignment:
These changes align with the Government’s Migration Strategy, targeting critical sectors such as health, construction, education, and cybersecurity. The SID visa modernises the skilled migration process, ensuring that Australia remains competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.

This reform reflects Australia’s commitment to a more responsive and efficient migration program, tailored to meet the evolving needs of the economy and workforce.

The Migration Amendment (2024 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2024, effective from 7 December 2024, introduces significant reforms to Australia’s skilled migration framework. This update replaces the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa with the new Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa, aligni...

03/12/2024

NEW SKILLED OCCUPATIONS LIST!!! IMPORTANT: New Core Skills Occupation List to target the skills Australia needs:
​​On 3 December 2024,​ the Australian Government announced the release of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

The new CSOL fulfils the Government’s commitment to replace complex, out of date and inflexible occupation lists in our temporary skilled visa program. The CSOL is a single consolidated list, informed by labour market analysis and stakeholder consultations by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) that provides access to temporary skilled migration for 456 occupations.

The CSOL will apply to the Core Skills stream of the new Skills in Demand visa, which will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa on 7 December 2024. The CSOL will also apply to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.

More details on other reform taking place on 7 December 2024, including the Skills in Demand visa and National Innovation visa, will be announced shortly.

12/11/2024

NEW!

The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) is a new scheme, established under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) between India and Australia.

MATES gives Indian university graduates and early career professionals the opportunity to live and work in Australia for up to two years, and to gain employment and valuable experience in their areas of expertise.

The scheme will be 3000 places for primary applicants per program year. Primary applicants will be able to apply to bring dependents. Dependents will be provided work rights and do not count towards the annual cap.

The scheme has no set timeframe for commencement (commencing late November/December 2024, soon).

Eligibility:
MATES will be open to Indian nationals who:
• are aged 30 or younger (inclusive) at the time of application;
• have not previously participated in MATES;
• have proficient English language skills (overall IELTS or equivalent score of at least 6, with a minimum score of 5 for each of the four parts);
• have graduated within 2 years from an eligible educational institution at the time of application; and
• hold a qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher) in one of the following:
– renewable energy
– mining
– engineering
– Information Communications Technology (ICT)
– artificial intelligence (AI)
– financial technology (FinTech)
– agricultural technology (AgriTech).

Is there Australian employer sponsorship requirement?
There will be no requirement for sponsorship by an Australian employer to be eligible to apply for a visa as part of MATES.

What are the permitted activities?
MATES participants will be able to live and work in Australia for up to 2 years. Whilst there is no strict requirement for visa holders to work in their nominated field of study, it is designed to support young professionals expand their skills and networks, particularly in the sectors listed above.

How many places are available?
MATES will commence as a pilot program with 3,000 places for primary applicants per program year.

Will MATES participants be able to bring their family to Australia?
Participants will be able to apply to bring dependants (spouses and dependent children). Dependants will have work rights in Australia, and will not count towards the annual cap.

How long can visa holders stay in Australia?
Visa holders will have 12 months to make their first entry into Australia, and may stay in Australia for 24 months from the date of first entry. The visa will allow multiple entries to Australia.

Will MATES visa holders be able to extend their stay?
Participants may extend their period of stay in Australia by applying for another visa permitting temporary or permanent residence, provided they meet all eligibility requirements for the visa. MATES participants are not eligible to take part in the Scheme more than once.

How much will the visa cost?
More information about the visa subclass (403) and associated application fees will be available soon.
There may be an additional fee to add subsequent dependent family members to the MATES application. Applicants will be responsible for paying for other costs related to their application, including English language testing fees.

When will MATES commence?
An Implementation Protocol is being developed. It will define the modalities of MATES, ensure diversity, fairness and equity of access, and support the integrity of the Scheme. There is no set timeframe for implementation of MATES.

22/10/2024

For those countries' citizens in Australia, who are on Temporary visas in Australia at the moment:

Hamas-Israel Conflict: Information for Palestinian nationals and Israeli nationals in Australia who would like to be considered for a Temporary Humanitarian Stay.

Home Affairs brings together Australia's federal law enforcement, national and transport security, criminal justice, emergency management, multicultural affairs, settlement services and immigration and border-related functions, working together to keep Australia safe.

07/10/2024

Regional Development Australia Southern NSW and ACT community feedback
Regional Development Australia Southern NSW and ACT (RDASNA) works with all levels of government, business, and community groups to promote economic and social development in the region by facilitating regional projects, collaboration, communication, and advocacy.

