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)

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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:

1. Core Skills Stream:Designed to meet targeted workforce shortages. Most SID visa holders will use this stream.
2. Specialist Skills Stream:Focused on attracting highly skilled migrants to drive innovation and job creation.
3. 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.

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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!

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Australian Visa Application Fee from July 2024

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

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.

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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:

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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.

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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.

How to Choose an Australian Parent Visa？

Introduction

Australia, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and excellent education and healthcare systems, has always been an appealing destination for individuals seeking a better future. For parents with Australian citizenship or permanent resident children residing in Australia, numerous parent visa options are available to facilitate family reunification. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of Australian parent visas, their requirements, application fees, processing times, and provide guidance on choosing the most suitable visa for your situation.

Parent Visa Types

There are five primary parent visa categories available for parents to join their children in Australia:

• Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
• Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
•  Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
• Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
• Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)

Additionally, temporary parent visa options include the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) and the Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884).

General Visa Requirements

To be eligible for an Australian parent visa, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:

• Relationship: You must be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen residing in Australia
• Balance of Family Test: At least half of your children must be living in Australia as Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens (except for Subclass 870 Visa)
• Age Requirement: Applicants must be old enough to receive the age pension in Australia (for Aged Parent Visas only)
• Assurance of Support: Applicants must obtain an Assurance of Support (AoS) from their sponsor or a third party (except for Subclass 870 Visa)
• Health and Character Checks: All applicants must meet health and character requirements to ensure they do not pose a risk to Australia’s community.

Visa Application Fees

The fees associated with Australian parent visas can vary depending on the selected visa type. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change. As of the fiscal year 2023-2024, the application fees for the main parent visa categories are as follows:

• Parent Visa (Subclass 103) and Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

– First Instalment: Main Applicant – AUD4,990, Secondary Applicant Over 18 – AUD2,495, Secondary Applicant Below 18 – AUD1,250
– Second Instalment: AUD2,065 per person

• Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) and Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)

– First Instalment: Main Applicant – AUD4,765, Secondary Applicant Over 18 – AUD1,605, Secondary Applicant Below 18 – AUD805
– Second Instalment: AUD43,600 per person

• Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)

– First Instalment: AUD1,145
– Second Instalment: Temporary up to 3 years – AUD4,590, Temporary up to 5 years – AUD10,325

Processing Time

The processing times for Australian parent visas can be lengthy due to high demand. On average, the processing times are as follows:

• Parent Visa (Subclass 103) and Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804): Around 29 years
• Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) and Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864): Around 12 years
• Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870): 47 days to 5 months

How to Choose the Right Parent Visa

Choosing the most suitable parent visa for your situation requires careful consideration. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Financial Considerations: Assess your financial capabilities and determine whether you can afford the higher contribution required for the Contributory Parent Visa.
•  Long-Term Goals: Consider whether you want to reside in Australia permanently or if you prefer a temporary stay. This will help you decide between permanent and temporary parent visa options.
• Processing Time: If you are seeking a faster processing time, the Contributory Parent Visa might be a more suitable choice.

Conclusion

Australian parent visas provide an opportunity for parents to reunite with their children and enjoy the benefits of living in this beautiful country. Understanding the different visa types, requirements, fees, and processing times is crucial in making an informed decision. By carefully evaluating your circumstances and seeking professional guidance, you can navigate the application process more effectively and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

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Australia offers a range of employer-sponsored visas for individuals seeking to work and live in the country. The three main visa options are Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa), Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme Visa), and Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa). In this blog post, we will provide you with detailed information about these visa types and application processes, to help you make an informed decision on which visa is the best fit for your needs.

Visa Type

Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)

The Subclass 482 visa, also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, is an employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled workers to work in Australia for up to four years. The visa is designed to fill temporary skill shortages in the Australian labour market and is divided into three streams:

1. Short-Term Stream: This stream is for applicants who have been nominated by their employer for a skilled position that is on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and allows them to work in Australia for up to two years (or up to 4 years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies).
2. Medium-Term Stream: This stream is for applicants who have been nominated by their employer for a skilled position that is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and allows them to work in Australia for up to four years. Applicants may also be eligible for a Permanent Residence Visa if they have worked for the sponsor for three years and satisfy the visa requirements.
3. Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is for applicants who have been nominated by their employer under a labour agreement negotiated between the employer and the Australian government.

Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including English language proficiency, work experience and health and character requirements. The Subclass 482 visa also requires the employer to demonstrate that they have attempted to find Australian workers to fill the position before sponsoring a foreign worker. The visa can provide a pathway to permanent residency in Australia under certain conditions.

Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme Visa)

The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. Also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, this visa requires the applicant to be sponsored by an Australian employer who has been approved as a sponsor by the Department of Home Affairs. There are three streams under the Subclass 186 visa:

1. Direct Entry Stream: This stream is intended for individuals who have the skills and experience necessary to fill a position that cannot be filled by an Australian worker. It allows applicants to obtain permanent residency in Australia if they are nominated by an employer and meet the relevant visa criteria.
2. Temporary Residence Transition Stream: This stream is for applicants who have been working for their employer on a temporary basis for at least three years and who have been nominated by their employer for a permanent position.
3. Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is for applicants who have been nominated by their employer under a labour agreement negotiated between the employer and the Australian government.

To be eligible for the Subclass 186 visa, applicants are required to meet specific criteria such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, as well as health and character requirements.

Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa)

The Subclass 494 visa, also known as the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, is a temporary employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled workers to work and live in Australia for up to five years. This visa is designed to address skill shortages in regional areas of Australia and is only available to applicants who are sponsored by an employer in a regional area. The Subclass 494 visa is divided into two streams:

1. Employer-Sponsored Stream: This stream is for applicants who have been sponsored by an employer in a regional area of Australia for a skilled position that is on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) and allows them to work and live in Australia for up to five years.
2. Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is for applicants who have been sponsored by an employer under a labour agreement negotiated between the employer and the Australian government.

Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including age, English language proficiency, work experience and health and character requirements. The visa also requires the employer to demonstrate that they have attempted to find Australian workers to fill the position before sponsoring a foreign worker. Additionally, visa holders must work for their sponsoring employer in a regional area of Australia for at least three years before they can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

Application Process

Here are the steps to apply for an employer sponsor visa:

1. Finding a Sponsor: Your first step is to find an Australian employer who is willing to sponsor you and who meets the sponsorship requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
2. Standard Sponsorship Application: The employer must apply to become an approved sponsor by submitting an application to the Department of Home Affairs. This involves providing information about the company’s business activities, financial standing, and any previous involvement with sponsoring workers. (For subclass 482 and 494 visas)
3. Nomination by Employer: Your Australian employer must nominate you for the position you are applying for. This requires your employer to provide evidence of your skills, qualifications, and work experience, as well as demonstrate that you meet the relevant requirements for the visa.
4. Visa Application: To apply for the employer sponsor visa, you must complete an online visa application form available on the Department of Home Affairs website. Along with the visa application form, you will need to provide several documents, such as your passport, proof of English proficiency, as well as character certificates.
5. Waiting for Visa Outcome: Once your visa application has been lodged, you will need to wait for the visa outcome for a certain amount of time. The processing time for the employer sponsor visa can vary depending on your individual circumstances. You can check the current processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Conclusion

To sum up, Australia provides various visas for skilled workers who desire to reside and work in the country with employer sponsorship. The Subclass 482, 186, and 494 visas are the three main options available, each with its own requirements and eligibility criteria. These visas can provide a pathway to permanent residency in Australia for those who meet certain conditions. It is important to carefully consider your options and choose the visa that best fits your needs and circumstances.

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