Changes Announced to Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program
Department of Home Affairs has announced some exciting changes to the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program for UK passport holders! The current WHM Program allows young people from Australia and around the world to have a 12 month holiday in a reciprocal country, during which they can undertake short term work to assist with travel…
Section 48 Bar – What Can I Do?
If you have your visa refused since you last entered Australia and hold only a bridging visa, or no visa, you have what is called a Section 48 bar. If you still hold a valid visa, you can leave and return to Australia to prevent the s.48 bar from ever activating. The s.48 bar prevents…
VETASSESS: GENERAL OCCUPATIONS SKILLS ASSESSMENT- Professional Qualification
VETASSESS is Australia’s largest skills assessment provider, authorised by the Australian Government. Professional Occupation To be eligible for the VETASSESS general occupation skills assessment, your occupation must be on the General Professional Occupations list. The requirements for each occupation do differ so it is therefore advisable to carefully examine the requirements for your occupation before…
Changes to Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)…
The Australian Government has announced that it will extend post-graduation work rights to international students who graduate with select qualifications from Australian higher education institutions. Two years of additional work rights apply to a wide range of occupations and skilled qualifications in areas of skill deficit such as health, education, engineering and agriculture. Effective from…
Permanent Visa Pathways for TPV/SHEV Holders & Applicants
Thousands of refugees in Australia who have been “in limbo” for years may now be entitled to permanent residency! The Subclass 851 Resolution of Status (RoS) visa was introduced for the purposes of enabling people the same benefits and entitlements as a subclass 866 Protection visa which include: A permanent right to live, work, and…
Working Holiday Visa
As the government works to cut down on processing times, backpacker visas are now being issued in less than a day! The Working Holiday Visa allows people 18 to 30 years old (or 35 years old for some countries) to have an extended holiday in Australia whilst working here to help fund their trip. As…
Ministerial Direction No. 100 – Prioritising Skilled Visa Applications
A new Ministerial Direction for prioritising skilled visa applications came into effect on 28 October 2022 which aims to assist in further streamlining visa processing. The Department of Home Affairs has finalised over 2,780,000 visas since 1 June 2022. This includes over 43,000 temporary skilled applications and over 47,000 permanent skilled visa applications. The Ministerial…
2022 Federal Budget – Migration Outcomes
The Key Outcomes for Migration from the 2022 Federal Budget are: An extra $576 million over four years will be provided to the Department of Home Affairs towards visa processing, to cover a shortfall in funding for the maintenance of offshore processing centres and to support refugees. An increase of Parent visa allocations from 4,500…
VCCI Federal Budget Submission Requests
The Victorian Chamber (VCCI) has unveiled its 2022-2023 Federal Budget Submission, requesting priorities that, if delivered, will assist migrants, businesses and the economy in general in Victoria. In relation to on shore and prospective migrants, the key requests included: Allow more flexibility in the visa conditions for migrant workers, so they can work in other…
Bridging Visas – How Do They Work?
To avoid the risk of becoming an “unlawful non-citizen” or “illegal migrant”, anyone in Australia on a temporary visa must apply for another visa before their original visa runs out. Australia allows onshore visa applications, which means that you don’t have to leave the country to be able to apply for another Australian visa. Your…
Health Examinations – Will I need one?
PERMANENT AND PROVISIONAL VISA APPLICANTS You and any family members applying for the visa with you must have health examinations. In some circumstances, family members who are not coming to Australia with you might also need to have health examinations. Tests that are generally required: Under 2 Years of age – Medical Examination 2 or…
Key Migration Outcomes of the Recent Jobs & Skills Summit…
The Jobs & Skills Summit was held recently in Australia, bringing together 100 representatives from unions, business, civil society and government to discuss Australia’s biggest economic opportunities. Please see below for key actions and discussion points arising from the Summit in relation to Migration….. IMMEDIATE ACTIONS: The Government will: Increase the permanent Migration Program planning…
WHAT ARE THE “JOBS OF THE FUTURE” IN AUSTRALIA?
According to the government’s Skill Priority List, the ‘jobs of the future’ that are expected to remain hot in demand are: – Construction managers – Civil engineering professionals – Early childhood teachers – Registered nurses – ICT (information and communications technology) business and systems analysts – Software and applications programmers – Electricians – Chefs –…
SKILLED MIGRATION UPDATE – TASMANIA
Tasmania has received an interim skilled visa allocation of nomination places from the Australian Government for the 2022-23 program year. The Department of Home Affairs has advised that this allocation will be revisited after the first quarter of 2022-23 and should not be taken as an indication of the full year’s quota. Tasmania’s interim allocation…
FOCUS ON REGIONAL AUSTRALIA: Gippsland, Victoria
WHERE IS GIPPSLAND? Gippsland is a picturesque rural region that makes up the south-eastern part of Victoria, Australia. It extends from the edge of Melbourne’s Metropolitan Region in the region’s west, eastwards to the New South Wales border. Gippsland incorporates 6 municipalities – Bass Coast, Baw Baw, East Gippsland, South Gippsland, Wellington and Latrobe Valley. The main towns…
Are you a health professional looking to migrate?
