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CovidTravel restrictions

Travel recommences for vaccinated Australians, though restrictions remain for temporary visa holders

From 1 November 2021, Australian citizens and permanent residents aged 12 and over who are fully vaccinated are able to leave Australia without an outward travel exemption. They will also be able to enter quarantine free into the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, and Victoria. Prior to travel, all travelers must request an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (CVIC) to provide as…
admin
1 November, 2021
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Temporary immigration measures to increase support to Australia’s tourism and hospitality sector

On 8 May 2021, Minister for Immigration Alex Hawke announced temporary measures to increase support to Australia’s tourism and hospitality sector. This includes increased access to the 408 visa (COVID-19 Pandemic event stream) and the removal of existing fortnightly work limits placed on student visa holders. These temporary changes are part of the government’s response to support Australia’s economic recovery…
Emily Young
11 May, 2021
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The Joint Standing Committee on Migration releases its interim report on Australia’s Skilled Migration Program

On 18 March 2021, the Joint Standing Committee on Migration (the Committee) presented an interim report for its inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program. It makes 12 welcome recommendations focused on Australia’s recovery from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also makes submissions in relation to Australia’s international competitiveness in attracting entrepreneurs, venture capital, start-ups, and the best…
Mihan Hannan
20 March, 2021
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Can I apply for a Graduate Subclass 485 visa from outside Australia using the COVID-19 concessions?

The COVID-19 pandemic has been disruptive for all, including migrants and visa holders. Australia’s travel restrictions and the pandemic in general meant that a significant number of individuals had their eligibility for Australian visas removed due to factors outside of their control. On 19 September 2020, a suite of legislative amendments came into effect which, amongst other things, made certain…
Jordan Tew
24 September, 2020
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New Priority Migration Occupation List & Labour Market Testing (LMT) Requirements (updated: 10 September 2020)

A new Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) has been released today which will provide for priority processing of Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa applications for certain critical workers in the health care, construction and IT sectors. A new legislative instrument has also been issued which adds the requirement to advertise on the Government’s Jobactive website in addition to existing…
Jordan Tew
10 September, 2020
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Update from the ABF Commissioner expanding the “critical skills” and “critical sectors” travel exemption categories

Although Australia’s strict border restrictions due to COVID-19 continue to be in force, the ABF Commissioner may grant a temporary visa holder an exemption for a limited number of reasons: a non-citizen travelling at the invitation of the Australian Government or a state or territory government authority for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response providing critical or specialist…
Mihan Hannan
29 July, 2020
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457 / TSS visa sponsors in the time of COVID-19: An employer’s (rough) primer (updated: 13 May 2020)

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, governments all around the world have clamped down the borders in order to stem the transmission of the virus. Australia is no exemption. Having a well-developed immigration program means that failure to comply with obligations (for both visa holder and visa sponsors) can have significant ramifications. Despite a shifting immigration landscape, this article attempts…
Mihan Hannan
13 May, 2020
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COVID-19: Visa options for temporary visa holders in Australia with upcoming expiry dates

On 4 April 2020 the Australian government announced a number of updates for temporary visa holders. You can read a summary of these updates here. Among other things, the government advised that: “Temporary visa holders who are unable to support themselves over the next six months are strongly encouraged to return home. For these individuals it's time to go home,…
Mihan Hannan
22 April, 2020
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Coronavirus and Temporary Visa holders (a 4 April 2020 update)

Whilst citizens, permanent residents and many New Zealanders have access to unconditional work rights and government payments (including the new JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments), temporary visa holders do not. This has placed both these visa holders and their employers in a difficult situation. On 4 April 2020 The Hon Alan Tudge MP, Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and…
Mihan Hannan
6 April, 2020
457 visa482CovidEmployer SponsoredTSS

457 / TSS visa holders in the time of COVID: A visa holder’s (rough) primer

In response to the COVID outbreak, governments all around the world have clamped down on borders in order to stem the transmission of the virus. Australia is no exemption. Having a well-developed immigration program means that failure to comply with obligations (for both visa holder and visa sponsors) can have significant ramifications. Despite a shifting immigration landscape, this article attempts…
Mihan Hannan
30 March, 2020