Migrate to Australia - M&Z Consultancy

SkillSelect EOI Invitation Round Results FY2025–2026: Subclass 189 & 491 Visas

M & Z Consultancy — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:33:07 +0000

SkillSelect EOI Invitation RoundResults FY2025–2026: Subclass 189 & 491 Visas

The Department of Home Affairs has published the results of the most recent SkillSelect invitation round, which determines invitations for the following visas:

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent visa
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Family Sponsored stream)

Invitations issued on 21 August 2025

The table below shows the number of EOIs invited, and the tie break month and year, for the SkillSelect invitation round on 21 August 2025.

Visa subclass	Total EOIs Invited	Tie break date – month and year
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)	6,887	08/2025
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored	150	05/2025

Invitations issued by occupation and minimum score invited

Occupation	189	491
Actuary	90	N/A*
Agricultural Consultant	90	N/A*
Agricultural Scientist	90	N/A*
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber	65	70
Architect	90	N/A*
Arts Administrator or Manager	90	N/A*
Audiologist	80	65
Barrister	95	N/A*
Biochemist	90	N/A*
Biotechnologist	90	N/A*
Boat Builder and Repairer	90	N/A*
Bricklayer	65	70
Cardiologist	80	80
Carpenter	65	N/A*
Carpenter and Joiner	65	N/A*
Cartographer	90	N/A*
Chemical Engineer	90	N/A*
Chemist	90	N/A*
Child Care Centre Manager	90	N/A*
Civil Engineering Draftsperson	90	N/A*
Civil Engineering Technician	90	N/A*
Clinical Psychologist	75	N/A*
Conservator	90	N/A*
Construction Project Manager	90	N/A*
Dermatologist	100	N/A*
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist	85	N/A*
Drainer	65	N/A*
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher	85	80
Economist	90	N/A*
Educational Psychologist	85	N/A*
Electrical Engineering Draftsperson	90	N/A*
Electrial Engineering Technician	90	N/A*
Electrician (General)	65	75
Electrician (Special Class)	65	N/A*
Electronic Equipment Trades Worker	110	N/A*
Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class)	95	N/A*
Electronics Engineer	95	N/A*
Emergency Medicine Specialist	80	N/A*
Engineering Manager	90	N/A*
Enviromental Consultant	90	N/A*
Enviromental Manager	90	N/A*
Enviromental Research Scientist	90	N/A*
Enviromental Scientists nec	90	N/A*
Fibrous Plasterer	90	N/A*
Food Technologist	90	N/A*
Forester	90	N/A*
Gasfitter	65	80
Gastroenterologist	80	N/A
General Practitioner	80	N/A*
Geophysicist	90	N/A*
Glazier	65	N/A*
Hydrogeologist	90	N/A*
Intensive Care Specialist	80	N/A*
Joiner	65	N/A*
Land Economist	90	N/A*
Landscape Architect	90	N/A*
Life Scientist (General)	90	N/A*
Life Scientists nec	90	N/A*
Management Consultant	90	N/A*
Marine Biologist	90	N/A*
Materials Engineer	90	N/A*
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer	80	90
Medical Labratory Scientist	90	N/A*
Medical Practioners nec	80	N/A*
Medical Radiation Therapist	80	N/A*
Metal Fabricator	105	N/A*
Metal Machinist (First Class)	85	N/A*
Metallurgist	90	N/A*
Meterologist	95	N/A*
Microbiologist	90	N/A*
Midwife	80	75
Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)	90	N/A*
Musician (Instrumental)	90	N/A*
Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec	90	N/A*
Neurologist	80	N/A*
Nuclear Medicine Technologist	80	N/A*
Nurse Practitioner	80	N/A*
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist	80	N/A*
Occupational Therapist	80	N/A*
Ophthamologist	80	N/A*
Optometrist	80	N/A*
Orthopaedic Surgeon	85	N/A*
Osteopath	100	N/A*
Other Spatial Scientist	90	N/A*
Paediatric Surgeon	85	N/A*
Paeditrician	85	N/A*
Painting Trades Worker	70	N/A*
Panelbeater	90	N/A*
Petroleum Engineer	90	N/A*
Physicist	90	N/A*
Physiotherapist	80	80
Plumber (General)	65	80
Podiatrist	80	N/A*
Primary Health Organisation Manager	90	N/A
Psychiatrist	80	N/A*
Psychologists nec	85	N/A*
Registered Nurse (Aged Care)	80	80
Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)	80	N/A*
Registered Nurse (Community Health)	80	N/A*
Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)	80	65
Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability)	80	N/A*
Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation)	80	N/A*
Registed Nurse (Medical Practice)	80	N/A*
Registered Nurse (Medical)	80	65
Registered Nurse (Mental Health)	80	90
Registered Nurse (Paediatrics)	80	85
Registered Nurse (Perioperative)	80	85
Registered Nurse (Surgical)	80	80
Registered Nurses nec	80	5
Roof Plumber	65	N/A*
Secondary School Teacher	85	80
Solicitor	90	N/A*
Solid Plasterer	65	N/A*
Sonographer	80	N/A*
Special Needs Teacher	85	80
Specialist Physician (General Medicine)	80	N/A*
Specialist Physicians nec	80	N/A*
Speech Pathologist	80	65
Statistician	90	N/A*
Stonemason	65	N/A*
Surveyor	90	N/A*
Tennis Coach	95	N/A*
Thoracic Medicine Specialist	80	N/A
University Lecturer	85	80
Urologist	80	N/A*
Valuer	90	N/A*
Veterinarian	90	N/A*
Wall and Floor Tiler	65	75
Welder (First Class)	90	N/A*
Zoologist	90	N/A*

