Know The New Updates About Australian Visas and Migration

As Australia gears up to increase migration for the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some of the significant updates that have been declared. If you plan to migrate to Australia, get in touch with a Visa Lawyer for detailed information on them.

Some skilled visa holders and eligible international students can now enter the country with permanent residents and Australian citizens.

1. Replacement Visas Can be Applied By Temporary Graduate Visa Holders

Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders who have been restricted from entering Australia due to the constraints of Covid-19 will be permitted to apply for a replacement visa, as per the Australian Government. These replacement visas can be applied after July 1, 2022, and they will be charged as per the Department of Home Affairs.

Under the new guidelines, Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders who currently and in the past have visas that terminate on or after February 1, 2020, can apply for a new replacement visa. International students who are freshly graduated and intend to keep working in Australia can access the 485 visas.

For Masters graduates, The duration of living in Australia on 485 visas has also been extended from two to three years. This extension would benefit many students who want to study in Australia as Australia is eager to host international students. Migration Lawyers Perth WA can support you if you apply for these replacement visas.

2. Both Offshore And Onshore Applicants Can Now Apply To A Skilled Migration Program For South Australia.

As per the declaration by South Australia, skilled migrants living in that area and meeting state and government prerequisites are eligible to be nominated by the State. Occupations, such as speech pathologist, audiologist, occupational therapist, and physiotherapist, were made available in its 2020-21 migration program.

Offshore candidates can furnish their Registration of Interest (RoI) to get nominated by State for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa Subclass 491. Onshore candidates can apply for the

Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass190 and visa Subclass 491.

Skilled migrants residing in South Australia currently, which includes the long term residents and people who match the eligibility requirements of the Department of Home Affairs and the state government, can apply for nomination by the State under three classes:

• Talent and Innovators Program
• International Graduate of South Australia
• Working in South Australia Right Now (including long-term residents in SA)

Exemptions are offered by the Government to

• Applicants are working and living in regional and outer South Australia.
• Once the applicant receives a state nomination, they are eligible for the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 (permanent visa) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa Subclass 491 (five-year visa).

Nonetheless, ROI has to be submitted by offshore applicants that exhibit their skills in listed occupations and their English Language proficiency score. If you are an onshore applicant who wants to apply to the Talent and Innovators program, you must submit an ROI. Australian migration lawyers would support you in drafting a proper ROI.

3. Two Prerequisites For The Business Innovation And Investment (Provisional) visa Relaxed by South Australia

South Australia has declared that the nominations for the BIIP Subclass 188 or Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa in the current year of the program will open from July 20.

South Australia is permitted to assign 1000 individuals under this visa class.

Another improvement in the declaration has been the expulsion of two qualification prerequisites that were earlier needed. These are:

• The Candidates do not need to present their ‘Intent to apply’ (ITA) form.
• The applicants also do not need to make an exploratory visit to the area.

These requirements have been relaxed to attract more investors.

4. 2021-22 Migration Program Announced

Australia announced migration targets for the next financial year, and it declared 160,000 places in planning level, out of which the following are reserved:

• Skill stream : 79,600 spots
• Family Stream: 77,300 spots
• Business Innovation and Investment Program: 13,500 places
• Global Talent Visa Program: 15,000 spots
• Employer-Sponsored visa program: 22,000 spots.

The Australian Government is focused on the visa program to help the economy recover after the Covid-19 crisis. You can opt for a migration lawyer consultation if any of the above is suitable for you.

5. Highest Number Of Bridging Visa Holders Recorded By Australia.

The Australian Government declared that there were 256,529 bridging visa holders in March 2020, and this figure rose to 359,981, which is the highest until this point. These are temporary visas given to migrants on the occasion of the expiry of their current visas and when they are waiting for the outcome of their substantive applications. As per Migration law, a migrant can stay in Australia with the bridging visa while their immigration status is in the process.

Final Thoughts

These are the best times if you have been meaning to shift to Australia for higher studies or make a life for yourself. Australia has many facilities like a developing economy, beautiful landscapes, great culture that would help you carve the life of your dreams. Get in touch with a Visa Lawyer to make your dream a reality.