In response to COVID-19 threatening Australia’s economy, State Governments are working to protect the construction industry, recognising its vital role in Australia’s workforce. In offering stimulus packages, bringing forward projects and minimising tender costs, Australia is aiming to support and save local jobs. Furthermore, this work will provide Australia with much needed upgrades and developments across all states.
Australia’s Construction Industry
Diane Boyce from Hays Globalink is a construction recruitment specialist, and she provides some insight into the current Australian market;
“The NSW government plans to kick start the economy with a A$7.5B Project list in the wake of COVID-19, and the first tranche of “shovel-ready” projects will be confirmed within weeks, planning Minister Rob Stokes has said. Victoria has also fast-tracked approvals for a number of projects worth about $1.5B after establishing a planning task force in response to the crisis.”
Victoria
In Victoria, the plans to build Australia’s tallest tower have been approved for development, commencing in 2021. The ‘Green Spine’ building in Melbourne will have two twisting towers, with the tallest to hit 365m and the other reaching 253m. Moreover, the project is expected to create 4,700 construction jobs and provide $1 billion additional investment for Melbourne’s building industry. This tower is projected to take five years to complete. Two other substantial developments in Melbourne’s CBD and Flemington have also been approved, while Victorian premier Daniel Andrews presented this month a $2.7 billion construction stimulus.
Meanwhile, South Australia is fast-tracking $120M of construction projects. The SA Government has announced a $12.9 billion infrastructure pipeline over a four year period, the largest in the state’s history. This money will be spent on key road and infrastructure projects, to deliver schools, hospitals and affordable housing to South Australia.
New South Wales
The New South Wales Government has announced a $396 million economic stimulus package to safeguard councils, jobs, local services and infrastructure. A project in Auburn worth $269 million has recently been approved and is set to create more than 700 construction jobs.
Sydney Landscape
Western Australia
In Western Australia, Main Roads WA is also fast-tracking the tendering process for several large-scale road projects worth $2.37 billion and estimated to create 13,000 jobs. Additionally, Perth’s $4.1 billion rail programme Metronet will deliver 72km of new passenger rail and up to 18 new stations, generating thousands of jobs.
The Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is preparing to build the largest ship lift in Northern Australia, cementing Darwin as a major marine services industry hub and creating hundreds of jobs. Construction will begin in 2021. Meanwhile, at Charles Darwin University, construction of a new campus is anticipated to bring hundreds of new staff and thousands of students into the Darwin CBD, whilst also creating a significant number of construction jobs.
The Future of Construction across Australia
As COVID-19 continues to impact global movement, it is positive to see the constructions industry maintaining momentum, providing local jobs and strengthening Australia’s economy. If you are contemplating taking your career to Australia, you should consider assessing your visa eligibility and discussing your employability with Hays Globalink.
https://i0.wp.com/visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/construction-2-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=117072560Darren Chatthttps://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.pngDarren Chatt2020-05-20 11:01:592020-07-15 14:54:43Protecting Australia’s construction industry during COVID-19
Australians are more satisfied with their lives according to the Better Life Index.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Better Life Index suggests that, based on the OECD average, more Australians are content with their current lives.
The Better Life Index is an interactive web-based tool that measures and compares the well-being of people in OECD countries. The Index captures 11 aspects of life, including housing, income, jobs and quality of lifestyle (through community, education, health, life satisfaction, safety and work-life balance and so on).
Lead a happier life in Australia
Happiness or subjective well-being can be measured through life satisfaction, the presence of positive experiences and feelings, and the absence of negative experiences and feelings. Such measures, while subjective, are a useful tool when comparing the quality of life across countries.
When asked to rate general satisfaction with life on a scale from 0 to 10, Australians gave a 7.3 with little difference between men and women. This is higher than the OECD average of 6.5.Life satisfaction measures focused on how people evaluate their life as a whole.
The Better Life Index is updated every year and allows individuals to create their own ‘index’ to compare life in different countries.
How does your home country compare?