The post SkillSelect EOI Invitation Round Results FY2025–2026: Subclass 189 & 491 Visas first appeared on M&Z Consultancy.

NEW Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa

M & Z Consultancy — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 23:18:40 +0000

NEW Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa

Overview

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482). The SID visa allows most visa holders to stay in Australia for up to four years. It offers a streamlined process for both migrants and employers seeking skilled workers to grow their businesses.

SID visa holders benefit from a clear pathway to permanent residence, providing certainty for both migrants and employers.

SID Visa Streams

The SID visa has three streams tailored to address various workforce needs:

Core Skills Stream:Designed to meet targeted workforce shortages. Most SID visa holders will use this stream.
Specialist Skills Stream:Focused on attracting highly skilled migrants to drive innovation and job creation.
Labour Agreement Stream:Currently being replaced by the Essential Skills Stream, which is under development.

Benefits of the SID Visa

With a SID visa, you can:

Access a pathway to permanent residence. Any work with an approved employer counts toward this pathway.
Fulfill a reduced work experience requirement compared to the TSS visa. SID applicants need one year of work experience in their nominated occupation or a related field.
Meet the same English language requirements as the TSS medium-term stream (equivalent to an IELTS band score of 5 in all four components).

SID Visa Streams in Detail

Specialist Skills Stream

This stream acknowledges that highly skilled migrants contribute significantly to national productivity. It is designed for applicants who:

Meet general eligibility requirements.
Have an occupation listed in the ANZSCO 2022, excluding ANZSCO Major Group levels 3, 7, and 8 (e.g., trades workers, machinery operators, drivers, and laborers).
Earn at least the Specialist Skills Income Threshold of AUD135,000, ensuring parity with Australian workers in the same roles.

Core Skills Stream

This stream addresses workforce shortages by targeting specific occupations. To be eligible, applicants must:

Meet general eligibility requirements.
Have an occupation listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) identified as being in shortage. This includes roles aligned with Australia’s commitments under international trade agreements.
Be paid a salary at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold of AUD73,150.

Transition from the TSS Visa

Applications for the TSS visa closed on 6 December 2024. Outstanding applications lodged before this date will continue to be processed under the existing arrangements.

TSS visa holders will retain access to a pathway for permanent residence, provided they meet all relevant eligibility criteria.

Need Help?

If you need further information about the new Skills in Demand Visa or assistance with your application, please contact our team. We are here to guide you through every step of the process.

The post NEW Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa first appeared on M&Z Consultancy.

Are You in a De Facto Relationship?

