Australian Visas Update – May 2024
It’s been a busy year for migration changes, and it’s time to provide an update about what’s been going on in the Australian migration space since borders re-opened after COVID. Budget…
Rest in Peace, COVID 408 Visa
This week we will witness the demise of a dear old friend, the COVID Pandemic visa (also known as the Subclass 408 AGEE Visa).The nifty and free visa was introduced…
Age Exemption for Subclass 457 Visa Holders
People who held a Subclass 457 visa after April 2017, may now be eligible for a new Age Concession to Permanent Residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Permanent Residency…
New Permanent Residency Pathway for Temporary Employer Sponsored Visa Holders
On the 25th November 2021, the Immigration Minster announced that there would be some changes to make it easier for certain highly skilled migrants, who were already in Australia working…
Welcome Relief for Australian Skilled Visa Holders
Some Skilled Visa holders will have their visas extended. These include a particular group of people who have been very concerned about Australia's travel bans. These people hold a temporary…
Australia is Open for Business!
It's been a long two years since Australia closed its borders to the world, making inbound and outbound travel very difficult. Yesterday our Prime Minister made the big announcement that…
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Major Visa Updates from Australia
Now that plans are underway to re-open Australia's borders, the Immigration Minister has released a range of very welcome and significant announcements which will benefit many of our clients. At…
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Fully Vaccinated Travellers to be allowed to enter Australia from 1st December 2021
UPDATE (30/11/21): Since this blog post was published, the Australian government have pushed back the date in question by two weeks, to 15th December 2021. In breaking news this morning,…
Significant Partner Visa Changes
Back in October 2020, we wrote a blog about upcoming significant changes to Partner Visas. The indicative date for these changes, was suggested to be November 2021. This was based on…
Australia’s Borders and Your Visa
We’re currently inundated with requests from excited people wanting to hop on the next plane to Australia now that Australia is getting ready to open for business with the rest…
Skill Select – Quarterly Invitation Rounds
For the remainder of the 2020-2021 Program Year, Skill Select invitations will be quarterly. Quarterly - yes that means only 4 invitation rounds a year. The last invitation round prior…
What’s ahead for Family Visa applicants in 2021?
People waiting on Partner, Parent and Child visas, are anxiously waiting for some good news in 2021. There have been some recent developments which should help many. Onshore Grant for…
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Structural Changes for the Global Talent Visa
This week, some structural changes have been made to the Distinguished Talent Visa, which is the primary visa used in the Global Talent (Independent) Program. As well as catering for…
Why is my Visa taking so long? Processing Priorities Explained.
People who apply for a Skilled Visa - and subsequently experience a long wait for a decision - start to become restless (as they are understandably keen to have some…
Lots of Kiwis in Oz!!
New Zealand Citizens – COVID Concessions
Australia has a special pathway to permanent residency for our friends 'across the ditch' in New Zealand. If a New Zealand citizen has been living in Australia since before 19th…
Skilled Migration during COVID, and the PMSOL
Skilled Migration - Is the 2021 glass half full or half empty? Many people have asked us to explain why Skilled Migration appears to be almost a non-starter at the…
Australian Partner Visa Changes in 2021
We've known for a while that changes are planned for Partner Visas. The recent federal budget has brought more clarity to the changes and proposed timing, and we'll summarise them…
Australia’s Migration Program 2020-2021
The much anticipated Australian Federal Budget was handed down last night, and with it came some changes in the migration space - some anticipated, others not. One word could be…
Skilled and Business Migration Poised to Re-Open
Have you been waiting for ages for the opportunity to lodge a Skilled or Business Visa application? This could be your lucky day! Anyone with an interest in this space…
An Australian Working Holiday during a Pandemic?
Backpackers have helped Australia greatly in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many who found themselves in Australia when the crisis first emerged in February, have been working in…
Human resource, Talent management, Recruitment employee, Successful business team leader concept
Global Talent Program Continues to Deliver
In spite of the uncertainty surrounding other visa subclasses, the Global Talent Program continues to be strongly supported by the Government. The reason? We want the world's best and brightest…
Fair Work High Income Threshold Increases
From July 1, the FWHIT is now $153,600. This is a figure which is indexed annually. It is significant from a migration perspective. If you are on a Temporary Employer…
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Is your PASSPORT expiring?
