Immigration - Expat Network

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

Election Promises For Cheaper And More Accessible Parent Visas

Parent visas, which allow parents to join their permanently resident child or children to join them in Australia are in great demand but they have been subject to long wait times and high costs. This is now an issue getting attention in Australian politics. Interstaff set out the current political developments. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff…

Australia’s Immigration Plans For The Next Three Years – Post Election

Australia’s immigration plans have been subject to uncertainty but the plans for the next three years are now clearer following the 2019 election. Interstaff set out the expectations. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 30 May, 2019 Following the 2019 Federal Election, there is now greater certainty of Australia’s immigration policy directions over the next three-year…

General Skilled Migration Visas To Become More Competitive in 2019-20

Fewer General Skilled Migration Visas are due to be issued in 2019-20 and with a strong pipeline already in place the number of invitations likely to be issued will drop and Interstaff advise how to increase your chances of a successful application. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 30 May, 2019 The Department of Home Affairs…

New Visa To Bring Your Parents To Australia

A new Parent Visa option is opening for eligible Australian citizens or permanent residents to bring their parents to Australia temporarily for up to ten years. The new visa will however be capped to only 15,000 people per year. Read on to discover more and find out if you could be eligible to sponsor your…