Promoting local employment or unduly stifling temporary work visas? Introduction Immigration policies will be a key focus at the upcoming Federal election. In a press release dated 23 April 2019, the opposition Labor party released the first details of its proposed...
CEOs, university lecturers among those now able to apply for skilled worker visa
A refined list of occupations eligible to apply for a skilled worker visa comes into effect today, after the Federal Government made a number of concessions. The changes will see people with some occupations such as chief executives or university lecturers now able to...
Australian visas to cost more from 1 July 2017
All the Australian visas will be more expensive from 1 July this year. Treasurer Scott Morrison, in his budget speech, announced that visa fees will be indexed in line with inflation to generate $410 million over the next four years. This means, from 1 July 2017, the...
The end of IELTS monopoly!
Expanded English language proficiency and test scores for migration purposes have been recently announced. The changes apply to new applications only: Applications lodged before 1 July 2012 – no change, IELTS and OET Applications lodged after 1 July 2012 – no change,...
Changes to the Permanent Employer sponsored categories
On 9 March 2012, The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) announced reforms to the 'Permanent Employer-sponsored' (PES) visa program to commence on 1 July 2012. To avoid being overly technical, in 2011 DIAC was tasked to look at ways of reforming the...
Exceptional circumstances versus exemptions (Post 1 July 2012)
The current permanent employer-sponsored visa categories (ENS & RSMS) accommodate unique and unusual applications through the exceptional circumstances provision for age, skill or qualification and English language requirements. This has allowed applicants who...
