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Moving to Australia – Immigration / Visa

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Whether you are emigrating, taking a short term assignment or joining family in Australia we have put together the information you will need to make your move a smooth one.

How The New WA DAMA Designated Area Migration Agreement Will Boost Workers For Industries With Critical Demand

The WA Government has launched a state-wide Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), providing WA regional and metropolitan employers greater flexibility to engage migrant workers for occupations not usually available through standard skilled migration programs. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff  27 August 2024 The new WA DAMA may particularly benefit employers finding it difficult to fill jobs…

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Skills In Demand Visa Transition | Australia’s Promise To Get The Right Skills In The Right Places

Following comprehensive ‘once-in-a-generation’ migration reviews undertaken in 2022 and 2023, the Government promised to ‘get the right skills in the right places’ and ensure Australia meets its skills needs in coming decades. In the past 2 years, employers have seen the emergence of niche and industry-specific visa pathways, such as the Aged-Care Labour Agreement, and…

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A Longer Period Between Employment For Sponsored Workers And Other Changes To Immigration In FY 2024/25

Australian Migration Agents, Interstaff, set out the changes to Australian Immigration rules for the 2024/25 financial year which commenced on 1st July 2024 as well as changes they are anticipating in the year. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff  15 August 2024 The start of the financial year marks the beginning of a new program year for Australian…

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Federal Budget And Immigration 2024

The Australian Government’s Federal Budget indicates policy spend for 2024/25 will focus on actions to reduce Net Overseas Migration (particularly international student migration) and reforms to the migration system to implement its Migration Strategy. This includes strengthening core functions, such as immigration compliance monitoring, as well as new visa arrangements for South-East Asian and Indian applicants….

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FY 2024-25 Australian Immigration Changes On The Horizon

Interstaff, Australian migrant agents, give an update on Australian immigration changes on the horizon for the new program year commencing on 1st July 2024.  This includes changes which take effect on 1st July and anticipated changes to come. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff  18 July 2024 The start of the financial year marks the beginning of a new program year…

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Australia Changes TSMIT Minimum Salary Requirements For Employer-Sponsored Workers From 1 July 2024

New Nomination applications for employer-sponsored workers will need to meet a minimum salary requirement of $73,150 from 1 July 2024 (up from $70,000) following the Australian Government’s recent announcement to increase the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff  4 June 2024 Here’s what employers and skilled migrant workers need to know…

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Which Areas Are Considered Designated Regional Areas For Priority Visa Processing?

Employer-Sponsored Visas for regional work are being prioritised for Government processing in 2024, according to the latest Ministerial Direction. This includes applications for a 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa, 494 Skilled Regional Visa or a 186 Permanent Residence Visa for applicants working in a ‘Designated Regional Area’. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff  27 February 2024 With…

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How The Government Will Deliver The Migration Strategy In 8 Key Actions | Changes To Expect In 2024 And Beyond

The Government’s Migration Strategy has revealed how Australia’s Skilled Visa and Migration System will change in 2024 and beyond to better support the nation’s skills needs for decades to come.  8 Key Actions have been identified to deliver strategic outcomes outlined on the Government’s roadmap. Here’s a summary of what is expected to change for Businesses…

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The New Skills In Demand Visa | How Will It Compare To The Subclass 482 TSS Visa?

One of the changes in the Government’s Migration Strategy that will have the biggest impact on employers and skilled visa applicants will be the replacement of the Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa with a new Skills in Demand Visa. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff  27 February 2024 This will involve several shifts for temporary…

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Fixing A ‘Broken’ Australian Migration System In 2024

In 2023, it became particularly evident that Australia’s migration system is indeed ‘broken’, based on an expert panel’s findings and the Nixon report confirming widespread abuse of the visa system. The reviews also found that employers and migrants grapple high costs, slow visa processing and uncertain pathways to Permanent Residence (PR), while the media and…

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