M & Z Consultancy — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 06:53:13 +0000

You might have heard the term “De facto relationship,” especially in the context of Australian visa applications. But what exactly does it mean? Today, let us dive into the concept of a De facto relationship and how it plays a crucial role in visa applications, particularly in Australia.

1. What is a De facto Relationship?

A De facto relationship refers to a couple living together in a genuine domestic partnership, similar to a marriage, but without being legally married. In Australia, this type of relationship is recognised by law, especially when applying for certain types of visas, such as the Partner Visa.

2. How is a De facto Relationship Defined?

To be considered in a De facto relationship, you typically need to meet the following criteria:

Living Together: You and your partner must live together on a regular basis, not just casual dating or short-term cohabitation.
Length of the Relationship: In most cases, you need to have been living together for at least 12 months.
Financial Interdependence: You and your partner should show a level of financial dependence or sharing, such as having joint bank accounts or sharing household expenses.
Social Recognition: Your relationship should be known to others, such as friends, family, or colleagues, who recognize you as a couple.
Commitment to the Future: The relationship must be genuine and ongoing, with both partners intending to continue it long-term.

3. Benefits of a De facto Relationship

In Australia, being in a De facto relationship grants you similar legal rights as being married. For instance, if you are in a De facto relationship, you may be eligible to apply for a Partner Visa, which allows you to stay and live in Australia, regardless of whether you are legally married.

4. How to Prove a De facto Relationship?

When applying for a visa based on a De facto relationship, you will need to provide evidence to support your claim, such as:

Joint bank accounts or shared financial obligations (bills, rent, etc.).
Lease agreements or property ownership documents showing you live together.
Photos or travel records proving your time spent together.
Statutory declarations from friends or family confirming your relationship.

5. Conclusion

A De facto relationship is a significant aspect of Australian migration law, especially for couples who are not legally married. If you are thinking of applying for a Partner or De facto visa, it is important to understand what qualifies as a De facto relationship and how to prove it.

Hopefully, this post has helped clarify what a De facto relationship is and how it can benefit your visa application. Feel free to contact us if you are curious about Australian migration or need further advice!

The post Are You in a De Facto Relationship? first appeared on M&Z Consultancy.

Subclass 189 EOI Invitations issued on 5 September 2024

M & Z Consultancy — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 03:59:04 +0000

Subclass 189 EOI Invitations issued on 5 September 2024

The Department of Home Affairs has published the Subclass 189 EOI invitation details for the invitations issued on 05 September 2024. The details are as follows:

Invitations issued on 5 September 2024

The table below shows the number of EOIs invited, and the tie break month and year, for the SkillSelect invitation round on 5 September 2024.

Visa subclass	Total EOIs Invited	Tie break date – month and year
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)	7,973	09/2022
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored	0	N/A