RDASNA is seeking local community feedback via a survey to help it understand local priorities, challenges, and opportunities. The information gathered via the survey will help inform:

a Regional Data Analysis Project,
the development of a Regional Liveability Paper, and
the development of RDASNA’s Strategic Plan.
Members can access the survey by clicking here.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

07/10/2024

Issue affecting Vietnamese passport holders submitting registrations for the Sc 462 visa ballot
There is currently an issue affecting some Vietnamese passport holders submitting registrations for the First Work and Holiday (Sc 462) visa ballot.

Affected Vietnamese passport holders will receive an error stating that the 'Passport number' is invalid when submitting their registration.

The Department is aware of this issue and it is being investigated.

The Department has advised that there is no disadvantage by submitting a registration after the issue is resolved as the selection process is random and will be conducted after registrations close.

Please note that the notice of this issue has been removed from the immiAccount login page so the matter may now be resolved.

07/10/2024

Hamas-Israel Conflict: Visa Support and financial assistance
The Department of Home Affairs website has information on the visa support and financial assistance that is available to people affected by the Hamas-Israel conflict.

Financial assistance
There is emergency financial assistance available from the Australian Red Cross for people from significantly affected areas of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories who have arrived in Australia on temporary visas and who have been assessed to be in financial hardship. Further information on how to apply can be found on the Australian Red Cross website.

Visa Support

People from significantly affected areas of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories which includes Gaza, border areas with Gaza, border areas with Lebanon closed by Israeli authorities and the West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem) who have arrived on a temporary visa and are unable to access standard visa pathways or return, may apply for a Bridging visa E (subclass 050) (BVE).

These BVE holders will have full work rights, will be able to access Medicare, and will be eligible for free Translating and Interpreting Services. BVE holders may also be able get assistance to return home if they wish to do so voluntarily, depending on their individual circumstances.
Members can find further information on these arrangements the Department's website.

Home Affairs brings together Australia's federal law enforcement, national and transport security, criminal justice, emergency management, multicultural affairs, settlement services and immigration and border-related functions, working together to keep Australia safe.

07/10/2024

Domestic and Family Violence Support for visa holders

The Domestic and Family Violence Support (DFVS) service is a specialised visa support service in the Department of Home Affairs for temporary visa holders who experience domestic and family violence.

The DFVS Section was originally established as a pilot in support of the Department of Social Services led Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot. As part of the 2024-25 budget the Government is investing $6.1 million to provide ongoing funding for this specialised service. As part of the 2024-25 budget the Government is also providing funding for other services that provide support to visa holders who are experiencing domestic and family violence. Further information regarding the other initiatives can be found in the attached Departmental information sheet.

The DFVS section has published the first edition of their Domestic and Family Violence Visa Support (DFVS) Section newsletter for 2024 in May. The newsletter has information on the following topics:

Statutory declaration requirements for non-judicially determined family violence claims
Updates to Division 1.5 – Special provisions relating to family violence
Referrals to DFVS
Staffing update of the DFVS section
The full May DVFS section newsletter can be requested here [email protected]

07/10/2024

Important information - Lebanon
The Australian Government is working to help all Australian citizens leave Lebanon as quickly and as safely as possible. All Australians in Lebanon are encouraged to leave.
Australian citizens can register via the DFAT crisis portal - https://crisis.dfat.gov.au/crisisportal/s/ and should tune on turn on ‘Family - Location Sharing’ on their phones to assist in their location DFAT is contacting registered Australians with updates, including details of flights.

Visa applications from Lebanese citizens who are close family members of Australians are being prioritised by the Department of Home Affairs. Further information can be found on these sites:
Information page for Lebanon https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/information-australians-lebanon
Travel advice for Lebanon https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/middle-east/lebanon
DFAT’s crisis registration portal https://crisis.dfat.gov.au/crisisportal/s/

Contact information:
Australian Embassy in Beirut
Phone: +961 1 960600
Email: [email protected]

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre
From overseas: +61 2 6261 3305
In Australia: 1300 555 135

  Registration The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has opened a portal for new registrations for Australians in the following countries: Lebanon – Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members in Lebanon are invited to register.Israel and the Occupied Pal...

08/09/2024

#462


IMPORTANT! There are some major changes how you would apply for your first Work and Holiday visa, subclass 462 from 16 September 2024. The immediate affect is for for young first time Work and Holiday aspiring Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese Citizens and who would like to utilise Work and Holiday visa program, subclass 462, to Australia.

From 16 September 2024, those passport holders with the above passports, wouldn't be able to make a valid application for a visa without pre-approved random ballot!

The pre-approval ballot is like a lottery in a way and here is an explanation why the Australia Department of Home Affairs wants to limit the actual visa applications in any given financial year.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT (shortened)

Issued by the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
Migration Act 1958
Migration Amendment (Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) Visa) Regulations 2024
[...]
The Migration Amendment (Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) Visa) Regulations 2024 (the Regulations) amend the Migration Regulations 1994 (the Migration Regulations) to
introduce a requirement that to make a valid application for a Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visa, applicants who hold a passport issued by a specified foreign country must have been randomly selected in a visa pre-application process arranged by the Minister in respect of the relevant country.

