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...
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...
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...
Australian Border Restrictions to End for Vaccinated Travellers
The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, announced today that Australia’s international borders will re-open on 21 February 2022 for fully vaccinated travellers almost two years after they closed due to COVID-19. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff 7 February, 2022 State and Territory based caps on international arrivals and quarantine arrangements will remain in place as...
How Omicron Could Impact Australia’s Plans To Re-Open International Travel
Like much of the world, Australia is seeking further advice on the new COVID-19 Omicron variant’s level of transmission, whether it causes severe illness and if existing vaccines will still be effective. Interstaff outline the impact on Australia’s plans on international travel. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 30 November, 2021 While...
Travel Exemptions Australia 2021
Update on 14 December 2021: After almost two years of waiting to enter the country for many Skilled Visa holders and International Students, the emergence of Omicron had delayed plans to remove the need for Travel Exemptions for these groups to 15 December 2021 instead of 1 December 2021. Our below article from 22 November 2021...
Australia International Travel To Re-Open
Prime Minister, Scott Morrison announced in a Press Conference that Australia’s international border will re-open from November 2021 for States with an 80% vaccination rate – starting with New South Wales (NSW). This is very welcome and highly anticipated news. Australia’s international border has been closed for more than 18 months and many people...
Permanent Skilled Migration In Post Pandemic Australia
Over one year on from the start of the pandemic, the Australian Government remains focused on the nation’s post-pandemic recovery. One trend that has emerged is a priority for visas that drive economic growth and investment – including Employer Sponsored Permanent Residence Visas. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 3 June, 2021 How Employer-Sponsored Visas Are Prioritised In 2021-22, there will...
The 408 Pandemic Visa – What You Need to Know
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government established the Pandemic Event Stream of the 408 Visa to provide flexible arrangements for visa holders in Australia. Interstaff set out what you should know about this visa. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 6 April, 2021 Who can apply for a 408 (Pandemic Stream) Visa? You may...
New Rules For Travel To Australia
The Australian Government has announced new rules for travel to Australia, which include the need to take a COVID-19 test before travel and mandatory requirements to wear a mask. The changes were agreed by the National Cabinet on 8 January 2021 in response to the new COVID-19 strain that is more infectious and will take effect no...
Will Australia’s International Border Re-Open in 2021?
With the ever-changing situation with the pandemic there is continuing uncertainty about the rules for people travelling or moving to Australia. Sheila Woods of Interstaff sets out what has been said by Australia’s politicians and what it means for international travel to Australia. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 19 January,...
Sponsoring Highly Skilled Migrants Under The Global Talent Program
With Australia’s international travel restrictions, it is becoming more important for employers to be aware of all visa options available in the migration program for professionals. Interstaff will be exploring these opportunities in their email series on ‘Migration in the COVID-19 Era’. Here’s what employers and skilled individuals should know about the Global Talent Program. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 25 November, 2020 What...