To see the full report on Australia and see it compare your own country, please visit the OECD Better Life Index
Interested in starting a new life in Australia? Find out your visa options by completing our free assessment.
https://i0.wp.com/visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/beach-dogs-scaled.jpg?fit=1920%2C2560&ssl=125601920Darren Chatthttps://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.pngDarren Chatt2020-05-07 12:43:432020-06-22 13:45:27Lead a more satisfying life in Australia
As COVID-19 continues to impact global movement, preparing for your move to Australia can feel a bit daunting. So, together with Hays Globalink, we bring you some practical tips on how to transition your career to Australia and move forward with your relocation plans.
Upskill with Hays Thrive
Hays Thrive is a new online training platform and available completely free to all organisations. These engaging online courses and training sessions comprise of videos, quizzes and assessments. Find ways in which to prioritise your wellbeing, practice remote professional excellence and learn vital health and safety tips around COVID-19.
Not only are these courses perfect for honing your home-working practice, the skills you learn will help you prepare for future jobs and increase your working skillset.
Speak to a Specialist Recruiter
Hays Globalink is a dedicated team of Recruitment Specialists who are available to support you with your career transition to Australia. Based in London, they can assist professionals who have experience in the following sectors:
Accountancy & Finance
Construction & Property
Engineering
Human Resources
Information Technology
Marketing & Digital
Office Support
Hays Globalink can help you better understand the Australian job market, providing advice on salary expectations and market guidelines. Depending on the demand in your field, Hays Globalink can arrange Sykpe interviews with employers prior to your arrival in Australia.
Making the time to contact Hays Globalink is a positive step towards your Australian job search, before you have even left the UK!
Utilise your LinkedIn Profile
Joining an Australian career forum on LinkedIn can put you in contact with employers and give you a general idea of the roles available. We recommend joining Hays Careers Forum – Moving to Australia, a LinkedIn group which provides the latest market insights, job information and advice for professionals looking to move to Australia.
We spoke to Diane Boyce from Hays Globalink about how they can assist candidates with opportunities in Australia. “Many employers remain active with speculative recruitment, working with us to proactively source the best talent for when the borders open up. Use this time to update your CV and Linked in profile, upskill on remote interviewing techniques and of course enjoy researching your chosen location in Australia.”
Prepare to Migrate
While migration plans may feel temporarily on hold, we hope we have inspired you to keep forging ahead towards your new life in Australia. Using a licensed migration agent to process your visa, and a specialist recruitment team to assist with your job search, you can be confident of staying fully informed throughout your relocation journey.
https://i0.wp.com/visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Beach-Bondi-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1708&ssl=117082560Darren Chatthttps://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.pngDarren Chatt2020-04-30 14:53:362020-07-15 15:09:04Taking your career to Australia in 2020
Each month the invitation round results are published on SkillSelect. This is a good indication of determining if you have enough points to secure a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) visa, and how long it may take you to secure an invitation. Invitations are not guaranteed and your EOI will expire after 2 years.
The latest invitation round – 11 April 2020 – saw 100 invitations issued.
Visa subclass
Number of invitations issued
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
50
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored
50
The minimum points score for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) was 95. The latest date of effect was 25/03/2020. This means applicants needed 95+ points to secure an invitation, and those who had the minimum 95 points waited less than one month to secure an invitation. This is an increase of 5 points from the previous March invitation round, meaning the threshold to secure an invitation has become more competitive.
The minimum points score for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored was 95. The latest date of effect was 10/04/2020. This means applicants needed 95+ points to secure an invitation, and those who had the minimum 95 points waited just weeks to secure an invitation. This is an increase of 10 points from the previous March invitation round, meaning the threshold to secure an invitation has become more competitive.
The above minimum points scores do not apply to pro-rata occupations. Due to high levels of demand, certain occupations are subject to pro-rata arrangements to ensure invitations are available throughout the year. This includes various occupations in Finance, Engineering and ICT. You can check if this applies to you by visiting SkillSelect. The minimum points score and date of effect for pro-rata occupations are also listed on SkillSelect.
Visa Go Australia’s Migration Agent Darren Chatt explains that, “With less invitations being issued, there are limited spaces available to applicants, and this causes the minimum points score to increase. This is typical as we come to the end of the Australian migration year (30 June 2020), and we would expect this to change around August/September 2020.”
As a result of COVID-19, global travel bans have left migrants worried about activating their visas before the initial entry date. The below information from MIA and the Department of Home Affairs addresses this question.