The Work and Holiday program aims to provide young adults with a temporary visa to holiday in Australia for 12 months, during which they can undertake short-term work and study.

The program is for eligible passport holders from countries that have agreed to participate in the program. Bilateral arrangements are negotiated between Australia and each participating country which set out eligibility requirements and an agreed maximum number of visas that may be granted to eligible passport holders of that country.

The Regulations require applicants who hold a passport issued by a foreign country specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument, to register to take part in a visa pre-application process (also referred to generally as a ‘ballot’) for that country.

Drawing a place in the ballot will enable an applicant to make a valid application for a Subclass 462 visa.

Applicants who hold passports issued by specified foreign countries cannot make a valid application unless they have drawn a place in a relevant ballot.

The requirement to be selected in a ballot has been introduced because demand for Subclass 462 visas from certain countries is significantly high and exceeds the numbers of visas intended to be granted as agreed through bilateral arrangements under the Work and Holiday program.

The use of random selection assists in efficiently managing the volume of applications received by the Department and ensures fairness as all registered participants have an equal chance of being selected.

Countries in respect of which a ballot for Subclass 462 visa applications will be introduced initially include:

- the People’s Republic of China;
- India; and
- Vietnam.
[...]
Why would one ask the Australian government is doing this?

In Department of Home Affairs' view:
[the] demand for the program will far
outweigh the agreed number of places for each country which include up to 5000 places for China, up to 1000 places for India and up to 1500 places for Vietnam per year.

The amendments will apply to any applicant who holds a valid passport issued by a specified foreign country who is not, and has not previously been, in Australia as the holder of a WHV.

Current WHV holders will not be impacted by the amendments.

The use of the visa pre-application process is to enable the random selection of eligible registrants from the specified countries so that they have an equal chance of being selected to apply for a WHV, and assists in efficiently managing the volume of applications received by the Department.

This will provide fair and equitable access to the WHV program where the demand would likely significantly exceed the available visa places for that country program in any given year.
..

Call it a ballot or a lottery, it won't matter, this will definitely change things for Work and Holiday, subclass 462 visa makers, as the ballot expands to include other countries going forward. No doubt about that!

Please note that a financial year in Australia starts on 1 July each year, so I could only imagine how many those fingers on their laptops would be hitting ImmiAccount portal each 1 July to get their foot in the door to be in the ballot/lottery each financial year!

More information is available here:

We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and community.

28/06/2024

The Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Arrangements for Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) Visa Applications) Amendment (The Philippines) Instrument (LIN 24/041) 2024, which brings significant updates to the Work and Holiday visa program. Here are the key points:

Effective Date: The instrument commences on 1 July 2024.

Purpose:

To include the Philippines as a specified country for the Subclass 462 visa, allowing Filipino nationals to apply for this visa.
To specify the educational qualifications required for Filipino applicants.

Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must hold a valid passport issued by the Philippines.
Applicants must meet one of the following educational qualifications:
Hold tertiary qualifications.
Have successfully completed at least 2 years of undergraduate study or post-secondary education.

Consultation and Agreement:

This amendment follows bilateral negotiations between the Australian Government and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.
The arrangements were announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on 8 September 2023.
Legislative Context:

This change enhances the Work and Holiday visa opportunities for Filipino nationals, promoting cultural exchange and bilateral ties between Australia and the Philippines.

21/06/2024

Important Update: Changes to Visa Conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 Starting 1 July 2024!

The Australian Government is making significant changes to visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 to enhance worker rights and productivity. Here's what you need to know:

Effective Date: 1 July 2024

Impacted Visas:

Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457)
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494)

Key Changes:

Extended Time for Job Transition: Visa holders who stop working with their sponsoring employer now have:

Up to 180 days at a time, or

A maximum of 365 days in total across the visa grant period to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or arrange to depart Australia.

Work Flexibility: During this period, visa holders can work for other employers, including in occupations not listed in their most recent sponsorship nomination.

Sponsor Notification: Sponsors must inform the Department of any changes within 28 days, including ceasing sponsorship or if a visa holder resigns.

Occupational Consistency: Visa holders must stay in their nominated occupation while working for their current sponsor and must adhere to any required licences or registrations.

These changes apply to both existing visa holders and those granted visas on or after 1 July 2024. Any periods a visa holder stopped working for their sponsor before 1 July 2024 do not count towards the new time periods.

Find out about Australian visas, immigration and citizenship.