Invitations issued by occupation and minimum score invited

Occupation*	Subclass 189* Minimum scored
Accountant (General)	95
Actuary	90
Aeronautical Engineer	90
Agricultural Consultant	95
Agricultural Engineer	95
Agricultural Scientist	95
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber	65
Analyst Programmer	90
Architect	75
Audiologist	75
Biochemist	95
Biomedical Engineer	90
Biotechnologist	90
Bricklayer	65
Cabinetmaker	65
Cardiologist	80
Cardiothoracic Surgeon	85
Carpenter	65
Carpenter and Joiner	65
Chef	90
Chemical Engineer	90
Chemist	90
Child Care Centre Manager	80
Chiropractor	80
Civil Engineer	90
Civil Engineering Draftsperson	75
Civil Engineering Technician	75
Clinical Psychologist	85
Computer Network and Systems Engineer	100
Construction Project Manager	75
Developer Programmer	100
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist	80
Diesel Motor Mechanic	90
Drainer	65
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher	75
Economist	90
Electrical Engineer	90
Electrician (General)	65
Electrician (Special Class)	70
Electronics Engineer	90
Emergency Medicine Specialist	80
Engineering Manager	95
Engineering Professionals nec	90
Engineering Technologist	90
Environmental Consultant	90
Environmental Engineer	95
Environmental Manager	95
Environmental Research Scientist	95
External Auditor	90
Fibrous Plasterer	65
Food Technologist	90
Gasfitter	65
Gastroenterologist	85
General Practitioner	75
Geophysicist	100
Geotechnical Engineer	75
Glazier	65
ICT Business Analyst	95
ICT Security Specialist	95
Industrial Engineer	90
Intensive Care Specialist	80
Internal Auditor	95
Joiner	65
Landscape Architect	75
Life Scientist (General)	90
Life Scientists nec	95
Lift Mechanic	65
Management Accountant	95
Management Consultant	90
Marine Biologist	95
Materials Engineer	90
Mechanical Engineer	90
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer	75
Medical Laboratory Scientist	75
Medical Practitioners nec	75
Metal Fabricator	75
Microbiologist	90
Midwife	75
Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)	105
Motor Mechanic (General)	90
Multimedia Specialist	90
Naval Architect	95
Nuclear Medicine Technologist	80
Nurse Practitioner	85
Nursing Clinical Director	115
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist	90
Occupational Therapist	75
Ophthalmologist	85
Optometrist	80
Orthotist or Prosthetist	80
Other Spatial Scientist	100
Paediatrician	80
Painting Trades Worker	65
Pathologist	85
Petroleum Engineer	95
Physicist	95
Physiotherapist	75
Plumber (General)	65
Podiatrist	80
Primary Health Organisation Manager	95
Production or Plant Engineer	90
Psychiatrist	80
Psychologists nec	80
Quantity Surveyor	75
Registered Nurse (Aged Care)	75
Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)	80
Registered Nurse (Community Health)	80
Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)	75
Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation)	75
Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)	75
Registered Nurse (Medical)	75
Registered Nurse (Mental Health)	75
Registered Nurse (Paediatrics)	80
Registered Nurse (Perioperative)	75
Registered Nurse (Surgical)	75
Registered Nurses nec	75
Roof Plumber	65
Secondary School Teacher	75
Sheetmetal Trades Worker	75
Shipwright	105
Social Worker	75
Software and Applications Programmers nec	90
Software Engineer	100
Solicitor	90
Solid Plasterer	65
Sonographer	80
Special Education Teachers nec	80
Special Needs Teacher	80
Specialist Physician (General Medicine)	80
Specialist Physicians nec	80
Speech Pathologist	80
Statistician	90
Stonemason	70
Structural Engineer	75
Surgeon (General)	80
Surveyor	95
Systems Analyst	95
Taxation Accountant	90
Telecommunications Engineer	90
Telecommunications Field Engineer	95
Telecommunications Network Engineer	90
Transport Engineer	75
University Lecturer	90
Urologist	80
Valuer	95
Veterinarian	95
Wall and Floor Tiler	65
Welder (First Class)	75
Zoologist	90

The post Subclass 189 EOI Invitations issued on 5 September 2024 first appeared on M&Z Consultancy.

Australian Visa Application Fee from July 2024

M & Z Consultancy — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:06:11 +0000

