Australia Archives - Page 7 of 10

Australia needs skilled migrants

The COVID pandemic brought Australia’s migration program to a halt, with strict travel bans and temporary visa holders advised to return home.

As the country rebuilds its economy, Australian businesses are reporting a shortage of skilled workers. Politicians recognise that Australia needs skilled migrants to support economic growth, whilst protecting jobs for current Australian residents.

A shortage of skilled migrants

During the last year of COVID lockdowns, population growth in Australia reduced for the first time since WW1. With fewer skilled migrants entering the country, businesses are beginning to struggle.

Some of Australia’s employment sectors are suffering with a shortage of workers. Politicians are asking the Government to streamline the skilled migration process, advising that skilled migrants are needed to fill job vacancies and support business growth.

MP Julian Leeser reported “…that skilled migrants create Australian jobs. With over 500,000 temporary visa holders leaving Australia during the COVID pandemic, we need to bring back skilled migration, to fill essential gaps and to help create more jobs for Australians.” Read the full media release here.

Many employment sectors need skilled migrants

In a recent ABC interview, MP Julian Leeser identified massive skill shortages in:

Veterinary sector – Domestic and major agriculture productions – 1500 vets
Hospitality sector – Chefs and front of house managers – Up to 12, 000
Maritime industry – Sea farers and fishing and scientific research – Around 600

It is impossible to train enough Australians to fill these jobs without a substantial time lag, hence the need for skilled migrants.

Mr Leeser recommended making it easier for businesses to attract overseas skilled workers. This includes finding ways to simplify the skilled migration process. He concluded that businesses cannot grow and employ Australians without skilled migration.

Skilled migrants are a benefit to Australia

Skilled migrants bring global expertise and transferable skills to Australia. They are vital for continued business expansion, creating more jobs for Australians and supporting economic growth.

Skilled migration will play a vital role in Australia’s post-covid economic recovery. With the new migration year approaching (1 July), we are hopeful that more pathways will open to overseas skilled workers.

See if you qualify for a skilled visa

Book a consultation with a licensed Migration Agent

April 13, 2021

An update from our Migration Agent

Australia, Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

Last year our migration agent Darren Chatt travelled to Australia for family and work commitments. As an Australian citizen he can enter the country during the strict COVID travel restrictions.

Below, he explains what Australian life is like during the COVID pandemic. Darren also reveals he is connecting with local employers to provide our clients with exciting job opportunities.

Flight cancellations and hotel quarantine

“After expecting to be in Perth at the start of September, two cancelled flights saw me finally arrive late into November. I experienced 2 weeks in lockdown at a hotel in Perth before being allowed to travel south to my family home near Busselton.

It was a very challenging time and gave me first hand experience of the difficulties faced by fellow citizens and permanent residents trying to return to Australia.

I am due to fly back to Scotland in April, but with no flights available and further international border closures, this is unlikely to happen. Given the current situation, I will be focusing on onshore visa applications and employment opportunities, of which there are many. I have set up an Australian office in Busselton, Western Australia and am working closely with companies looking to sponsor skilled applicants to WA.”

Job opportunities in Australia

“A local company (WA) is looking to sponsor six qualified Painters and Decorators, and the two applications lodged just 6 weeks ago are already at the approval stage.

A Perth company that is set up to sponsor Welders, Metal Fabricators and Metal Machinists is desperately looking for employees. Last year he sponsored over 40 tradesmen under the 482 visa category.

With the State and Australian Government offering A$45,000 to anyone who buys a house and starts building before Feb 2021, the housing industry is booming. There is a huge shortage of Electricians, Carpenters, Tilers, etc. and there are just not enough of these skilled tradesmen to cope with the demand.”

Read more about Australia’s economic response to COVID.

Increasing visa options for our clients

“This is good news for our clients, but we need the Australian Government to start processing the employee sponsored visas again, and subsequently the states to start sponsoring overseas applicants. I am hoping this will happening on the 1^st July when the new allocation of visas is declared by the Australian Government.

It is actually a good time for me to be in Australia, and with Kimberley managing the Edinburgh office and Sue the London office, everything is running very smoothly. Recently I met up with some of our previous clients and enjoyed hearing of their experiences in settling into their new lives in Australia. It has been a very positive couple of months and I’m looking forward to securing a wide range of job opportunities for our clients. We just need the Australian government to start opening the borders!”

If you require migration advice you can book a consultation with Darren or complete our free online assessment.

March 15, 2021

Entering Australia during COVID

Australia, Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

Australia continues to have strict border measures, flight caps and quarantine requirements in place. Below, we outline details of entering Australia during COVID.

Who can enter Australia?

Australian citizens, permanent residents and select exempt categories can currently enter Australia. On arrival, passengers must complete 2 weeks quarantine in a designated hotel. The costs must be covered by the passenger. A guide to quarantining can be found on the Department website.