Victoria offering up to $13,000 AUD for relocation If you’re a health professional living outside Australia, there is now an even better reason to make the move to Victoria. As of 1 April 2022, international and returning Australian health workers are eligible for up to $13,000 to help fund your relocation to Victoria and join…
The Job Ready Program Unpacked
If you have studied in Australia as an International Student and gained Australian qualifications you may be eligible to undertake an employment-based skills assessment program called the Job Ready Program (JRP). This program allows you to work, usually while on a Temporary Graduate Visa, and use this period of work to gain a positive skills…
Code of Conduct Changes – 1 March 2022
Next month the Migration Agents Code of Conduct (CoC) will change. The CoC outlines the rules that Registered Migration Agents must follow in their professional dealings with clients. The changes have been widely discussed within the Migration Agents’ professional bodies over the past few months, and have been highly anticipated within the profession. So…
Need Subclass 190 State Nomination from New South Wales?
Need an offer of state nomination from NSW? Demand for Subclass 190 nomination is very high. Regional Migration Australia can help you secure an offer to live and work in NSW.
Regional Cooks and Chefs Needed in Regional Australia
If you are an overseas Qualified Cook or Chef Australia’s border reopening could be your chance to be on your way to Permanent Residency within as little as 3 years! Australia’s borders have been closed since 20 March 2020. While discussions continue regarding when Australia will reopen to international visitors, students and the temporary work…
S48 barred applicants
Have you heard? S48 barred applicants can now apply for certain visas without first departing Australia. This is news has been welcomed by the migration industry, who have been advocating for this during the duration of the COVID19 pandemic. The Australian Federal Government has included new visa subclasses to the very limited list of visas…
Increased Flexibility for Citizenship Applicants
On Sep 14 2021, the Government has announced changes that will streamline the pathway to citizenship for some of our most talented prospective Australians. The Hon Alex Hawke MP Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, has introduced additional flexibility to recognise the unique difficulties faced by some of our most distinguished applicants…
Help on the way for Australian agriculture sector
Reforms announced for Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) and the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) to provide easier access to farm workers.
NEW Workforce Skills Pathway!
Skill gaps in Victoria are addressed through local training and recruitment. In certain instances, industries may require migration to quickly supplement the number of skilled professionals available. Victoria has added a new “Workforce Skills Pathway” to their nomination program for the 190 visa and 491 visa. The Workforce Skills Pathway (WSP) is a way to…
Are you a Diesel Motor Mechanic?
If you are a diesel motor mechanic with at least two years of work experience… Australia needs you! We have employers who are desperately seeking qualified and experienced diesel mechanics. Due to skills shortages, Australian employers are willing to offer employer sponsorship (which can lead to Australian residency). So NOW is the time to make…
New Ag visa for Australia
The highly anticipated Agricultural Visa has been announced, and includes pathways to residency for migrants willing to live and work in regional Australia.
What should I expect in my consultation?
What should I expect in my consultation? The purpose of an initial consultation is to find out how we can help you, and to provide you with some initial advice and direction for your migration plans. Initial consultations generally take from 30 mins to an hour, depending on the complexity of your matter. Following your consultation,…
Thank you to our clients for your ongoing support
The team at Regional Migration Australia are honoured to be one of the finalists in the 2021 Federation University Gippsland Business Awards in the New Business category! For 23 years the Gippsland Business Awards have been celebrating the achievements of Gippsland businesses. The Federation University Gippsland Business Awards are the pinnacle business awards in our…
Victoria’s skilled migration program – 2021-22 opening
Victoria’s skilled migration program for 2021-22 will open to new registrations of interest (ROIs) on 7 July 2021. The department of Home Affairs has provided Victoria with 35,500 subclass 190 places, and 500 subclass 491 places. This year Victoria will be selecting candidates who are currently living and working in Victoria, using their STEMM skills…
Supporting Australia’s COVID recovery through Skilled Migration
On Tuesday, 22 June 2021, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke MP has today announced the inclusion of a range of skilled occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL). The PMSOL, first announced in September 2020, is developed in conjunction with the National Skills Commission to ensure…
Testimonial – Student and Employer Sponsorship visas
Sam and Andrea used Kristie Morgan as their Registered Migration Agent for all of their migration strategy between 2014 and 2021. Sam had experience as a chef but did not have sufficient evidence for his skills assessment. As a result, Kristie helped him to enrol in a relevant course in Australia, and then progress to…
Federal Budget 2021-2022
Here's how Australian migration will be impacted by the 2021-22 Federal Budget.
Relaxation of student visa work limitations
Student visa holders who work in critical industries are now able to work over 40 hours per fortnight.
Successful Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement request in regional Victoria
Regional Migration Australia successfully secures access to Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement for Victorian farmer.