Don't be caught short without a passport. Your New Financial Year routine should include a note to check your passport expiry date! If you're in Australia, but you're not an…
2020 – A New and Unusual Year in Migration
July 1st. Usually a time of optimism for would-be visa applicants. New budget, new allocation of visas within the migration program, a time when States refine and re-open their Nominations…
Emergency Financial Support for Temporary Visa Holders
Australian Red Cross provides Financial Assistance to Temporary Visa Holders. Red Cross will receive government funding for the next 6 months, to provide emergency relief funding for people who are…
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Will my Visa be delayed?
I'd love a dollar for every time I've been asked this week about visa processing times. Even when things are 'normal', visas can take seemingly forever to be granted. What's…
COVID-19 Emergency Visa Now Available
There are visa holders in Australia at the moment whose visas are soon to expire, who cannot leave due to travel restrictions, and who cannot meet requirements to apply for…
Relief for Temporary Visa Holders
People on Temporary Visas in Australia - particularly those who have work rights - have been waiting anxiously for the Government to consider their situation in the context of the…
Should you give up your Australian Visa plans for now?
You're planning to apply for an Australian visa, but COVID-19 has arrived and no one in the world is unaffected. Should you continue with your visa plans, or put your…
You’re holding a Temporary Work visa, and you’re out of work. What happens now?
It may be a very worrying time for you, if you are here on a temporary visa which has work rights (such as an employer sponsored visa or a student…
You’re in Australia with an expiring Visa – what can you do?
If you're like many people who are here temporarily in Australia, amidst worldwide country lock-downs due to COVID-19, you are probably wondering what will happen when your visa comes to…
COVID-19 – A Message from Emergico
Australia, like the rest of the world, is taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. Our thoughts are with our many clients and followers who may be affected directly by COVID-19 in…
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Meet our Talented Clients – Helping to Build Australia’s Future
This year it's been our absolute pleasure to help several clients to achieve permanent residency visas through the new Global Talent Initiative. We're excited to profile Emergico's first two Distinguished…
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Explaining How Santa Makes It All Work
Subclass 489 Visa Holders – Eligible Postcodes
On the 16th November 2019, we saw the end of the Subclass 489 - Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa - with that visa subclass being closed to new applications. At the…
Global Talent Program gives opportunities to Tech Entrepreneurs
It's official - Australia is seeking the best and brightest talent from around the world, and will bend the visa rules when they find it! In November the Government officially…
Parent Visa Quotas Reduced in 2020
Each year the Government announces quotas for the different categories of Parent Visas and other Family Visas. For the financial year 2019-20, they will issue a maximum of: 6,092 Contributory…
Expanding Regional Australia to Perth and the Gold Coast
The internet is buzzing with the news announced by the Minister for Immigration, that Perth and the Gold Coast would be classified as Regional Areas, to coincide with the introduction…
Would you flush an opportunity away?
Warning - people desperately awaiting an invitation for a visa may get MAD when they read this article! It's no secret that it's become incredibly difficult to get on the…
Regional Visas Might Become More Appealing Soon!
In advance of the rollout of the new Regional Visas in less than 4 months time, the Government has put up a Bill proposing amendments to certain Acts, which will…
Visa Medical Criteria Relaxed
A very welcome change in Migration Health Policy has seen the threshold for significant costs INCREASE recently from $40,000 to $49,000. Further, the Department will no longer require applicant's medical…
I’m not getting anywhere with an Australian visa – should I just forget Australia?