“Condition 8504 – Must enter Australia before specified date
The Department has provided information for the holders of skilled and business visas who were offshore at the time of grant and are subject to Condition 8504 ‘must enter before a specified date’.
Skilled Visas
Skilled Migration is aware that in certain circumstances the visa holder and/or family members may not be able to comply with this condition. Failure to comply with visa conditions can render a visa liable for cancellation under the Migration Act 1958 and visa holders are strongly encouraged to make their first entry to Australia by the initial entry date provided in your grant notification.
However, generally the Department will not seek to cancel a Skilled visa where the only reason for doing so would be breach of this condition related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
This information applies to the following visa subclasses:
Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
Skilled Regional (subclass 489)
Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)
Business Visas
Holders of Business Skills or Distinguished Talent visas in this situation are requested to send an email to: business.skills.adelaide@homeaffairs.gov.au for further information.
The full advice sheet and further information on travelling from Skilled Program Delivery, South Australia is available here.”
For further on COVID-19 and complying with your visa conditions, you can visit the Department of Home Affairs website: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au
https://i0.wp.com/visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Travel-1-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=117072560Darren Chatthttps://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.pngDarren Chatt2020-04-15 17:20:212020-06-12 13:32:31Activating your Skilled Visa during COVID-19
The Department of Home Affairs do not provide processing times for Contributory Parent, Contributory Aged Parent and Aged Parent visa applications. This is because applications for these visas are subject to capping and queuing.
Capping means that a limited number of visas are granted each Migration Program year. Once this number is reached, no more visas will be granted until the new year commences on 1st July. In 2019-20, Migration program planning levels saw 7,371 parent visas available.
The queue order is fixed, with no application given priority ahead of another application.
The Department of Home Affairs provide a queue date which shows the current assessment dates for each visa. The Parent Visa Centre are currently assessing offshore applicants (subclass 143 and 173) lodged up to and including February 2016, and onshore applicants (subclass 864 and 884) lodged up to January 2017.
The Department of Home Affairs have advised that Onshore Contributory Parent visas lodged from January 2017 onwards are likely to take longer to process while the Parent Visa Centre action offshore Contributory Parent (CA143 and TU173) applications to bring the dates back to parity.
The Parent Visa Centre have advised that “the processing of visa applications is continuing, however finalisation of many Parent Visa applications will be put on temporary hold. The situation will be reviewed in late May 2020, and further extension/s will be provided if necessary.
As soon as we have advice that restrictions at our Border have been returned to more normal arrangements, the Department will update information on the web site.”
https://i0.wp.com/visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Parent-Visa.jpg?fit=1000%2C667&ssl=16671000Darren Chatthttps://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.pngDarren Chatt2020-04-09 14:16:122020-07-15 13:57:31Parent Visas – Processing Times and Coronavirus UPDATE
For the first time in years we have seen GBP>AUD reach over $2.00. This means you are doubling your money when converting British pounds into Australian dollars.
In these uncertain times, all financial markets are susceptible to wild swings, so why not consider setting up an automated trade with our trusted partners Halo Financial? An automated trade means that once the market hits your specified rate; your order will automatically be placed.
Halo Financial suggest that the Pound-to-Australian Dollar exchange rate is very attractive right now, with orders at 2.05 on Monday this week.
Alastair Sweetman, a Senior Currency Consultant at Halo Financial, provided the following technical analysis: “It has been one-way traffic lately for GBP-AUD, with sterling making steady gains during the first three months of the year. The high in typical mid-market rates came on 19 March, as the Pound briefly hit 2.078, as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut interest rates and agreed to start significant quantitative easing.”
You can read the full GBP-AUD Quarter 2 forecast and economic analysis 2020 at Halo Financial’s website.
https://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.png00Darren Chatthttps://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.pngDarren Chatt2020-04-07 13:30:232020-04-09 14:10:18Get more Australian Dollar for your Pound!
VETASSESS plan to resume Technical Interviews amid Coronavirus
Amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Trades Recognition Australia has given VETASSESS permission to conduct Technical Interview assessments via online video conferencing.
As a result, non-licensed occupations and Pathway 2 licensed occupations will be able to proceed with their Technical Interviews. Practical assessments remain on hold until further notice.
