What are the VISA changes for each state?

There have been some recent changes to the skilled and business VISA criteria. This is due to both the Coronavirus situation and the policies of the present Morrison government.

State of NSW

NSW was accepting some VISA applications for subclass 291, but this closed on the 26th of June.

The previous 12 month living and working requirement for the 491 VISA has been lifted. Applicants for this VISA need only live in a designated regional area and have and work in an applicable skill occupation.

State of Victoria

Many Visa presently cannot be applied for.

Presently there are to be no applications for:

– Skilled Work Regional (Provisional, subclass 491)visa
– Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
– Business Innovation stream (subclass 188A)
– Investor stream (subclass 188B)
– Significant Investor stream (subclass 188C)
– Entrepreneur stream (subclass 188E)
– Significant Business History (subclass 132A)
– Venture Capital Entrepreneur (subclass 132B)

The applications will hopefully be reopened with in a year.

South Australia

Skilled and migration VISA are presently closed, but are scheduled to reopen in August 2020.

Tasmania

The VISA applications remain open for Tasmania, though the quotas have not been set. So applications will be considered, but not nominations will be made for the time being.

Processing times for VISAs

The Department of Home Affairs advises that VISAs will continue to be processed during the CoronaVirus epidemic, though applications are taking a longer than normal due to the shutdowns. This is largely because of the delays in sourcing information and character checks form overseas.

High Income Threshold

The High Income Threshold under the Fair Work Act increased on 1 July 2020 from $148,700 to $153,600.

Our Immigration Lawyer Can Help

As immigration specialists we can advise and organize the best legal methods for immigration and permanent residency in Australia.

In this strange situation we have with the Coronavirus there is a huge impact on visas and immigration, much of this relating to the travel restrictions.

We can expect long delays for anyone trying to gain entry to Australia with a partner Visa. The already long delays of about one year may now be drawn out to two years.
Part of the issue is getting a clear bill of health at this point of time. There is along wait for individuals who need to be tested for the Coronavirus. And even the medical staff performing the test are restricted in how they can travel.

At the same time many people already in Australia on work or study visas will be forced to stay longer than expected, due to travel bans. This could be up to two million individuals.

Due to work restrictions, many companies temporarily laying off staff or requiring employees to work form home, many on temporary visas will find themselves without jobs, and therefore without income. This is a double problem for some sectors like agricultural, who need workers to bring in crops. With travel restricted between states it may be very difficult to find workers, so crops cannot be harvested. This may create a shortage of basic food supplies.

The government may provide some assistance to the individuals on visas. This will probably include bridging visas to extend their stay. It hopefully will also include financial assistance, or a mean of providing useful work in the agricultural of medical fields.

At the moment any Australians overseas are urged to return home. But they are required to take 14 days of isolation upon their return, to make sure they are free of the Coronavirus.

Because of the Coronavirus COVID-19 many individual situations have changed. Talk to us if your have visa of immigration concerns. Our Sydney immigration lawyers are ready to solve your needs.

When you personal details change it may affect your VISA. Even if not, it is best to let the authorities know about any changes.

Passport: Change details online: https://online.immi.gov.au/
Or fill out Form 929.

Change to your sex and/or gender:
Include a document that specifies your gender: passport, statement form a registered medical or psychologist practitioner.

Change details online: https://online.immi.gov.au/
Or fill out Form 929.

Relationship – Married/divorced/widowed

Update details at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-in-situation/relationship-ended

Withdraw a Visa Application – withdrawing a sponsor a former partner

If the visa has not yet been granted, then write to the home affairs office. include full name and details. Include the TRN / FRN numbers for the Visa application. Make a statement hat you are withdrawing sponsorship.
You cannot withdraw once the visa has been granted.

Study change

online: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-in-situation/study-situation

Job situation has changed

online: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-in-situation/job-situation

Had a child

Advise as soon as possible
online : https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-in-situation/had-a-baby

Immigration Lawyer Sydney

Talk to us about any immigration issue, if you want a permanent residency, citizenship or any visa application.

The number of people requesting citizenship has declined last year, down 42% on the year before. And this trend has not changed in recent months.

The Migration Council of Australia believes there are several factors at work here. One is the two year waiting period. This seems to be connected to a surge in applications a few years ago (around 2017), followed by a decline as people were holding back.

A more important factor may be the values test which was proposed at this time, though never introduced. The surge seems to have been people trying to apply before the test was introduced. This values test would have required university level English, a higher standard than before. But this values test never got Senate approval.

But though the values test was not introduced additional security checks were put in place. This caused the application to be longer, contributing to the backlog that already existed.

Individual reasons for not wanting citizenship also exist. Some people do not want to give up the citizenship of their original country. Sometime the original country does not allow dual citizenship. Others feel they need to be emotionally linked to and patriotic about the country if they are to be citizens. A few need the freedom to frequently travel and meet relatives in their country or origin.

An easily over looked aspect is that permanent residents in Australia already have access to most of the benefits that citizen enjoy. If permanent residents can have access to medical benefits and superannuation there is no reason to also become citizens. It is only voting and a few government jobs that requires citizenship.

Of course the reduced cap on permanent migration also reduces the number of people who are even eligible for citizenship. The migration cap has gone from 190,000 to 160,000 over the last year. this stands in contrast to temporary VISAs for student, skilled workers and working holiday visitors, which continues to grow.

The home Affairs Department believes this decline in permanent migration and citizenship is inevitable, claiming that the continuous growth stretching back to 2011 is not sustainable.

