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Playfair

A multi-disciplinary practise of +35 years, with specialisms in making migration and Australian law worry free for our clients.

PLAYFAIR - making a positive difference in people’s lives through world-class migration services since 1988. Humanise * Mobilise * Globalise

Founder & CEO Petra Playfair MARN: 9360385

28/08/2024

‼️ IMPORTANT UPDATE: Australia Introduces International Student Cap from 2025 🇦🇺

The Australian government has announced a new cap on international student enrolments starting in 2025.

📍 145,000 places will be available at public universities.
📍 95,000 commencements will be allowed in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.
📍 30,000 places will be allocated to other universities and education providers.

This policy is part of Australia’s effort to manage the growing demand for education and ensure the sustainability of infrastructure, including housing, quality experience, and student services.

Further details on the cap for different universities and regions will be announced in a few weeks.

Follow PLAYFAIR to stay updated and plan for the future.

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27/08/2024

💥 Exciting news!💥

VETASSESS has just announced that they are working to significantly reduce the processing time for skills assessments for professional and non-trade occupations.

📍The processing time has been shortened to 8 to 10 weeks, down from the previous 10 to 15 weeks.

However, please note that the processing time may vary depending on the program and the submission of all required documents.

Contact PLAYFAIR for personalised advice and guidance on preparing a skills assessment application.

🇦🇺

09/07/2024

‼️ Employer-Sponsored Visa Updates - Important Changes‼️

IMPORTANT updates have come into effect on employer-sponsored visas since 1 July 2024. Below are the key changes:

📍TSMIT Increase:
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has increased from $70,000 to $73,150.

📍Visa Conditions Adjustments:

🔹 Changes to visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 affect holders of the subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa and subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage visa.
🔹 Visa holders who cease employment with their sponsoring employer will now have up to 180 consecutive days (an increase from the previous 60 days) to seek a new job, apply for a different visa or make arrangements to leave Australia.

📍 Strengthening Employer Compliance:

The Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Act 2024 enhances employer compliance and protects temporary migrant workers from exploitation.

📍 FNQ DAMA Updates:

Under the FNQ DAMA, the skills assessing authority is changing from VETASSESS to ANMAC for Personal Care Assistants and Nursing Support Workers for new skills assessment requests made on or after 1 July 2024.

For more detailed information, contact PLAYFAIR to learn how these changes might affect your migration plan in Australia and set yourself up for success.

08/07/2024

‼️ Important Update for Visa Applicants for Australia ‼️

The Migration Amendment (Visa Application Charges) Regulations 2024 have introduced new changes that will impact the cost of visa applications starting from 1 July 2024.

📈 Annual Indexation of Visa Application Charges (VAC): The VAC has been adjusted to match the forecast Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 2.75%, rounded to the nearest $5.

📈 Significant Increases for Student Visas:

🔹 The Student (Subclass 500) visa application fee will increase from $710 to $1,600.
The Student Guardian (Subclass 590) visa application fee will adjust similarly.
🔹 For additional applicants, the visa application fee for applicants 18 years and older will increase from $530 to $1,190, and for those under 18 years old, from $175 to $390.

👉 No Change for Specific Visas

The VAC for the Pacific Engagement (Subclass 192) visa and secondary applicants for the Temporary Work (International Relations) (Subclass 403) visa in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) stream remain unchanged.

Follow PLAYFAIR's page to stay updated on migration to Australia!

31/05/2024

📣 Raising the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold

Australia’s Home Affairs Department announced an increase of 4.5% of Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from 70,000 AUD to 73,150, which will be applied from July 1, 2024.

This means that new nomination applications for subclass 482, 494, 186 and 187 from this date must meet the new TSMIT of $73,150 or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher.

These requirements help to ensure that:
🔹 Employers pay overseas workers no less than an Australian worker who is in the same role at similar locations, that is, the 'annual market salary rate (AMSR)'
🔹 These visa programs are not used to undercut the Australian labour market

Keep up with Australian news on migration strategy and updates. PLAYFAIR offers individual/private consulting to map out and plan for your migration journey to Australia.

Although new skills in demand and requirements from Australia might be complex to navigate, our team is confident that our experience and expertise in the field will help you achieve the most fruitful outcomes.

22/05/2024

🇦🇺 Opportunities in Australia for Education Professionals! 🌟

Australia is seeking talented individuals to join its workforce. If you're looking for career development opportunities and want to live overseas, Australia might be a good fit for your consideration.

✈️ Skilled Migration Process for Teachers
- Independent Skilled Visa (subclass 189): For those who want to live and work permanently in Australia without state or territory sponsorship.
- State-Nominated Skilled Visa (subclass 190): For those sponsored by an Australian state or territory.
📝 Basic Requirements
- Educational Qualification: You must have a relevant academic degree recognised by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).
- Work Experience: At least two years of experience in the education field.
- English Proficiency: You must meet the required scores in English language tests like IELTS or PTE. A minimum score is usually needed for these tests. For instance, for IELTS, a score of at least 7.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing, and speaking). For PTE, a score of around 65 in each communicative skill might be required.