This change enables Technical Interviews to be conducted outside a VETASSESS-approved venue, such as the applicant’s workplace or home. As people around the globe self-isolate, this will be a much-welcomed change for applicants.
VETASSESS plan to commence this process from Wednesday 1st April 2020, until further notice. In these circumstances it is a mandatory requirement of Trades Recognition Australia that VETASSESS verify the applicant’s identity.
Over the coming days, eligible applicants will be contacted directly by VETASSESS with further instructions.
VETASSESS have instructed that:
The applicant must:
Use Adobe Connect software for the Technical Interview with the assessor.
Provide government approved photographic identification before the interview can commence.
Answer the assessor, in English, without assistance.
Be physically present and alone at all times during the Interview.
The Interview will be conducted with an independent invigilator. If the invigilator has any concerns about the integrity of the assessment, he/she will close and cancel the Interview.
VETASSESS will send out detailed instructions to applicants in relation to this new process.
The NSW Government has announced changes to their state nomination program.
Due to the increased popularity of NSW as a skilled migration destination, NSW will no longer invite candidates who reside in another Australian state or territory to apply for NSW nomination for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
If your occupation DOES have the additional requirement, you must:
· be residing in NSW for at least the last six months, and;
· have been employed in NSW for at least one year, in your nominated occupation.
If your occupation DOES NOT have the additional requirement, you must either:
· be residing in NSW, or offshore for at least the last six months, or;
· be residing and employed in NSW or offshore for at least the last one month.
This information will be carefully checked if you are invited and submit an application for NSW nomination.
NSW may vary this approach depending on the size and composition of the pool of candidates who have lodged and Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.” Reference: https://www.business.nsw.gov.au/live-and-work-in-nsw/visas-and-immigration/Skilled-Nominated-visa-subclass-190 Discover your Australian visa options by completing our free online assessment or arranging a consultation.
https://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.png00Darren Chatthttps://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.pngDarren Chatt2020-03-27 13:47:232020-03-27 13:47:40New South Wales State Nomination Program
Address
24 Canning Street
Edinburgh EH3 8EG
UNITED KINGDOM
It's a busy time in our offices as states reopen their sponsorship programs (visa subclasses 190 and 491). If you're a client, please regularly check your emails for updates. New blogs and social content coming soon! ... See MoreSee Less
https://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.png00Kimberley Chatthttps://visa-go.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-new.pngKimberley Chatt2024-06-17 03:39:592024-06-17 03:39:59New Working Holiday visa arrangements for UK passport holders to commence
Protecting Australia’s construction industry during COVID-19
NewsCOVID and Construction
In response to COVID-19 threatening Australia’s economy, State Governments are working to protect the construction industry, recognising its vital role in Australia’s workforce. In offering stimulus packages, bringing forward projects and minimising tender costs, Australia is aiming to support and save local jobs. Furthermore, this work will provide Australia with much needed upgrades and developments across all states.
Australia’s Construction Industry
Diane Boyce from Hays Globalink is a construction recruitment specialist, and she provides some insight into the current Australian market;
“The NSW government plans to kick start the economy with a A$7.5B Project list in the wake of COVID-19, and the first tranche of “shovel-ready” projects will be confirmed within weeks, planning Minister Rob Stokes has said. Victoria has also fast-tracked approvals for a number of projects worth about $1.5B after establishing a planning task force in response to the crisis.”
Victoria
In Victoria, the plans to build Australia’s tallest tower have been approved for development, commencing in 2021. The ‘Green Spine’ building in Melbourne will have two twisting towers, with the tallest to hit 365m and the other reaching 253m. Moreover, the project is expected to create 4,700 construction jobs and provide $1 billion additional investment for Melbourne’s building industry. This tower is projected to take five years to complete. Two other substantial developments in Melbourne’s CBD and Flemington have also been approved, while Victorian premier Daniel Andrews presented this month a $2.7 billion construction stimulus.
Queensland
In Queensland, a development application has been lodged with Brisbane City Council to construct a proposed $450 million in upgrading Toowong Town Centre. Moreover, the Queensland Government plans to spend $100M to fast-track water pipeline construction.