Australian Visa Application Fee from July 2024

Matter Type	Dept Base Application Charge (AUD)	Dept Additional Applicant Charge 18+ (AUD)	Dept Additional Applicant Charge Under 18 (AUD)	Dept Second VAC Instalment Charge 18+ (AUD)	Dept Second VAC Instalment Under 18 (AUD)
Subclass 010 – Bridging Visa A	0	0	0
Subclass 020 – Bridging Visa B	185	0	0
Subclass 030 – Bridging Visa C	0	0	0
Subclass 050 – Bridging Visa E	0	0	0
Subclass 101 – Child Visa	3140	1570	790
Subclass 102 – Adoption Visa	3140	1570	790
Subclass 103 – Parent Visa	5125	2565	1285	2065	2065
Subclass 114 – Aged Dependent Relative Visa	5125	2565	1285	2065	2065
Subclass 115 – Remaining Relative Visa	5125	2565	1285	2065	2065
Subclass 116 – Carer Visa	2115	1060	530	2065	2065
Subclass 117 – Orphan Relative Visa	1920	960	485
Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa	4895	1650	830	43600	43600
Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa (conversion from Subclass 173)	430	220	105	19420	19420
Subclass 151 – Former Resident Visa	4665	2330	1165	4890
Subclass 155 – Five Year Resident Return Visa	475
Subclass 157 – Three Month Resident Return Visa	475
Subclass 159 – Provisional Resident Return Visa	245	125	60
Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa	3300	1650	830	29130	29130
Subclass 186 – Nomination (subject to stream and location)	540
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme Visa	4770	2385	1190	4890
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa	4765	2385	1195	4885
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa	4765	2385	1195	4885
Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa- Regional Provisional Stream	490	245	125
Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – Hong Kong Stream	4765	2380	1195	4885
Subclass 200, 201, 203 and 204 Refugee category visas	0
Subclass 300 – Prospective Marriage Visa	9095	4550	2280
Subclass 309 /100 – Offshore Partner Visa	9095	4550	2280
Subclass 400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) Visa	415	415	105
Subclass 403 – Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa – Government Agreement	365	355	95
Subclass 403 – Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa – Domestic Worker	365
Subclass 403 – Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa – Privileges & Immunities	0
Subclass 403 – Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa – Foreign Government	365	365	95
Subclass 403 – Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa – Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme	345	335	80
Subclass 407 – Temporary Activities Sponsorship	420
Subclass 407 – Nomination	170
Subclass 407 – Training Visa	415	415	105
Subclass 408 – Temporary Activity Visa	415	415	105
Subclass 417 – Working Holiday Visa	650
Subclass 445 – Dependent Child Visa	3140	1570	790
Subclass 462 – Work and Holiday Visa	650
Subclass 482 – Standard Business Sponsorship	420
Subclass 482 – Nomination	330
Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa – Short Term	1495	1495	375
Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa – Medium Term	3115	3115	780
Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa – Labour Agreement	3115	3115	780
Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate Visa	1945	975	490
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa	4770	2385	1190	4890
Subclass 494 – Standard Business Sponsorship	420
Subclass 494 – Nomination	0
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa	4770	2385	1190	4890
Subclass 500 – Student Visa	1600	1190	390
Subclass 500 – Student (Subsequent Entrant) Visa	1600	1190	390
Subclass 590 – Student Guardian Visa	1600
Subclass 600 – Visitor Visa (Business Visitor)	195
Subclass 600 – Visitor Visa (Approved Destination Status)	195
Subclass 600 – Visitor Visa (Sponsored Family)	195
Subclass 600 – Visitor Visa (Frequent Traveller)	1435
Subclass 600 – Visitor Visa – Tourist (apply in Australia)	490
Subclass 600 – Visitor Visa – Tourist (apply outside Australia)	195
Subclass 601 – Electronic Travel Authority	20
Subclass 602 – Medical Treatment Visa (inside Australia)	370	185	95
Subclass 651 – eVisitor Visa	0
Subclass 785 – Temporary Protection Visa	45
Subclass 790 – Safe Haven Enterprise Visa	45
Subclass 802 – Child Visa	3140	1570	790
Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa	5125	2565	1285	2065
Subclass 808 – Confirmatory (Residence)	365
Subclass 820/801 – Onshore Partner Visa	9095	4550	2280
Subclass 820/801 – Onshore Partner Visa (Conversion from Subclass 300)	1920	960	485
Subclass 835 – Remaining Relative Visa	5125	2565	1285	2065
Subclass 836 – Carer Visa	2155	1060	530	2065
Subclass 837 – Orphan Relative Visa	1920	960	485
Subclass 838 – Aged Dependent Relative Visa	5125	2565	1285	2065
Subclass 851 – Resolution of Status	0
Subclass 858 – Global Talent Visa	4840	2425	1210	4890
Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa	4895	2445	1225	43600
Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Conversion from Subclass 884)	430	220	105	19420
Subclass 866 – Protection Visa	45
Subclass 870 – Family Sponsorship	420
Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (3 years / 5 years)	5895 / 11785
Subclass 884 – Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa	4895	2445	1225	29130
Subclass 888 – Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa	3400	1705	850	4890

The post Australian Visa Application Fee from July 2024 first appeared on M&Z Consultancy.

