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...
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...
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...
Choosing a School In Australia
Australia has excellent state and independent schools to choose from. School education in Australia includes preschool, preparatory (or kindergarten), primary school, secondary school (or high school) and senior secondary school (or college). School education in Australia lasts for 13 years, and is compulsory between the ages of six and sixteen (Year 1 to Year 9...
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...
An Expat’s Guide To Cost Of Living In Australia
In her article Swati Iyer looks at the cost of living in Australia covering costs related to renting and buying a home, utilities, food and drink, getting around in a car or on public transport, as well as childcare and education costs. We have created a series of articles to help those planning to move...
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...