Now that the foreign borders to Australia are reopening we can look at the various Visas and paths to immigration.

Employer sponsored Visas

Employer sponsored Visas are one means of moving to Australia. In some cases these can lead to a permanent residency.

Temporary Skills shortage Visa (482)

This is relatively recent, being introduced in April 2018 to replace the 457 (temporary work – Skilled) Visa. It is for short and medium term stays.

There are two lists of occupations on this Visa, short and medium term. Applicants with skills on the short term list are eligible for up to a 2-year visa. Applicants with skills on the medium term list are eligible for a 4-year Visa, and can apply for permanent residency after 3 years.

Skilled Independent Visa (189)

This is the most coveted Visa. It allows the holder to live and work anywhere in Australia. An applicant must be under 45 years of age and score 65 points in the immigration points test. Points are awarded based on age, qualifications, experience, and language skills. Applicants must also have an occupation on the medium or long term skills list.

Skilled Nominated Visa (190)

This is for permanent residency working in a specific Australian state. Each state has different occupation demands, so encourages applicants in areas that are presently understaffed. They will nominate individual applicants.
An applicant must be under 45 years of age, have an occupation on the state’s short term occupation list, and score 65 points in the immigration points test. Points are awarded based on age, qualifications, experience, and language skills. A bonus 5 points are awarded for having a state nominated occupation.

Skilled recognised Graduate Visa (476)

A Visa designed for recent Engineering students. Individuals under the age of 31 who graduated with an engineering degree in the last 2 years may apply for this visa. It will allow up to 18 months work experience as an engineer in Australia.

As of the 1st of November the Australian borders are open for travelling Australians, at least for those who are fully (twice) vaccinated. This means Australian citizens finally returning home, and citizens or permanent residents of Australia being able to leave the country.

These changes should be the end of almost two years of restrictions, and the end of closed borders.

Of course those leaving or entering the country will have to show proof of their full vaccination, and take a pre-flight Covid Test. The 2nd vaccination must have occurred at least 7 days before departure. There will also be quarantine for those returning, but this will be shorter than the previous quarantine time.

Non-Australian Travellers

Foreign residents need an exemption to enter Australia, even when fully vaccinated.

Australia will still be taking migrants for short term and permanent resident places. The intake will favour those who will benefit the Covid recovery effort, yet at the same time retain the same 160 000 places as planned earlier. The type of role expected of migrants, the type of positions open, is still slightly uncertain, as the Covid situation is unpredictable. The Australian government plans for flexibility, and make changes to the immigration requirements in light of how the covid situation changes.

Travel Between Australian States

There are still restriction that apply to travelling between Australian states. These restrictions apply to everybody in Australia, both those entering the country and those who already here. Some state borders are closed and some areas within states are closed. 14 day quarantine applies to those who travel from some areas in Australia.