Australian Visa Changes from 1 July 2024

M & Z Consultancy — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 06:00:16 +0000

Australian Visa Changes from 1 July 2024

Several significant changes to Australian visas have come into effect from 1 July 2024. Here are the key changes you should be aware of:

1. Student Visa

From 1 July 2024 onwards, the following visa holders are prohibited from applying for the Student Visa through the onshore pathway:

Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485)
Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)
Medical Treatment (Subclass 602)
eVisitor (Subclass 651)
Maritime Crew (Subclass 988)
Visitor (Subclass 600)

2. Employer-Sponsored Visa

TSMIT Increase: Starting from 1 July 2024, the TSMIT increases from $70,000 to $73,150. This means that all new nomination applications for the mentioned visa categories must ensure nominees receive an annual salary of at least $73,150 or the annual market salary rate for their occupation, whichever is greater.
Changes to Visa Conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608: From 1 July 2024, Temporary Work (Skilled) (Subclass 457) visa holders, Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa holders, and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 494) visa holders who stop working with their sponsoring employer will have more time to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or arrange to depart Australia. These visa holders will have up to:

- 180 days at a time, or
- A maximum of 365 days in total across the entire visa grant period.

Note: The changes apply to existing visa holders, as well as those granted a visa on or after 1 July 2024. Any periods a visa holder stopped working for their sponsor before 1 July 2024 will not count towards the new time periods outlined above.

3. Temporary Graduate Visa

The maximum age for applicants has been reduced from 50 to 35 years, except for Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders and Masters (research) or PhD graduates, who can apply until age 50.
The Graduate Work stream has been renamed to Post Vocational Education Work stream.
The Post Study Work stream has been renamed to Post Higher Education Work stream.

4. Working Holiday Maker Program

UK passport holders will be able to be granted up to three Working Holiday (Subclass 417) visas without having to meet any specified work requirements from 1 July 2024.
Republic of Philippines passport holders are eligible to apply for a Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa.

5. Visa Application Charge Changes

The visa application charge for all types of visas has increased from 1 July 2024.

The post Australian Visa Changes from 1 July 2024 first appeared on M&Z Consultancy.

2024-2025 Migration Program planning levels

M & Z Consultancy — Wed, 15 May 2024 02:42:22 +0000

2024-2025 Migration Program planning levels

On 14 May 2024, the Australian Government announced that the planning levels for the 2024–25 permanent Migration Program (Migration Program) will be set at 185,000 places.

The permanent Migration Program will help fill skills shortages in priority sectors and prioritise visa processing for regional Australia while the Australian Government builds the domestic pipeline of highly skilled workers.

The 2024–25 Migration Program also recognises the strong contribution all migrants make to social cohesion. It focuses on strengthening family and community bonds in Australia.

A well-targeted, skills focussed Migration Program supplements the cohort of working-age people. It helps boost participation rates and the size of the labour force.

The 2024–25 permanent Migration Program has the following composition:

Skill stream (132,200 places, approximately 71 per cent of the program) – This stream has been designed to improve the productive capacity of the economy and fill skill shortages in the labour market, particularly those in regional Australia.
Family stream (52,500 places, approximately 28 per cent of the program) – This stream is predominantly made up of Partner visas, enabling Australians to reunite with family members from overseas and provide them with pathways to citizenship. Of this stream:
- 40,500 Partner visas are estimated for 2024–25 for planning purposes, noting this category is demand-driven.
- 3,000 Child visas are estimated for 2024–25 for planning purposes, noting this category is demand-driven.
Special Eligibility stream (300 places) – This stream covers visas for those in special circumstances, including permanent residents returning to Australia after a period overseas.

Migration Program planning levels, as announced as part of the 2023–24 and 2024–25 Federal Budgets, are as follows:

Visa Stream	Visa Category	2023–24 Planning levels	2024–25 Planning levels
Skill	Employer-Sponsored	36,825	44,000
	Skilled Independent	30,375	16,900
	Regional	32,300	33,000
	State/Territory Nominated	30,400	33,000
	Business Innovation & Investment	1,900	1,000
	Global Talent (Independent)	5,000	4,000
	Distinguished Talent	300	300
	Skill Total	137,100	132,200
Family	Partner	40,500	40,500
	Parent	8,500	8,500
	Child	3,000	3,000
	Other Family	500	500
	Family Total	52,500	52,500
	Special Eligibility	400	300
	Total Migration Program	190,000	185,000

The post 2024-2025 Migration Program planning levels first appeared on M&Z Consultancy.