However, each Australian state or territory could have additional requirements or specific scores to be met.

Start your journey today by contacting us for detailed consultation and support on your new path! 🎓✈️

17/05/2024

PLAYFAIR at UPGRAD GLOBAL STUDY PARTNERS ASSEMBLY

🎓🌏 We're thrilled to join the recent “Empowering Minds, Changing Lives” UpGrad Global Study Partners (GSP) Assembly, where experts worldwide convened to discuss key issues in higher education and student mobility.

🗣️ George Lombard, PLAYFAIR’s Special Counsel, presented at the assembly, providing an in-depth analysis of the latest trends and challenges in student visas and migration. His insights and expertise are invaluable for students planning to study abroad and institutions looking to support them.

🔍 The session addressed critical questions and offered strategies to overcome obstacles, ensuring students can achieve their dreams without borders.

Contact PLAYFAIR to learn more about how it affects your migration plan.

15/05/2024

BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENT - CHANGES TO MIGRATION

📢The Australian Government will set a cap for the 2024-2025 financial year migration plan at 185,000 applications. Of these, 132,200 applications were allocated to the skilled migration stream, further limiting opportunities to become permanent residents for those who fit Australia's long-term skills needs.

📢The immigration rate from foreigners is expected to halve to 260,000 by 2024-2025.

📢The number of international students coming to Australia will be limited, details to be determined in negotiations with universities The number of places for international students is being capped, the details to be determined in negotiations with universities.

📢 Working Holiday visa applicants from countries such as China, Vietnam and India will have to pay a draw fee of $25 AUD from the next financial year. This lottery will help reduce visa application processing time and manage the number of applicants.

📢 The Australian Government will launch a new visa called National Innovation, replacing the current Global Talent visa (subclass 858) from the end of 2024, to attract talented immigrants. excellent capabilities to promote growth in important national sectors. The Business Innovation and Investment visa program (BIIP) will end, with visa fee refunds offered from September 2024 for those who wish to withdraw their BIIP application. This resolution includes $51.4 million over 2024-25 for system changes needed to implement the new visa stream and close BIIP.

We will continue to update you with further information as it is announced.

26/04/2024

🇦🇺 NEW CHANGES ANNOUNCED TO THE TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA PROGRAM

The Australian Government announced new changes in its recent Migration Strategy. They should take effect from 1 July 2024.

👉 Gradudate Work Stream will be renamed to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream:

🔑Some key changes included:

🧑The maximum eligible age for the visa stream will be reduced to 35 years or under. However, for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders, the age limits will continue to be under 50 years.

🔖 Qualification: Applicants must hold an associate degree, diploma or trade qualifications closely related to their nominated occupation on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List.

Other applicants with higher degrees will no longer be eligible for this stream.

🕰️ Stay period: Applicants may continue to stay up to 18 months, except Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders, who can stay up to 5 years.

👉 Post- Study Work stream will be renamed to the Post-Higher Education Work stream

🧑 The maximum eligible age for this stream will be reduced to 35 years or under, while Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders will be under 50 years old.

🕰️ The stay period will change to the following:
- Bachelor degree - up to 2 years
- Masters (Coursework and extended)- up to 2 years
- Masters (Research) and doctoral degree - up to 3 years

There are some differences in the stay period according to the country of origin of the passport holders.

Learn more about the changes and how they affect your migration plan in Australia by contacting PLAYFAIR.

09/04/2024

🇦🇺 IMPORTANT UPDATE: The extended 2-year post-study work (subclass 485) visa offered to international graduates with select degrees will no longer be available from mid-2024.

The Department of Home Affairs has noted that there is currently no set date for when the two-year extension will cease, but they will update their website when further information becomes available.

If you already hold a Post-Study Work subclass 485 visa, contact PLAYFAIR for assistance with an extension before mid-2024.

03/04/2024

‼️ IMPORTANT UPDATE

The NSW Government has just announced an important update to the nomination criteria of work requirements for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) under Pathway 1.

Previously, applicants for Pathway 1 were required to have been living and working in a designated regional area of NSW for at least 12 months with a single regional NSW-based employer, among other requirements. Based on industry feedback at recent Regional Skilled Migration Seminars, this employment duration requirement has been reduced to 6 months.

That means more skilled workers will be eligible to apply for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) under Pathway 1 and have contributed to the regional economy and communities for six months.

Other remaining criteria remain the same, including single regional NSW-based employer, roles in the skill occupation list, minimum salary and more.

To learn more about the update and how to apply, contact PLAYFAIR to plan your migration journey.

08/03/2024

MIGRATION UPDATE‼️

Check out the updated statistics on invitations left for subclass 190 and 491 in each state of Australia.

Plan your migration journey with PLAYFAIR today.

Address

Level 8, 229 Macquarie Street
The Rocks, NSW
2000

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	9am - 5:30pm
Thursday	9am - 5:30pm
Friday	9am - 5:30pm

Website

http://www.playfair.com.au/

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