Why Migrate to Australia?

More than 26% of the present Australian population was born overseas. This is double the amount found in The USA or the United Kingdom. Only Canada has a similar level of foreign born residents.

There are many reason why immigration to Australia Remains popular.

Economy
We have had steady economic growth since the early 1990’s.

Job Opportunities
A low rate of unemployment might sound misleading, as if all the positions are filled. But businesses are developing quickly, and there are position that need filling in everything from agriculture and food trades to engineering and childcare.

Decent Wages
The average Australian full time workers earn over AU$80 000 per year. And we have the highest minimal wage in the work, at AU$19.49 (about $13 US currency).

Education
We have several high ranking universities, with many overseas students choosing to study here. And free Public schools.

Healthcare
We have one of the best free healthcare systems in the world, covering most needs. And affordable private health care for anything beyond that.

Multiculturalism
We have a diverse population, with 40% of locals either born overseas, of the child of a parent born overseas.

Quality of Life
We have a low population over a large area. And the attitude is fairly laid-back.

Immigration lawyers Sydney

If you think Australia is the right place for you then talk to our immigration team. We find the best path for legal immigration.

This is a Common Question about Immigration Lawyers

Immigration lawyers assist those who have difficulty with immigration requirements. This might because of the difficult of the complex and ever changing immigration laws, or because of difficulties in the the individual’s specific situation.

Immigration lawyers don’t usually spend much time in court. Most of their time is spend acting as mediators between clients and immigration authorities. They may occasionally face an immigration judge for a hearing, especially if there is a past criminal charge against an immigration client.

Not everybody wanting to uses an immigration lawyer. But it becomes necessary if:

• The individual does not know the best visa for entry into the country, or the best way to gain permanent residency or citizenship.
• If any previous attempt for immigration has been denied. The client might want to lodge an appeal, or find a different means of immigration.
• If a person has been deported at some time in the past. Or if they have been excluded from entry into the country.
• If the person has any criminal record.
• If the person has a serious medical condition, as this would be a burden on the country they stay in.
• If the person has waited an unusually long time for the immigration process.
• If the circumstances that allowed immigration have changed. For example, a person loses their job while on a working Visa; is no longer a student while on a student Visa. Or if the Visa depended on a marriage that has ended.
• If an employer is not cooperating with a work related Visa.

It is better to consult an immigration lawyer than risk losing your Visa. We find the best path for legal immigration.

International Students

Immigration Lawyers Sydney

Every year many individuals travel to Australia to Study at and Australia university or institution. There are many reason why they choose Australian education.

Many Australian universities are ranked in the top 100 universities around the globe
Australian education is orientated towards innovation, practical skills and up-to-date knowledge. This is very different to some countries that emphasis conventions and rote learning.
Many courses include work experience programs, so you combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. This helps with employment when you graduate.
It is quite acceptable to study part time while studying, up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and full time during breaks.
There are many student support networks, including dedicated international student support centers.
Australia is fairly safe, and has a multicultural community.

You can apply for study either directly to the university, or through an Australian education Agent. If you apply to several universities you need a separate application for each.
If your application is successful the university will send you a ‘letter of offer’. You must respond to this, and they will confirm your acceptance.

Student Visa Application

You must have a confirmation of acceptance before you apply for a student Visa.
Make sure you meet all requirements for the Visa before you pay any university tuition fees.

You will be expected to have sufficient funds to see you through the time of your study. In 2019 this is expected to be AUS$ 21,041 per year.

Student should hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), though some individuals are exempt from this.

IELTS language Test

Any prospective student is expected to have a reasonable proficiency in the English language. The level of proficiency varies with the subject being studied.
Language proficiency is tested by the International English Language Test (IELTS).

The level of language proficiency for studying and the level require for employment in the same field as that study may be different. Upon graduation the student may need to resit the IELTS in order to gain a slightly higher score.

Student Visa Application

Application times vary with the level of education. University student visas may tale 60 days of more. Foreign affairs and defense applications are faster. Some other Visas for education in post grad work often take several months.

Student Visas

500 – Student Visa. Up to a 5 year education stay, depending on the course
Cost AUD $620
590 – Guardian for a student. You can stay as long as the student who is dependent on you.
Cost AUD $620
407 – Training Visa. Work based training for further education. This may be take before a university course. 2 years stay
Cost AUD $310

Exemptions

You may not be eligible for a student Visa if you already hold certain work Visas.

Immigration Lawyers Sydney

Immigration Lawyers Sydney is an essential line if you are planning to migrate to Australia. Hope Immigration can help you with your migration concerns so why don’t you book an appointment right away.

Consultation

The significance of the initial consultation with our officers cannot be overemphasized.

Our initial consultation usually last in about an hour. You will tell us the facts and surrounding circumstances of your situation and then we will advise you the different choices and solutions available to you.

In your initial consultation, you’ll be given the opportunity to shoot some questions, both to be able to clarify issues you might have and to make an informed and therefore wise decision. Please remember that the info you provide during our meeting is completely confidential. We can assure you that.

We are sure that when you meet with us, you will feel confident to place your immigration concern in our care. Please do read the testimonials from our satisfied clients.

We charge $99 for an initial consultation; it is only available in our office.

Please contact our office on (02) 9004 7925 or send us an enquiry to book your initial consultation. Immigration Lawyers Sydney is an essential line if you are planning to migrate to Australia. Hope Immigration can help you with your migration concerns so why don’t you book an appointment right away.