What do I need to do before flying?

Entering Australia during COVID requires preparation. All passengers must complete the following:

COVID Test – Passengers travelling to or transiting through Australia must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test to their airline, taken 72 hours or less before their scheduled departure. Passengers who fail to do so will not be allowed to fly.
Travel Declaration – Before you travel to Australia, you must complete the Australia Travel Declaration.
Masks – Facemasks must be worn on all international flights, including at airports. Full information can be found at Department of Health website.

Where can I find travel updates?

The Department of Home Affairs website will be updated as circumstances change.

Details on refunds and waivers of visa application charges can be found here: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/refunds-and-waivers-visa-application-charges

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for international travelers is accessed here: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-international-travellers

If you require visa advice you can book a consultation with our Migration Agent. Safe travels!

Flights into Australia are capped

March 11, 2021

John Mason International Welcomes New Owner

Australia, News

One of the UK’s largest independent removal, storage and shipping companies, with bases in Liverpool and London has sold, marking the first time in it’s 137 year history that it hasn’t been owned by the Mason family.

There’s a new man at the helm of John Mason International, one of the UK’s largest independent removal, storage and shipping companies.

Simon Hood, the company’s Sales and Marketing Director is the new owner of the highly-regarded family firm, which was established in 1884.

A multi-award-winning marketing expert with 12 years’ experience in the international shipping and global mobility sector, Simon is keen to maintain the family values that have helped make the company so successful.

With its head office in Liverpool and a regional office on the outskirts of London in Hemel Hempstead, John Mason International provides both consumer and trade groupage and full container load shipping services to destinations across the world. In addition to its storage and vehicle storage solutions, the firm also specialises in moving companies around the world with UK import services.

No immediate major changes are planned under the new ownership, but Simon is focusing on the company’s high standard of service delivery for customers, both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

This commitment not only safeguards the jobs at John Mason International, but it will also help to sustain and develop the global network of partners, which the firm works with to help drive the international moving industry.

John Mason International has earned its reputation as an efficient and reliable international removals service by helping thousands of UK customers each year to move their families and their household goods to new locations around the world.

Simon said: “I am really honoured to be the new owner of John Mason International. This is the first time it has ever been out of the Mason family’s control and I am determined to build on its reputable name and values to take the company forward in the future.

“Taking over in the middle of a pandemic is challenging, but the business continues to remain fully operational. The safety of our customers and employees is my priority and we have a number of safety measures in place to ensure we are ‘COVID Secure’ at all times.

“Having worked with the team before I took over ownership, I know how focused everybody is on providing first-class removal, shipping and storage solutions.

“The current team will remain with John Mason International and together we will continue to ride out the COVID-19 pandemic with a professional and friendly service and come out stronger on the other side.”

Former Owner of John Mason International, Caroline Mason commented“I can’t think of a safer pair of hands to take the business forward, especially in the current climate. Although it’s the first time that the owner has not been part of the Mason family, Simon knows the requirements of the business better than anyone.

“Importantly, his experience and expertise in marketing mean that he puts the needs of the customer at the forefront of all decisions. So, I have every confidence that, with Simon in charge, the future of the company is bright.”

Find out more at www.johnmason.com

February 23, 2021

Australian Immigration, Travel and COVID

Australia, Covid-19 (Coronavirus), News

Australian Immigration and COVID

The COVID pandemic has undoubtedly shaped Australia’s 2020-21 migration programme. Below, our migration agent Darren Chatt MARN:0211214 outlines some changes we have seen during the COVID pandemic.

If you need advice on Australian Immigration and COVID, you can complete our online visa assessment or book a consultation with Darren.

Applying onshore is an advantage

Travel restrictions and mandatory quarantine requirements remain active in Australia. Consequently, most visa holders cannot currently enter Australia, including Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) and Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa holders. This may explain why the Department of Home Affairs is prioritising onshore applicants.

At Visa Go Australia we have been particularly busy with multiple requests and visa grants for our onshore partner visa clients. Some of our clients have received their visas in just half the processing time stated on the Department website.

In addition to faster processing, some onshore applicants have first access to state nomination. Those applying for state nominated skilled visas (subclass 190 and 491) may have noticed that their options are very limited or non-existent if applying offshore. Many states have only reopened to onshore applicants and those nominating PMSOL occupations.

Working in a ‘priority’ occupation

The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) identifies Australia’s current skill shortages; occupations which Australia needs to rebuild its economy post-COVID.

Those nominating PMSOL occupations are being priority processed by the Department. For example, we had a recent 190 visa grant for a client who applied as a qualified Midwife.

There are currently 18 occupations on the PMSOL, but these are subject to change and grow as Australia exits recession. Since the list was introduced in September, Social Worker (272511) has been added. The current list is made up of healthcare, IT and construction workers.

Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL):

Chief Executive or Managing Director (111111)
Construction Project Manager (133111)
Mechanical Engineer (233512)
General Practitioner (253111)
Resident Medical Officer (253112)
Psychiatrist (253411)
Medical Practitioner nec (253999)
Midwife (254111)
Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (254412)
Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) (254415)
Registered Nurse (Medical) (254418)
Registered Nurse (Mental Health) (254422)
Registered Nurse (Perioperative) (254423)
Registered Nurses nec (254499)
Developer Programmer (261312)
Software Engineer (261313)
Social Worker (272511)
Maintenance Planner (312911)

The above list is subject to change – we recommend checking the Department website for the current PMSOL.

Visas are still being processed

In our offices we have seen an abundance of visa grants over the past few months! These include partner, parent and skilled visa clients. Our migration agent Darren Chatt explains,

“I am advising my skilled clients to complete their skills assessment and English test so they are first in the queue for an invitation when the states re-open. Fortunately, most skills assessments and English test are valid for 2-3 years. The demand for skilled visas far outweighs the number of visas available, and it requires real patience, commitment, and knowledge to successfully complete the process. In my 19 years of practicing as a registered migration agent, this is certainly the most challenging time for applicants to secure a visa. However, the fact remains that Australia will need skilled migrants to rebuild their post-COVID economy and applicants need to present the strongest applications for when opportunities arise.”

The best way to secure a visa is to seek professional advice, to ensure you submit a complete application. Australia’s migration program is extensive and dynamic, which is why using an experienced migration agent can give you the best chance of emigrating.

Book a visa consultation today.

COVID is impacting Australian Visas and Travel

January 7, 2021

Upcoming changes to Australian Partner Visa

Australia, Partner Visa

Changes to Australian Partner Visa

Government announcements in conjunction with the Federal Budget suggest that Australia’s partner visa program will undergo substantial changes in 2021. Below, we outline upcoming changes to the Australian partner visa and how this may impact future applications.

If you need visa advice you can complete our free online assessment or arrange a consultation with our migration agent.

Onshore applicants visa grants

Currently, applicants applying for the partner visa (subclass 309) must be offshore at time of visa grant. However this legislation is proving problematic amid COVID travel restrictions, and a new bill is being debated in parliament. If passed, it will allow a temporary concession for those applicants who are in Australia and are not able to travel offshore to be granted their visa due to COVID-19 related border closures. More information is expected early 2021.

New English language requirement

From mid-2021, those applying for a permanent partner visa will need to prove their English language skillset. Both the applicant and sponsor must evidence functional English proficiency as part of this change. You can see further details on our partner visa webpage.

Change to sponsorship

Next year sponsorship must first be approved before an applicant can lodge their visa. This includes the sponsor providing character checks and personal information with the department and the applicant. Essentially, an applicant’s Australian spouse or de facto partner must be approved before they can lodge a partner visa application. This is a measure to help combat domestic violence in relationships.

To conclude

Implementation of the above changes is planned for 2021, however exact dates and specific details reman to be announced. You can monitor the latest visa news on our website. If you want to discuss emigrating to Australia you can arrange a consultation with our experienced migration agent.

See if you qualify for an Australian partner visa

December 11, 2020

Australian Parent Visa Update – Processing Times and Coronavirus

Australia, News, Parent Visa

An Australian Parent Visa update, including current timeframes and Coronavirus processing.
Speak with a licensed migration agent today!

Release of the Federal Budget 2020-21

The Australian Federal Budget was released last month.

A notable change is that Parent visa allocations have decreased by 39% to 4,500 for the migration year. With less spaces available the backlog of applications will continue to build, thus extending processing times.

This will be disappointing given the already long waiting times for parent visas, however there is some good news.

Despite the COVID pandemic the department is still processing visas.

During the pandemic we have seen movement on our clients’ applications, most recently:

143 visa lodged December 2015 – granted September 2020
143 visa lodged February 2016 – final request received November 2020

Current Processing Times

Visas lodged before or on the below dates are currently being processed:

Onshore Contributory Parent (subclass 864) – January 2017
Offshore Contributory Parent (subclass 143) – May 2016

Processing times for parent visas can be lengthy

Discrepancies in processing times between offshore and onshore visas in Contributory Parent categories have been identified and are being corrected. Consequently, Onshore Contributory Parent (subclass 864) visas lodged after January 2017 are likely to take longer.

You can read more about queue release dates and processing times on the Government website.

An alternative parent visa – the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) – provides another pathway for applicants wishing for quicker processing times. Unlike the Contributory Parent visa, the 870 enables parents to live temporarily in Australia for either 3 or 5 years, and for no more than 10 years in total. You can read more about this on our website.

Migration Advice

For further information on parent visa processing times you can refer to the Government website.

