2020 saw the unanticipated arrival and effects of Covid-19. This has impacted the lives of every individual to at least some extent, and greatly restricted travel and immigration for all countries.

Australia has been experiencing various restrictions on interstate travel and foreign immigration, which often changed on short notice. This made it difficult to make any plans as the short term situation could not be seen in advance.

In some cases there were a few increased opportunities for those on working VISAs; the government encouraged these VISA holders to work in vital industries like agriculture, regional work, medical care and medical research. But more often those on working VISAs could find their options limited and hard to discern. There was sometime no way to return to an overseas home, and difficulty in getting further employment in Australia.

An important issue is how the country will recover after the lockdown and travel restrictions pass. Part of the recovery operation will be finding skilled workers on VISA programs to help in vital industries.

2020-2021 Migration Year

The migration level for this year has been set at 160 000 individuals. This number has remained unchanged. But the distribution of the workers has been altered to encourage economic recovery. And the criteria for various VISA classes has been increased.

• Business innovation VISA applicants are expected to have 1.25 million in assets, up from 800 000. There are also expected to have a turnover of 750 000.
• International students can extend their stay with an extra year of two of work if they have graduated from a registered university, and maintain ongoing residence in a regional area.
• Partner VISAs will expect satisfactory english ability for partners. The standard of expected english has now been increased.
• General skill VISAs 189 and 491 now have lowered point criteria. 65 points is now acceptable for industries that need workers.

Regional areas are considered anywhere outside of Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne.

Consult with Immigration Lawyer in Sydney

The immigration criteria in Australia has changed during the Covid-19 situation, and looks to change again when the nation starts to recover. Talk to us about finding a suitable VISA and means of immigration.