Immigration - Expat Network

New Pathways To Permanent Residence In Regional Australia

Businesses have long been advocating for more flexible migration laws to accommodate for labour shortages in regional areas – and it looks like the Government is listening. As part of its focus on alleviating population pressures in Sydney and Melbourne, various regional migration agreements are being fast-tracked across the country. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 19…

5 Australian Visa Changes Expected In 2019

Immigration was the subject of contentious political debate in 2018 and discussions shifted from the size of Australia’s permanent migration intake to how to distribute issues of apparent overcrowding in Sydney and Melbourne. Interstaff expect many of the discussions that began in 2018 will continue this year and could result in further visa changes in…

On A Skilled Visa? The Government May Request Access To Your Tax Affairs

Those applying for or holding a skilled Australian visa may have to provide information about their tax affairs to the Government. Interstaff set out the rule changes and the implications. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 20 December, 2018 If you are on a skilled visa or applying for one you may be interested to…

Plans To Cut Australia’s Permanent Migration Intake: PM, Scott Morrison

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is calling on State Premiers to prepare individual population policies for their state with an aim to reduce Australia’s permanent migration intake of 190,000 migrants per year. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 3 December, 2018 Australia’s permanent migration intake is historically reviewed by the Department of Home Affairs as a national…

Changes to Australian Skilled Migration

We have certainly seen a number of changes to Australia’s migration landscape since Interstaff was first established in 1988 three decades ago. One of the most significant changes recently has been the replacement of the 457 Visa scheme with the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 Visa. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 11 December,…

Australia Visa Refusals Up: What Every Applicant Needs To Know

Migrating to Australia has become more complex than ever with statistics showing visa refusals increased by 46% in 2017-18. As part of their 30 year anniversary special, Interstaff takes a closer look into how the growing refusal rate is impacting individuals wanting to live and work in Australia, as well as businesses requiring migration solutions….

Australia Relaxes Working Holiday Visa Program Restrictions

Interstaff provide an update on the relaxation of the Working Holiday Visa, which enables young people to work while they travel in Australia and to extend their stay if they are eligible. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 7th November, 2018 The Government has announced it will relax Working Holiday Visa program restrictions relating to age…

Migrants To Live In Regional Areas: Government Plans

Interstaff have outlined the latest on plans for Australia’s new migrants to live in regional areas to reduce the impact on the main cities in Australia. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 9 October, 2018 Australia’s Population and Urban Infrastructure Minister, Alan Tudge today confirmed the Government is progressing plans to develop a new landmark population policy that will…

New TSS Labour Market Testing Requirements

The new legislation governing the Labour Market Testing (LMT) and advertising requirements to be undertaken before sponsoring a Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 Visa holder came into effect on Sunday. The below legislative changes apply to nominations made on or after 12 August 2018. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 14 August, 2018 Labour Market Testing Requirements At least two advertisements that meet…

New TSS Labour Market Testing Requirements

The new legislation governing the Labour Market Testing (LMT) and advertising requirements to be undertaken before sponsoring a Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 Visa holder came into effect on Sunday. The below legislative changes apply to nominations made on or after 12 August 2018. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 14 August, 2018 Labour Market Testing Requirements At least two advertisements that meet…