Orana (NSW) expands Subclass 491 State Nomination Occupation List
It’s great to see some occupation lists are expanding to cater for the growing problem around skills shortages, particularly in regional areas! Orana Occupations List – 1st April 2021 *High Priority – These occupations are considered a high priority by the Department of Home Affairs and are within the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).…
Interim Report of the Inquiry into Australia’s Skilled Migration Program
The Federal Government's Inquiry into Australia's Skilled Migration Program outlines positive recommendations to increase skilled migration.
Institute of Managers and Leaders replaces AIM for senior management occupations
Changes to assessment criteria through Institute of Managers and Leaders
Skilled Occupation: Construction Manager
Australia has a list of Priority Skilled Migration Occupation Lists. Construction Managers are in very high demand, and here's why...
Skills Assessments: VETASSESS
One of the most important steps of your General Skilled Migration strategy is your skills assessment. VETASSESS is one of the major skills assessing bodies in Australia.
Spotlight on a region – Gippsland, Victoria
Gippsland Since Regional Migration Australia is based in the beautiful region of Gippsland, it goes without saying that we have started out ‘Spotlight on a region’ posts in our own backyard! Gippsland occupies the vast eastern corner of Victoria, extending from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to the New South Wales border. The region has natural landscapes…
Testimonial – Subclass 494
Regional Migration Australia was pleased to help this beautiful family with their Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. This visa is used by regional employers to sponsor skilled workers where they have been unable to source an appropriately skilled Australian worker. It was a delight to work with Yael on this application, and we were…
Victorian State Nomination opens (Subclass 190 & 491)
The full 2020-21 Victorian skilled visa nomination program (subclass 190 and 491) will open on Tuesday 5 January, 2021. Like the interim program, the full program responds to challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, with a focus on Victoria’s health response and economic recovery. Subclass 491The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa allows points-tested…
Waiver of offshore family visa requirements
The Department of Home Affairs has announced upcoming changes to offshore family visa processing.
Global Talent Independent – Subclass 124/858
Do you have exceptional skills in a priority sector? The GTI visa might be your pathway to Australia! It’s great to see so much activity around the Global Talent Visa – Independent Program (GTI). The GTI program is designed to provide a streamlined priority visa pathway for highly skilled and talented individuals to migrate to…
Do you need skilled workers for your business?
Are you having difficulty finding skilled and experienced workers? Regional Migration Australia can manage your skilled employee needs through a range of Employer Sponsorship visa options. Find out how easy it is to secure skilled staff into your business.
Victoria opens Business & Investor visa (Subclass 188 & 132)
Victoria has opened for Business and Investor visa nomination (Subclass 188 and Subclass 132).
New Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List
New Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) announnced to fill urgent needs in critical sectors in Australia.
Is now the time to start your migration to Australia?
For most of us, 2020 started just like any other year. Celebrations took place, and resolutions were made. As is the case every year, for hundreds of thousands of people, it signalled the start of their plan to migrate to Australia. Then, out of nowhere, COVID19 hit the world. The COVID19 pandemic, with its sudden…
Finding Employer Sponsorship in Australia during Covid19
Finding Employer Sponsorship can be a difficult task. Here are some ways to put your best foot forward during Covid19.
Changes to Subclass 189 Skilled Independent – NZ Stream
Regional Migration Australia is experiencing an increase in the number of New Zealand Citizens looking to obtain their Australian permanent residency and Citizenship. According to the July 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update (see link below), there’s some good news ahead, with indications the government is expected to introduce changes to the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent…
NSW State Nomination (Sub 491) opens 15 – 23 June 2020
NSW State Nomination for subclass 491 to open on 15 June until 23rd June 2020.
Standard Business Sponsorship
Does your business struggle to find and retain skilled workers? Becoming a Standard Business Sponsor can help to overcome skilled labour shortages.
Need staff for your horticulture business?
The new Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement can assist horticulture businesses to secure workers when an Australian can not be found.
Is now the right time to start your migration plans?
Are you worried about when is the right time to start your migration to Australia? There are many reasons to keep your plans moving forward despite the COVID19 pandemic.
Need help for your international partner?
Partners or spouses of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens may apply to enter and remain permanently in Australia.
NEW Subclass 408 (COVID-19 Pandemic)
The Australian Government has announced a new stream of the Subclass 408 visa, which will enable visa applicants to remain in Australia if they have no other visa options and are unable to depart Australia due to COVID-19 travel bans. This stream will also enable visa holders to remain in Australia to assist in critical…
No Further Stay Condition (8503)
Do you have a ‘No Further Stay’ condition attached to your visa? If your current visa includes a No Further Stay condition (Conditions 8503, 8534, 8535), this would usually mean you are not able to make an application for most other visas unless from inside Australia. There are circumstances in which the minister might waive…
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional, state or territory authority. It provides access to more overseas workers than the standard skilled migration program. DAMAs operate under an agreement-based framework, providing flexibility for regions to respond to their unique economic and labour market conditions. A…