South Australia
Meanwhile, South Australia is fast-tracking $120M of construction projects. The SA Government has announced a $12.9 billion infrastructure pipeline over a four year period, the largest in the state’s history. This money will be spent on key road and infrastructure projects, to deliver schools, hospitals and affordable housing to South Australia.
New South Wales
The New South Wales Government has announced a $396 million economic stimulus package to safeguard councils, jobs, local services and infrastructure. A project in Auburn worth $269 million has recently been approved and is set to create more than 700 construction jobs.
Sydney Landscape
Western Australia
In Western Australia, Main Roads WA is also fast-tracking the tendering process for several large-scale road projects worth $2.37 billion and estimated to create 13,000 jobs. Additionally, Perth’s $4.1 billion rail programme Metronet will deliver 72km of new passenger rail and up to 18 new stations, generating thousands of jobs.
The Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is preparing to build the largest ship lift in Northern Australia, cementing Darwin as a major marine services industry hub and creating hundreds of jobs. Construction will begin in 2021. Meanwhile, at Charles Darwin University, construction of a new campus is anticipated to bring hundreds of new staff and thousands of students into the Darwin CBD, whilst also creating a significant number of construction jobs.
The Future of Construction across Australia
As COVID-19 continues to impact global movement, it is positive to see the constructions industry maintaining momentum, providing local jobs and strengthening Australia’s economy. If you are contemplating taking your career to Australia, you should consider assessing your visa eligibility and discussing your employability with Hays Globalink.
Read more about Taking your career to Australia.
See if you are eligible for an Australian Skilled visa.
Lead a more satisfying life in Australia
NewsResearch into life in Australia
Australians are more satisfied with their lives according to the Better Life Index.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Better Life Index suggests that, based on the OECD average, more Australians are content with their current lives.
The Better Life Index is an interactive web-based tool that measures and compares the well-being of people in OECD countries. The Index captures 11 aspects of life, including housing, income, jobs and quality of lifestyle (through community, education, health, life satisfaction, safety and work-life balance and so on).
Lead a happier life in Australia
Happiness or subjective well-being can be measured through life satisfaction, the presence of positive experiences and feelings, and the absence of negative experiences and feelings. Such measures, while subjective, are a useful tool when comparing the quality of life across countries.
When asked to rate general satisfaction with life on a scale from 0 to 10, Australians gave a 7.3 with little difference between men and women. This is higher than the OECD average of 6.5. Life satisfaction measures focused on how people evaluate their life as a whole.
The Better Life Index is updated every year and allows individuals to create their own ‘index’ to compare life in different countries.
How does your home country compare?
To see the full report on Australia and see it compare your own country, please visit the OECD Better Life Index
Interested in starting a new life in Australia? Find out your visa options by completing our free assessment.
Taking your career to Australia in 2020
Australia, NewsTransitioning your Job to Australia
As COVID-19 continues to impact global movement, preparing for your move to Australia can feel a bit daunting. So, together with Hays Globalink, we bring you some practical tips on how to transition your career to Australia and move forward with your relocation plans.
Upskill with Hays Thrive
Hays Thrive is a new online training platform and available completely free to all organisations. These engaging online courses and training sessions comprise of videos, quizzes and assessments. Find ways in which to prioritise your wellbeing, practice remote professional excellence and learn vital health and safety tips around COVID-19.
Not only are these courses perfect for honing your home-working practice, the skills you learn will help you prepare for future jobs and increase your working skillset.
Speak to a Specialist Recruiter
Hays Globalink is a dedicated team of Recruitment Specialists who are available to support you with your career transition to Australia. Based in London, they can assist professionals who have experience in the following sectors:
Hays Globalink can help you better understand the Australian job market, providing advice on salary expectations and market guidelines. Depending on the demand in your field, Hays Globalink can arrange Sykpe interviews with employers prior to your arrival in Australia.
Making the time to contact Hays Globalink is a positive step towards your Australian job search, before you have even left the UK!
Utilise your LinkedIn Profile
Joining an Australian career forum on LinkedIn can put you in contact with employers and give you a general idea of the roles available. We recommend joining Hays Careers Forum – Moving to Australia, a LinkedIn group which provides the latest market insights, job information and advice for professionals looking to move to Australia.
