The Australian Government has released its long-awaited Migration Strategy, revealing how the Skilled Migration visa system will be re-designed to support Australia’s skills needs in coming decades. Interstaff’s Managing Director, Sheila Woods was interviewed on ABC Radio Perth last week to discuss some of the major changes in the Migration Strategy. The discussion starts at the...

For anyone visiting Australia, there are certain expectations. Stunning beaches. Kangaroos. The Sydney Opera House. These days, though, there is also the expectation that the price of your visit is on the higher end of the holiday scale. And not just for flights. Australia can be an expensive place once you are here spending Australian...

Australia’s state and territory nominated visa options to migrate without an employer sponsor have become more competitive due to the government significantly reducing its 2023-24 allocations for these visas. Nomination allocations refer to the number of new primary applicants each state or territory can nominate in a program year. It is likely that the reduced...

Just how broken is Australia’s migration system? One of the government’s focus areas in 2023 has been to address worker exploitation in the migration system, as recently seen in an increase in sponsorship audit requests of sponsor companies. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff 2 November As the government strengthens Australia’s visa system, it’s important that employers...

The Subclass 408 Pandemic Event Visa will close on 1 February 2024, signifying the normalisation of the migration program after years of pandemic recovery efforts. The 408 Visa was originally intended to allow temporary visa holders to extend their stay for work in Australia if they had ‘critical skills’ or if their travel arrangements had...

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...

Christmas is all about tradition, nostalgia, and spending time with loved ones. But for expats, it can also be a time of loneliness and unfamiliar customs. While the folks back home are decorating trees, opening advent calendars, and sitting down as a family for a traditional Christmas meal, expats are sometimes somewhat more solitary, far...

Research by AXA has revealed that as many as two in five (41%) young expats aged 18-24 are negatively impacted mentally by social media and tech addiction. AXA – Global Healthcare has reviewed the Mind Health Index, looking at how young expats are affected by social media. The research found that those who report a negative...

Being a mother is a beautiful journey that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. Now, imagine adding the adventure and excitement of living abroad as an expat to the mix. It can be a thrilling experience, but it also comes with unique considerations for balancing motherhood and the expat lifestyle. In this...

Moving abroad for a job can be an exciting experience for both you and your children, but if your ex-spouse stops you, it can complicate matters. In this article, we’ll take a look at your parental rights when moving abroad with children, and what you can do if your ex-spouse says “no.” Why Permission is...

Living abroad as an expat is an exhilarating adventure. You’re navigating new cultures, embracing diverse perspectives, and expanding your horizons. But amidst the excitement, it’s important not to overlook the value of establishing and maintaining a strong digital presence. Having a personal website can be a game-changer, helping you showcase your skills, connect with a...

Navigating the intricacies of the real estate market in Australia can be a daunting task, particularly for first-time homebuyers and people new to the country. It’s a world of negotiations, legal terms, and complex processes where making the right choices can mean the difference between a dream home and a costly mistake. This is where...