Immigration - Expat Network

Migration Heading ‘Back To Normal’ In 2024 | Near Pre-Pandemic Levels Of Migration

Australian immigration was again a very topical issue in the media in 2023. In the 2022-23 financial year, we saw a record in Net Overseas Migration with 510,000 people arriving in Australia throughout the year. This was more than 25% above the 400,000 expected in the May Federal Budget 2022-23 and more than twice the October 2022-23…

Extended Work Rights For Working Holiday Makers From 1 January 2024

The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs has today decided that from 1 January 2024, Working Holiday Makers (Subclass 417 and 462 Visa Holders) in some circumstances will have access to extended work rights for work with the same employer for more than six months. Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff 21 December 2023 While the…

8 Key Actions And A Roadmap To Deliver The Australian Government’s New Migration Strategy

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…

Can Brits Still Afford To Move Or Retire To The Sun?

Now the UK has left the EU, work permits in Spain are more difficult to obtain and if you plan to retire to Spain you have to get a visa and demonstrate that you can financially support yourself. These more onerous requirements have ended the dreams of those who had planned to move or retire…

Why Migrating To Australia Without An Employer Sponsor Has Become More Competitive In 2023-2024

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…

Government Plans To Strengthen Visa Sponsorship Compliance

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…

What To Consider When The 408 Pandemic Event Visa Closes In 2024

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…

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…

Saint Lucia Citizenship: A Caribbean Dream Come True

Saint Lucia, a marvelous Caribbean island, is renowned for its brilliant landscapes, exquisite beauty, and vibrant culture. In addition, its strong economy, connectivity to the rest of the world, and strong investment platform add to its charm. This is the reason why many people from all corners of the world want to come and reside…

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…