We spoke to Diane Boyce from Hays Globalink about how they can assist candidates with opportunities in Australia. “Many employers remain active with speculative recruitment, working with us to proactively source the best talent for when the borders open up. Use this time to update your CV and Linked in profile, upskill on remote interviewing techniques and of course enjoy researching your chosen location in Australia.”
Prepare to Migrate
While migration plans may feel temporarily on hold, we hope we have inspired you to keep forging ahead towards your new life in Australia. Using a licensed migration agent to process your visa, and a specialist recruitment team to assist with your job search, you can be confident of staying fully informed throughout your relocation journey.
SkillSelect Invitation Round April 2020 UPDATE
NewsEach month the invitation round results are published on SkillSelect. This is a good indication of determining if you have enough points to secure a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) visa, and how long it may take you to secure an invitation. Invitations are not guaranteed and your EOI will expire after 2 years.
The latest invitation round – 11 April 2020 – saw 100 invitations issued.
The minimum points score for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) was 95. The latest date of effect was 25/03/2020. This means applicants needed 95+ points to secure an invitation, and those who had the minimum 95 points waited less than one month to secure an invitation. This is an increase of 5 points from the previous March invitation round, meaning the threshold to secure an invitation has become more competitive.
The minimum points score for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored was 95. The latest date of effect was 10/04/2020. This means applicants needed 95+ points to secure an invitation, and those who had the minimum 95 points waited just weeks to secure an invitation. This is an increase of 10 points from the previous March invitation round, meaning the threshold to secure an invitation has become more competitive.
The above minimum points scores do not apply to pro-rata occupations. Due to high levels of demand, certain occupations are subject to pro-rata arrangements to ensure invitations are available throughout the year. This includes various occupations in Finance, Engineering and ICT. You can check if this applies to you by visiting SkillSelect. The minimum points score and date of effect for pro-rata occupations are also listed on SkillSelect.
Visa Go Australia’s Migration Agent Darren Chatt explains that, “With less invitations being issued, there are limited spaces available to applicants, and this causes the minimum points score to increase. This is typical as we come to the end of the Australian migration year (30 June 2020), and we would expect this to change around August/September 2020.”
You can calculate your skilled visa points score by completing our free online assessment.
Activating your Skilled Visa during COVID-19
NewsAs a result of COVID-19, global travel bans have left migrants worried about activating their visas before the initial entry date. The below information from MIA and the Department of Home Affairs addresses this question.
“Condition 8504 – Must enter Australia before specified date
The Department has provided information for the holders of skilled and business visas who were offshore at the time of grant and are subject to Condition 8504 ‘must enter before a specified date’.
Skilled Visas
Skilled Migration is aware that in certain circumstances the visa holder and/or family members may not be able to comply with this condition. Failure to comply with visa conditions can render a visa liable for cancellation under the Migration Act 1958 and visa holders are strongly encouraged to make their first entry to Australia by the initial entry date provided in your grant notification.
However, generally the Department will not seek to cancel a Skilled visa where the only reason for doing so would be breach of this condition related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
This information applies to the following visa subclasses:
Business Visas
Holders of Business Skills or Distinguished Talent visas in this situation are requested to send an email to: business.skills.adelaide@homeaffairs.gov.au for further information.
The full advice sheet and further information on travelling from Skilled Program Delivery, South Australia is available here.”
For further on COVID-19 and complying with your visa conditions, you can visit the Department of Home Affairs website: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au
Parent Visas – Processing Times and Coronavirus UPDATE
Australia, NewsProcessing Times for Parent Visas
The Department of Home Affairs do not provide processing times for Contributory Parent, Contributory Aged Parent and Aged Parent visa applications. This is because applications for these visas are subject to capping and queuing.
Capping means that a limited number of visas are granted each Migration Program year. Once this number is reached, no more visas will be granted until the new year commences on 1st July. In 2019-20, Migration program planning levels saw 7,371 parent visas available.
The queue order is fixed, with no application given priority ahead of another application.
The Department of Home Affairs provide a queue date which shows the current assessment dates for each visa. The Parent Visa Centre are currently assessing offshore applicants (subclass 143 and 173) lodged up to and including February 2016, and onshore applicants (subclass 864 and 884) lodged up to January 2017.
