New Skilled Visa
Earlier this week, the government has revealed its 10-year migration strategy. Following the changes in skills migration, the government plans to introduce a new ‘Skills in Demand’ visa, replacing the existing temporary skill shortage (TSS) visa.
The new visa will offer more flexibility for workers to change employers and clear routes to permanent residency. It includes three pathways based on skill level, with one specifically for highly skilled workers in sectors like technology and energy, requiring a minimum annual income of $135,000, but excluding trade workers, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers.
Urgent Notice for Palestinians Seeking to Travel to Australia
The Department of Home Affairs is offering Visitor visas (subclass 600 – tourist stream) to Palestinians wishing to depart the Occupied Palestinian Territories urgently.
They have also indicated that the sponsored family stream is not required for these Palestinians fleeing the crisis.
If you are aware of any Palestinian who wants to come onshore to Australia, please contact our office immediately so that we may provide professional assistance.
Change in Location Requirement for Partner Visa and Temporary Graduate Visa
Changes are now in place to allow the grant of a visa when the applicant is either onshore in Australia or offshore for the following visa applications:
- Partner (subclass 309) visa applicants
- Partner (subclass 802) visa applicants
- Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa applicants
Previously, the location requirement meant that if one of these visa applications were made either onshore in Australia or offshore, the application would need to be at the location for a grant of the visa.
This change applies if you have already lodged one of these visas and you are still waiting for an outcome.
The changes to this location requirement will now allow the visa applicant to be granted their visa, whether they are in Australia or offshore.
AAT Appeal Rights for Partner (subclass 309) Visa Applicants
Applicants for the Partner (subclass 309) visa now have the option to independently seek merits review of their subclass 309 visa refusal. These changes now allow subclass 309 visa applicant’s to apply on their own, instead of relying on their Sponsor to seek merits review. This change has improved accessibility for victims of family violence and visa applicants facing compassionate circumstance.
If PLAYFAIR can assist you with your global mobility and immigration needs, please reach out to us now via email at info@playfair.com.au or call our office on (02) 9233 8899.