Tweaking to the Australian visa system this year has created disappointment for many people who have been patiently waiting for a lucky visa break, through the points-tested Skilled Migration Program.…
The New Australian Skilled Visa Points Test
Are you concerned you don't have enough Points to get an invitation for a visa? Your luck might be about to change! Recently, demand for scarce visas under the Skilled…
Arrangements for Finalisation of the Subclass 489 (Skilled Regional Provisional) Visa
The Subclass 489 - Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa will cease forever on the 15th November 2019. It is being replaced by another Visa, the Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional …
Biometrics, SmartGates and Australian Visas
Let's face it - we all dread the wait in the immigration queue at the end of a long flight. But we also take comfort in the fact that the…
Why We Love Partner Visas in Australia (and why you don’t have to lodge before 10th June)
Partner Visas are among our favourite visa types. For one thing, normally we are dealing with two people who can't wait to start a life together in Australia. Secondly, we…
Government Visa Application Charges Increase
Visa Lodgement Charges for all visas EXCEPT Visitor Visas, will increase by a special "Uplift" percentage of 5.4% from the 1st July 2019. This was announced in the Annual…
Adjust Your Expectations – the 189 Visa
Has the 189 Visa entered into retirement mode early? The lead indicator figures would certainly suggest that. In the April and May Skill Select Invitation Rounds, only 100 invitations were…
Parliament House at night
The Election Result – What does it mean for Visa Applicants?
Yesterday, the citizens of Australia exercised their democratic right to elect a Government, as they do every 3 years. We are indeed lucky to live in a country which is…
Southbank, Briisbane
Queensland State Visa Sponsorship Re-Opens!
Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (BSMQ) is the State Government department with authority to issue nominations for the Subclass 190 and 489 Visa. In February, BSMQ announced it had to…
Skilled Occupation List Updates – Some Pleasant Surprises!
Today there was a release of information about occupations which have changed on the various lists which permit visa applications for Subclass 485, 489, 189 and 190 (Skilled Visas); 482,…
The News We Have Been Waiting For! Significant Changes to Skilled Migration.
Paying Attention? We’ve been harping on for ages about the trend towards regional migration and how it’s going to shape our future in migration. For a long time now –…
A Nasty Shock for Sparkies
News about Trade Skills Assessment for licensed occupations this week has indicated a significant price hike by the Australian Government. Licensed tradespeople fall under three occupations in Australia: Electrician Plumber…
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What does the new Immigration Minister really think? (And does it even matter?)
Perth, Australia - November 30, 2017: Night scene from skyline of the capital from Western Australia
Western Australia is the place to live and study!!
There are a number of requirements you will need to meet should you wish to apply for an Australian student visa
How to Apply for a Student Visa in Australia
Melbourne, Australia, in early morning light. Yarra River, towards Flinders Street Station.
A Little Known Fact about Skilled Migration!
Applying for a short term Australian holiday visa can be easy, long term visas are a bit more complicated though.
Do You Need Visas For Australia?
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From Vietnam to Australia: New Working Holiday Visa for Travelers
For frequent travellers to Australia, this new visa could be a huge convenience.
Love Visiting Australia? Good News! There’s a New 10 Year Frequent Traveller Stream
There are a number of conditions you must meet in order to maintain a student visa
What Happens to Me & My Family if I Breach the Conditions of My Australian Student Visa?
Gaining Australian Citizenship can be a lengthy process.
What is the Easiest Way to Obtain Australian Citizenship?
Get started on your studies in Australia by applying for the right visa.
Visa Options for People Studying in Australia: A Quick Guide for International Students
If your visa has been refused or cancelled, it's important to act fast.
Refused or Cancelled Visa in Australia: What to Do if You Have Been Denied
Thankfully there are a number of options available to you if you find love while in Australia!
What to Do When You Find Love in Australia While on a Visa
Corporate onboarding is a great way to ensure new hires assimilate well into your company culture.
Corporate Onboarding: Why You Need a Plan When Hiring Foreign Workers
Hiring a foreign worker can help you and your business to overcome local skills shortages.
An employer’s guide to 457 visas
You will find that your living expenses tend to decrease significantly as you move away from major city centers.
What It’s Like To Live and Work in Australia
Working in Australia under a 457 visa can be extremely rewarding. Make sure you take a look at the skilled occupation list to see if your occupation will allow you to gain a 457 visa.
What is a 457 Visa?
Wanting to escape the UK and move Down Under? There are a number of visa options for UK citizens
Visas for UK Citizens Going to Australia
Moving to Australia can be a lengthy process but here are some tips to get you started
Moving From The UK To Australia: Help Moving To Australia
Moving to Australia can be stressful, but talking to Emergico can help to take a little of the burden off of your shoulders.
How to move to Australia
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Christmas In Australia
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VETASSESS Update (Vocational Skill Testing)
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Making It More Simple
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Need to prove your English for an Australian visa? Good news for you!!