The Department of Home Affairs have advised that Onshore Contributory Parent visas lodged from January 2017 onwards are likely to take longer to process while the Parent Visa Centre action offshore Contributory Parent (CA143 and TU173) applications to bring the dates back to parity.
You can check the latest queue date on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Parent visa processing amid Coronavirus
The Parent Visa Centre have advised that “the processing of visa applications is continuing, however finalisation of many Parent Visa applications will be put on temporary hold. The situation will be reviewed in late May 2020, and further extension/s will be provided if necessary.
As soon as we have advice that restrictions at our Border have been returned to more normal arrangements, the Department will update information on the web site.”
You can check your eligibility for a parent visa by completing our free online assessment.
Read more about Australia parent visas.
Get more Australian Dollar for your Pound!
NewsFor the first time in years we have seen GBP>AUD reach over $2.00. This means you are doubling your money when converting British pounds into Australian dollars.
In these uncertain times, all financial markets are susceptible to wild swings, so why not consider setting up an automated trade with our trusted partners Halo Financial? An automated trade means that once the market hits your specified rate; your order will automatically be placed.
Halo Financial suggest that the Pound-to-Australian Dollar exchange rate is very attractive right now, with orders at 2.05 on Monday this week.
Alastair Sweetman, a Senior Currency Consultant at Halo Financial, provided the following technical analysis: “It has been one-way traffic lately for GBP-AUD, with sterling making steady gains during the first three months of the year. The high in typical mid-market rates came on 19 March, as the Pound briefly hit 2.078, as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut interest rates and agreed to start significant quantitative easing.”
You can read the full GBP-AUD Quarter 2 forecast and economic analysis 2020 at Halo Financial’s website.
You can get a quick personalised quote by visiting http://www.halofinancial.com/lp?p=VisaGo
Alternatively, you can contact Michael Hart on +44 (0) 20 7350 5474 or michael.hart@halofinancial.com
Australia’s economic response to Coronavirus
Australia, NewsRead the official economic response to the Coronoviris from the Australian Government.
Discover your Australian visa options by completing our free online assessment.
VETASSESS Technical Interviews to Resume
NewsVETASSESS plan to resume Technical Interviews amid Coronavirus
Amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Trades Recognition Australia has given VETASSESS permission to conduct Technical Interview assessments via online video conferencing.
As a result, non-licensed occupations and Pathway 2 licensed occupations will be able to proceed with their Technical Interviews. Practical assessments remain on hold until further notice.
This change enables Technical Interviews to be conducted outside a VETASSESS-approved venue, such as the applicant’s workplace or home. As people around the globe self-isolate, this will be a much-welcomed change for applicants.
VETASSESS plan to commence this process from Wednesday 1st April 2020, until further notice. In these circumstances it is a mandatory requirement of Trades Recognition Australia that VETASSESS verify the applicant’s identity.
Over the coming days, eligible applicants will be contacted directly by VETASSESS with further instructions.
VETASSESS have instructed that:
The applicant must:
The Interview will be conducted with an independent invigilator. If the invigilator has any concerns about the integrity of the assessment, he/she will close and cancel the Interview.
VETASSESS will send out detailed instructions to applicants in relation to this new process.
Use our free points calculator to see if you qualify for an Australian skilled visa, or check out our trade skills assessment guidelines.
New South Wales State Nomination Program
NewsUPDATED New South Wales State Nomination Program
The NSW Government has announced changes to their state nomination program.
Due to the increased popularity of NSW as a skilled migration destination, NSW will no longer invite candidates who reside in another Australian state or territory to apply for NSW nomination for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
If your occupation DOES have the additional requirement, you must:
· be residing in NSW for at least the last six months, and;
· have been employed in NSW for at least one year, in your nominated occupation.
If your occupation DOES NOT have the additional requirement, you must either:
· be residing in NSW, or offshore for at least the last six months, or;
· be residing and employed in NSW or offshore for at least the last one month.
This information will be carefully checked if you are invited and submit an application for NSW nomination.
NSW may vary this approach depending on the size and composition of the pool of candidates who have lodged and Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.” Reference: https://www.business.nsw.gov.au/live-and-work-in-nsw/visas-and-immigration/Skilled-Nominated-visa-subclass-190 Discover your Australian visa options by completing our free online assessment or arranging a consultation.