expat network

Moving to Australia – Immigration / Visa

Moving to Australia? Get our guide!

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.

travel to Australia

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…

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international travel to Australia

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,…

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skilled migration

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…

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travel restrictions

Australia To Reconsider International Travel Restrictions

The travel restrictions in place in Australia were expected to remain in place until late 2021 but the potential vaccination breakthrough may mean changes earlier than expected.  Interstaff set out what is being discussed. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff  12 November, 2020   We were delighted to hear that a COVID-19 vaccination will be available in Australia…

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federal budget

What The Federal Budget Announcements Mean For Australia’s Migration Program

If you are seeking the expat lifestyle in Australia, you may be keen to know how international travel restrictions impact your plans. Australia’s 2020-21 Federal Budget has confirmed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be felt by the nation’s migration program for years to come. Interstaff set out the implications. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 20…

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critical work

Critical Work and Compassionate Travel – Migration in the COVID-19 Era

In the Covid environment it seems travel to Australia over the next 12 months will continue to be restricted to people with a valid Travel Exemption. Interstaff set out what employers and visa applicants/holders need to know. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 20 October, 2020   When is it possible to apply for an international Travel Exemption?  At this time, Travel Exemptions are…

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skilled occupation

Flagged Changes to Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists in 2020

Australia’s upcoming Skilled Occupation List changes will determine which occupations are eligible for skilled visas in 2020, so it’s important to understand how the lists may change. Australian Migration Agents, Interstaff, set out the expected changes to the lists in 2020. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 19 December, 2019   What is a Skilled Occupation List? | Skilled…

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perth

Perth And Gold Coast To Become Eligible For Regional Visas

In October the Government announced the new definition of ‘Regional Australia’ will change to encompass all areas of Australia except for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane from 16 November 2019. As a result, both Perth and the Gold Coast will be reclassified as regional areas for visa and migration purposes to allow more skilled migrants to settle,…

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permanent residence

5 Trends in Australian Permanent Residence Migrants Need to Know

Australia’s permanent migration intake has fallen to its lowest level since 2008 with only 160,323 permanent residence visas granted in 2018-19, according to recent Department of Home Affairs statistics. In 2019/20 and over the next four years, we can expect this figure to plateau with Australia’s new planning cap formally set at 160,000 permanent visas…

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regional visas

New Regional Visas To require A Three Year Stay Before Permanent Residence

The Government has introduced legislation for Australia’s new Skilled Regional Visa options, which will require migrants to work for three years in regional areas before becoming eligible to apply for permanent residence. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 18 April, 2019   Currently, migrants can directly apply for permanent residence in regional areas through the Subclass 187…

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