VisaVisor

4/4
Elevating Migration Planning and Streamlining Regional Visas: In View of Policy Update on 11 December 2023

A few insights from most hyped so called policy updates announced today.

1. Extending the Planning Horizon:
• Beyond 12-Month View: The Government is extending migration planning horizon beyond the current 12-month view. This will enable more effective long-term planning in the national interest.
• Multi-Year Planning Model: A principles-based, multi-year planning model for permanent migration is in the works, fostering improved collaboration with states and territories on migration settings.
• Hopefully this will improve visa processing due limits by to year-on-year planning levels. And more streamlines and continuous Application Processing Mechanism will be in place. (Really?? Do you expect this from DHA??)

2. Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) Overhaul:
• Consolidated List: CSOL will be a single consolidated list, meticulously crafted by Jobs and Skills Australia.
• Incorporating New Occupations: The list will dynamically incorporate new occupations added to ANZSCO in recent years, adapting to the evolving job landscape.

3. Enhanced Skills Assessment Processes:
• Improved Assurance and Standards: Skills assessment processes for migrants will see a boost through enhanced assurance, standards, and reporting.
• Streamlined Assessments: Reforms aim to lift the skills assessment sector, reduce complexity, and invest in migrants' employment outcomes, promoting greater workforce participation.

4. Regional Visas Empowerment:
• Highest Processing Priority: Visa processing for migrants sponsored by employers in regional Australia becomes the top priority, streamlining the process for businesses supporting skilled workers in regional areas.
• Investment for Modernization: Significant investment to reduce the visa backlog and modernize the visa system, ensuring a smoother experience for migrants and employers alike.

5. Visa Subclass Simplification:
• Reducing Administrative Burden: Initial reduction of 20 visa subclasses, merging similar classes to simplify the system out of almost 100 subclasses at the moment.
• Focus on Family Migration: Simplifying family migration visas by cutting the number of options in half, making the process more accessible and straightforward.

Let's embark on this journey together, and feel free to share your thoughts and questions!

3/4
Proposed Changes in the Temporary Graduate Visa: Important Updates New Immigration Policy Announced on 11 December 2023

All recent graduates and aspiring professionals eyeing Australia as your next career destination! Here's the latest scoop on the Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) changes, designed to enhance opportunities and streamline pathways:

1. Shorter Post-Study Work Rights:
• Initial TGV Duration: The duration of the initial TGV will be shorter, with no extension of post-study work rights, except for those who studied in a regional area.
• New TGV Lengths:
o 2 years for Bachelor Degree
o 2 years for Masters by coursework
o 3 years for Masters by research
o 3 years for PhD

2. Second TGV Eligibility:
• +1–2 Years for Regional Study: Eligibility for a second TGV is extended by 1–2 years for those who studied in a regional area (dependent on location).
• No Future Extensions: No further extension in TGV duration will be available in the future.

3. Age Eligibility Adjustment:
• Reduced Maximum Age: The maximum eligible age for a TGV will be reduced to 35, aligning with the visa's repositioning for early career professionals so that they are ready for Skilled Immigration which already has 45 years age cap.

4. Stream Renaming and Abolishment:
• Renaming TGV Streams: TGV streams will be rebranded as 'Post-Higher Education Work' and 'Post-Vocational Education Work' for better clarity.
• Abolishment of Replacement Stream: The 'Replacement Stream' of the TGV will be abolished.
• Abolishment of 476 Graduate Visa: Sorry young Lads (Engineers)

5. Streamlined Processing and Opportunities for Skilled Visas:
• Service Standard for Processing: Processing times for the 'Post-Higher Education Work Stream' will be backed by a 21-day service standard.
• Work Experience and Points Test Reforms: Changes to the work experience requirement for a Temporary Skills Shortage visa and future Skills in Demand visa will provide TGV holders with more opportunities to transition to skilled visas. Proposed reforms to the points test will expedite pathways to permanent residency for graduates in skilled jobs.

Stay tuned, ask questions, and let's embark on this journey together!

2/4
Important Updates on Student Visas: Strengthening Pathways, Ensuring Genuineness – Policy Guidelines Announced on 11 December 2023

Attention!! Here's the latest scoop on the changes coming your way regarding Student Visas:

1. English Language Requirements Enhancement:
• Alignment with Skilled Visa Requirements: The English language requirements for Student and Graduate visas will now align with skilled visa standards.
• Increased Test Scores: Temporary Graduate visa from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, Student visa from IELTS 5.5 to 6.0, and ELICOS from IELTS 4.5 to 5.0. University foundation or pathway programs will require IELTS 5.5.

2. Introduction of Genuine Student Test:
• Clear Scrutiny for Genuine Students: A new Genuine Student test will be introduced for all international students.
• Discouraging Non-Genuine Intentions: Designed to discourage non-genuine students whose primary goal is work rather than study.
• Replacing Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirement: Acknowledging available post-study migration pathways while emphasizing that the majority will return home.