The Costs of Sponsoring Foreign Employees for Employer-Sponsored Visas

M & Z Consultancy — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 23:53:24 +0000

The Costs of Sponsoring Foreign Employees for Employer-Sponsored Visas

Australia attracts skilled professionals from around the world, and businesses often seek to sponsor foreign workers for Australian Employer-Sponsored Visas to fill job vacancies. While these visas offer opportunities, it is crucial to grasp the costs involved. In this article, we will break down the expenses associated with sponsoring foreign workers for Australian visas, helping you understand the costs involved in the applications.

Visa Types

Currently, three main employer-sponsored visa types are available: Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa, and Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa.

Application Steps

For the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa and Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa, three steps are involved:

1. Sponsorship
2. Nomination
3. Visa Application

For the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa, two steps are involved:

1. Nomination
2. Visa Application

Sponsorship and Nomination Cost

Becoming an approved sponsor under the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa and Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa program: AU$420
Nominating a visa applicant for the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa: AU$330
Nominating a visa applicant for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa: AU$540. If the business is located in a regional area, the nomination fee will be NIL for eligible streams.
Paying the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy: The amount depends on the business turnover, visa type and the proposed period of stay of the employee.

Skilling Australians Fund levy

Employers must pay the applicable nomination training contribution charge referred to as the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy. The purpose of the SAF levy is for employers to contribute to the broader skills development of Australians.

The levy funds are managed by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)

The Department of Home Affairs calculates the required SAF levy amount which is payable in full at the time of lodging a nomination application using information provided in the online nomination application. The online form will calculate the amount you must pay, which depends on the:

size of the sponsoring business and
proposed period of stay of the overseas worker in Australia.

Business size	Subclass 482 visa	Subclass 186 and 494 visas
Small (annual turnover less than $10 million)	AU$1,200 per year or part thereof	AU$3,000 one-off
Other business (annual turnover of $10 million or more)	AU$1,800 per year or part thereof	AU$5,000 one-off

Example: a business with an annual turnover of more than AUD15 million per year that wishes to nominate an employee to apply for a subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa for a period of 4 years, the business would be liable to pay a levy of AU$7,200 (4 years x AU$1,800).

Visa Application Fee

Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa	Base Application Charge	Additional Applicant Charge Under 18	Additional Applicant Charge Under 18
Short-term stream	AU$1,455	AU$1,455	AU$365
Medium-Term Stream	AU$3,035	AU$3,035	AU$760
Labour Agreement Stream	AU$3,035	AU$3,035	AU$760
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa	Base Application Charge	Additional Applicant Charge Under 18	Additional Applicant Charge Under 18
Direct Entry Stream	AU$4,640	AU$2,320	AU$1,160
TRT Stream	AU$4,640	AU$2,320	AU$1,160
Labour Agreement Stream	AU$4,640	AU$2,320	AU$1,160
Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa	Base Application Charge	Additional Applicant Charge Under 18	Additional Applicant Charge Under 18
Employer-Sponsored Stream	AU$4,640	AU$2,320	AU$2,320
Labour Agreement Stream	AU$4,640	AU$2,320	AU$2,320

Other Costs

In addition to the application fees mentioned above, there will be other incurred costs, such as professional fees for migration agents/lawyers and expenses for labour market testing, which may vary among different companies.

The post The Costs of Sponsoring Foreign Employees for Employer-Sponsored Visas first appeared on M&Z Consultancy.

How to Deal with Offshore Visa Cancellation?

M & Z Consultancy — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 01:07:54 +0000

How to Deal with Offshore Visa Cancellation?

What steps should you take if your visa gets cancelled while you are offshore?

Once your visa is cancelled under Section 128, the Department of Home Affairs will send you a letter notifying you of the cancellation. Within 28 days from the date of this letter, you must present your case, explaining why your visa should not be cancelled.

After the cancellation of a visa, a three-year ban (referred to as the ‘exclusion period’) will be imposed on certain new visa applications unless a waiver is obtained from the Department.