If you would like to discuss in detail the best visa for you, why not book a consultation with our Migration Agent. Without over 18 years’ experience as a licensed migration agent, Darren Chatt is well informed to advise you on your visa options for Australia.

Speak with a licensed migration agent today!

November 12, 2020

New English requirement for Partner Visas

Australia, Partner Visa

A look at the new English requirement for partner visas.

Those applying for a permanent partner visa will be required to prove their English proficiency.

Both the applicant and sponsor must provide evidence of functional English, typically by completing a recognised English Test. Alternatively, applicants can provide evidence of reasonable efforts to learn English – typically 500 hours of a recognised English Language Program.

While exact details are yet to be released, you can find more information about proving English ability on the Government website.

These new English language requirements are designed to enhance social cohesion and economic participation outcomes in Australia. By ensuring migrants can communicate in English, it is anticipated that new migrants will suffer less family violence as they’re able to seek help and speak with others. Moreover, migrants with good English ability have higher social and employability skills when living in Australia.

This requirement is expected to be implemented from mid-2021. Further details will follow.

See if you qualify for a partner visa

October 22, 2020

Australia’s Migration Program 2019-20

Australia, Covid-19 (Coronavirus), News

What is Australia’s Migration Program?

Australia’s Migration Program runs from 1 July to 30 June of each year and is reviewed annually to ensure it is fit for purpose.

The size and composition of each program is set as part of Australia’s budget process.

The purpose of the program is to “attract highly skilled migrants who support Australian values, do not displace Australian workers and support development in regional and low growth metropolitan areas.” (2019 – 20 Migration Program Report) Australia’s security, economy and social cohesion are major considerations when setting allocations.

How visas are distributed

Australia’s Migration Program is designed to enhance the socioeconomic wellbeing of the country. It is made up of four streams:

The Skill stream – to improve the economy and fill skill shortages
The Family stream – to enable Australian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with family members from overseas
The Special Eligibility stream – for those in special circumstances that do not fit into the other streams
The Child stream – demand driven and does not have a ceiling

A look into Australia’s Migration Program 2019-20

At 140,366 visas, the 2019-20 Migration Program was the smallest since 2004-05 and well below the allocated ceiling of 160,000.

Australia’s skilled stream accounted for nearly 70% of the total 2019-20 program. The family stream – primarily comprised of partner and parent visas – accounted for 30% of the program.

The top three source citizenship countries were India, China and the UK.

New South Wales took the top spot for applicants’ intended state of residence, with Victoria and Queensland following.

The top three occupation groups of primary applicants in skilled stream included professionals (59.6%), technicians and trade workers (17%); and managers (9%).

The report shows a slight decline in partner visa grants, with a large backlog of partner visas remaining. The total partner backlog is now over 100,000 as a media storm continues to brew.

You can read the full 2019 – 20 Migration Program Report on the Department website.

Speak with a Registered Migration Agent today by booking a consultation

September 18, 2020

Australia announces the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List

Australia, Covid-19 (Coronavirus), Skilled Visa

Australia’s new skills list

Australia has released a new skills list; the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).

The PMSOL identifies Australia’s current critical skills needs, using data from the National Skills Commission and Commonwealth departments. This list is temporary and may change as Australia’s economy recovers from COVID-19.

About the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List

The purpose of the PMSOL is to support Australian businesses recover from the Coronavirus pandemic. These 17 occupations consist of healthcare, IT and construction.

The Federal Government has highlighted the importance of protecting Australians’ jobs, while also ensuring there are no critical skill shortages. ‘“Our priority is getting Australians back into work but we also need key health workers to help fight the virus and skilled migrants who are going to be job multipliers, to help the economy recover,”’ (Media release 02/09/2020)

The majority of the PMSOL occupations are in healthcare

Employer sponsored nomination and visa applications with an occupation on the PMSOL will receive priority processing. All other skilled occupation lists will remain active, however the PMSOL occupations will take priority.

The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List

The PMSOL consists of the below occupations:

Chief Executive or Managing Director (111111)
Construction Project Manager (133111)
Mechanical Engineer (233512)
General Practitioner (253111)
Resident Medical Officer (253112)
Psychiatrist (253411)
Medical Practitioner nec (253999)
Midwife (254111)
Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (254412)
Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) (254415)
Registered Nurse (Medical) (254418)
Registered Nurse (Mental Health) (254422)
Registered Nurse (Perioperative) (254423)
Registered Nurses nec (254499)
Developer Programmer (261312)
Software Engineer (261313)
Maintenance Planner (312911)

Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/sponsoring-workers/pmsol

Australia’s strict border restrictions means temporary visa holders must obtain a travel exemption before travelling to Australia. You can refer to the Department’s website for further details.

Complete our free visa assessment to discover your options.

If you need visa advice you can book a consultation with our Licensed Migration Agent.

September 4, 2020