3. Additional Scrutiny and Evidence Requirements:
• Enhanced Application Scrutiny: Additional scrutiny for international students applying for another student visa.
• Career and Academic Alignment: Eligible students applying inside Australia must demonstrate that subsequent courses align with their career or academic aspirations.

4. Tackling Onshore Visa Hopping:
• Restrictions to Circumvent Offshore Processes: The Government is considering changes to address onshore visa hopping.
• Reducing Workplace Exploitation: Aiming to create a safer and more secure environment for international students.

These proposed changes are designed to foster a genuine commitment to education while ensuring the integrity of Australia's international education system. Your academic and career aspirations are at the forefront of these adjustments. Stay informed, stay focused, and feel free to ask questions!

1/4
Proposed Changes in Employer-Nominated Skilled Visas: From 11 December 2023 Policy Update

Here's a breakdown of the proposed updates on Employer-Nominated Skilled Visas that you need to know:
1. Short-term Stream vs. Skills in Demand:
• Short-term Stream has no pathway to permanent residence currently, only employment with the nominating employer counts.
• Skills in Demand: A pathway to permanent residence is purposed wherein periods of employment under any approved employer considered and Temporary Skilled Migrants will be able to apply for PR through self-nominated independent pathways, possibly through a reformed points test. (Who know when)

2. Transition Period After Employment Ends:
• Currently, visa holders has 60 days to find another sponsor or face visa cancellation.
• A more lenient proposal to extend that period to 180 days to find another sponsor, with the ability to work during this period.

3. Skilling Australia Fund Payment:
• End of Upfront Payment: Currently employers need to pay the Skilling Australia Fund upfront at the time of application.
• Government exploring models for trailing charges and fees (on monthly or quarterly basis to ease the burden on employers for hiring new skilled workers and lower the chances of employer poaching.

4. Clarity on Sponsors:
• Public Register: A public register of approved sponsors, including migrant numbers and occupations, to assist migrants in finding new sponsors.

Now, let's dive into the proposed three distinct pathways:

1. Specialist Skills Pathway:
• Highly Skilled Recognition: Recognizing highly skilled migrants' contributions to national productivity.
• Salary Threshold: Minimum of $135,000 with a commitment to a 7-day median visa processing time.
• Indexing: Annual indexing through legislation to ensure fairness.
• Penalties for Low Payments: Employers paying below the threshold may face penalties, potentially barring them from additional sponsorships.

2. Core Skills Pathway:
• Addressing Skill Shortages: Designed for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List.
• International Agreements: Relates to occupations in shortage or covered by international trade agreements.
• Paid Above TSMIT: Trades, machinery operators, and laborers eligible if paid above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold.
3. Essential Skills Pathway:
• Regulated Pathway for Low Paid Workers: Sector-specific, capped, and embedded with stronger regulations and minimum standards.
• Consultative Approach: In consultation with state and territory governments, unions, businesses, and migrant workers.
These proposed changes aim to create a more streamlined, fair, and responsive system for both migrants and employers. But who knows when these changes will come into effect? Just wait like many of you are waiting for visa grants!

Here is a general and brief step by step guide towards Australian Immigration Process.
1. Very first step is to calculate your points for Visa Subclass-189, from this link
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/tools/points-calculator
For Subclass 190, you get five points from nominating state, so add 5 points in above calculated points.
For Subclass 491, you get fifteen points from nominating state, so add 15 points in above calculated points.
You need atleast 60 points to be eligible to apply for any subclass.
2. Take a Language Test, either IELTS or PTE and aim for
superior (8 each in IELTS or 79 each in PTE) to get 20 points
or at least proficient (7 each in IELTS or 79 each in PTE)
Check following link for Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) criteria for english language requirments
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language
3. Select a nominated occupation in relevance to your qualification and experience and get your skills assessment done from your relevant skill assessment body. Each skill assessment body has it's own criteria and set of requirements. To check your occupation and relevant assessment body, visit following link.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list
4. Once you have your English test score and skill assessment outcome ready, lodge EOI at skillselect for 189, 190 and 491 and wait for invite to apply visa from Australian Government / State
5. Receive your pre-invite / invite against EOI in Skillselect
6. Submit visa application within 60 days of invite and upload supporting document for your points claim.
7. Get your visa grant.
As a start, try to gather information about Visa Subclass 189, 190 and 491
Also search for your occupation ANZSCO code, its description and job roles and your relevant skill assessment body

NSW Invitation round just happened on 16-03-2022

We are speciallized for skilled immigration for Engineers to Australia. Let us handle your case and get ready live the life of your dreams.

Victoria Invitation round for SC 190 and 491 happened today. Its raining invitations.