expat network

Permanent Resident Pathways For Subclass  482 TSS Visa Holders To Change From 25th November 2023

The Department of Home Affairs has revealed that employer-sponsored Permanent Residence (PR) pathways for Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa Holders will change from 25 November 2023, subject to the approval of regulation changes. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff 2 November Which Visas Will Be Impacted? What Will Be Changing?  Changes to the Subclass 482 TSS...

Labour Market Testing

Labour Market Testing For UK And Other Passport Holders | International Trade Obligations

Navigating visa changes in Australia can be complex, and mobility provisions under International Trade Agreements can make it even more difficult for employers to understand when Labour Market Testing is required. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff 3 August, 2023 As you may know, LMT refers to the process of advertising locally for a position before a...

Trade Agreements Result In New Visa Benefits For UK And Indian Passport Holders

UK and Indian passport holders are set to benefit from new visa and mobility arrangements that have been recently negotiated in Australia’s Trade Agreements. The Australia – UK Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) came into effect on 31 May 2023 and will soon allow UK passport holders up to the age of 35 to come to Australia on...

Parent Visa

Government Focus On Parent Visa Grants To Continue In 2023/24

Australia allocated almost double the amount of placements to Parent Visas in 2022/23 (8,500 placements) compared to the previous year (4,500 placements), and another 8,500 places have again been allocated in 2023/24. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff  15 June, 2023 But although the Government is continuing to focus on granting Parent Visas, unfortunately applicants are still...

Aged Care Labour Agreement Australia | Greater Flexibility To Sponsor Visa Holders

The Australian Government has made an industry-specific Aged Care Labour Agreement immediately available to aged care providers across Australia.  Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff  15 June, 2023 Recognising that the aged care sector is an essential industry experiencing persistent skills shortages, it allows aged care providers to sponsor overseas workers with greater flexibility for these direct...

Migration to Australia

What The Federal Budget Means For Migration To Australia

The government’s first Federal Budget since it was elected in 2022 has revealed the size and composition of the migration program will continue to focus on skilled migration in 2023-2024.  Here’s a summary of the main Budget announcements under the Department of Home Affairs portfolio and what they mean for migrants and employers of visa holders. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff ...

skilled migration program

TSMIT Increase – Minimum Salary For Visa Holders And PR Pathways | Employer-Sponsored Visa Changes

Following Home Affairs Minister, Clare O’Neil’s announcements on changes to the skilled migration program a few weeks ago, here’s how some of the changes will be implemented. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff  21 March, 2023 Read on to understand what this means for employers and skilled visa holders/applicants. Consider Minimum Salary (TSMIT) Impacts for Employees Businesses will need to assess if...

graduate visa holders and working holiday makers

Changes To Work Rights For Student And Graduate Visa Holders And Working Holiday Makers From 1 July 2023

To help the economy address skills shortages, the Australian Government will make changes to several visa restrictions from 1 July 2023 for Student and Graduate Visa Holders, as well as Working Holiday Makers working in Australia. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff 21 March, 2023 The changes will also impact businesses that employ these visa holders...

New Permanent Residence Pathway For 482 TSS Visa Holders With A Regional Occupation

Employer-sponsored Subclass 482 TSS Visa holders with an occupation on the Regional Occupation List may have a more direct pathway to Permanent Residence (PR) following Government changes that are currently in effect. Here’s what employers and skilled migrants should know. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff 21 March, 2023 What has changed for Subclass 482 TSS Visa Holders? Subclass 482...

Migration Settings

How Australia’s Migration Settings Should Change | The Productivity Commission’s Recommendations

How should the government change skilled migration settings? According to The Productivity Commission, immigration can play a significant role in maximising Australia’s productivity indicators, such as higher wages and economic growth. It can do so by attracting in-demand skills and knowledge, allocating labour to where it is most needed and by sharing best practice from...

skilled visa

Major Skilled Visa Changes Announced

After much anticipation, Home Affairs Minister, Clare O’Neil has today announced several major skilled visa changes based on a comprehensive Review of the Migration System. Most of the changes will make it easier for highly paid skilled professionals to enter and start working in Australia. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff  2 May, 2023 The announcements included: Here’s a summary...

Skilled Visa Applications

How The Government Prioritises Skilled Visa Applications In 2023

International arrivals to Australia are getting back to pre-pandemic levels. In February 2023, there were 1.38 million arrivals compared to only 270,000 at the same time last year. Organisations can again rely on the migration program to recruit suitably skilled talent for positions that are hard to fill locally, as 482 TSS visa processing times are being...