Dealing with offshore visa cancellation can be a daunting process, but with the right approach and understanding of the procedures involved, you can navigate through this challenging situation. Whether it is due to changes in personal circumstances or unforeseen complications, addressing visa cancellations requires careful attention and adherence to relevant guidelines.

1. Understand the Reasons

Before taking any action, it is crucial to understand the reasons behind the offshore visa cancellation. Common reasons include failure to meet visa conditions and providing false information. Knowing the specific grounds for cancellation will help formulate an appropriate response.

2. Review Visa Conditions

Carefully reviewing the initial visa conditions is essential. Understanding the terms and requirements outlined in the visa grant will help identify any discrepancies or areas that may have led to the cancellation. This step is crucial for building a solid case when seeking remedies.

3. Seek Professional Advice

Navigating the complexities of visa cancellations often requires professional guidance. Consulting with a qualified immigration professional can provide valuable insights into the legal aspects of the situation. These professionals can assess the circumstances, advise on potential options, and guide individuals through the necessary steps.

4. Stay Informed

Immigration laws and policies are subject to change, and staying informed about any updates or amendments is crucial. Changes in regulations may impact the available options for dealing with visa cancellations, so staying abreast of developments in immigration law is essential.

5. Prepare a Comprehensive Case

When responding to a visa cancellation, it is essential to prepare a comprehensive case. This includes gathering all relevant documents, providing evidence to support any claims, and presenting a clear and truthful explanation for the situation. A well-prepared case increases the chances of a favourable outcome.

6. Apply for Revocation

After preparing all documents for the revocation of visa cancellation, submit your written request for revocation to the appropriate department or authority. Ensure that you follow the specified submission process and include all required documents.

7. Keep a Record

Maintain a copy of your revocation request and all supporting documents for your records.

8. Follow Up

Follow up with the Department if necessary, and inquire about the status of your revocation request. Be proactive in staying informed about the progress of your case.

9. Consider Alternative Visas

In some cases, individuals facing visa cancellations may explore alternative visa options. This could involve applying for a different type of visa that aligns with their current circumstances. Again, seeking professional advice is crucial in making informed decisions regarding alternative visa pathways.

Dealing with offshore visa cancellation requires a strategic and informed approach. By understanding the reasons behind the cancellation, seeking professional advice, and taking proactive steps to address the situation, individuals can increase their chances of a successful resolution. Remember, every case is unique, and a tailored approach is often necessary to navigate the complexities of immigration processes.

The post How to Deal with Offshore Visa Cancellation? first appeared on M&Z Consultancy.

How to Apply for an Australian National Police Certificate for Visa Applications？

M & Z Consultancy — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 04:13:25 +0000

How to Apply for an Australian National Police Certificate for Visa Applications?

When applying for an Australian visa, you may be required to submit an Australian Police Certificate to support your application. This certificate provides information about your criminal history in Australia and is often a mandatory requirement for immigration and visa applications. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of obtaining an Australian National Police Certificate to assist you with your visa application.

Note:

You must include details of all names you have been known by.
The Department of Home Affairs does not accept state- or territory-issued Australian police certificates.
Fingerprints are not needed for Australian police checks.

Step 1: Visit the Australian Federal Police website to start the online application form: https://afpnationalpolicechecks.converga.com.au/

Step 2: Select the identification documents that you will submit to the AFP for the Australian National Police Check application. Keep in mind that you must provide a minimum of 100 points of identification.

Step 3: Provide your full name, date of birth, and email address. For the purpose of the check, select “Commonwealth Employment / Purpose” and then choose “33 – Immigration/Citizenship to supply it to the Department of Home Affairs”. Check the “Request for Hard Copy Certificate” box if you require a physical copy.

Step 4: Verify your details and provide consent for the Australian Federal Police to conduct a National Police Check on your behalf.

Step 5: Upload your identity documents.

Step 6: Provide your additional personal information.

Step 7: Provide your current residential address, mailing address and previous residential address. Please note that you need to provide all of your residential addresses in the past 10 years.

Step 8: Confirm your details.

Step 9: Enter your payment information to make payment.

The post How to Apply for an Australian National Police Certificate for Visa Applications？ first appeared on M&Z Consultancy.