Recent migration updates
Legislative updates
Regional area postcode additions
The designated regional areas will be expanded to include postcodes in Moreton Bay, Ipswich & Queensland. This will apply in the following circumstances:
a nomination made for Subclass 407, 411 & 482
an application for a nomination for Subclass 186 & 187
an application for the following:
2nd Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa in the Post-Study Work stream
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Subclass 888 Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa
Subclass 892 State / Territory Sponsored Business Owner Visa
An assessment made under s93 for Subclass 189 and 190
Grant of any of the following:
2nd Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa in the Post-Study Work stream
Subclass 489 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The above will commence of 5 March 2022.
Vaccinations & entry to Australia
As of 21 February 2022, Australia’s borders has been opened to fully vaccinated travelers but it is important to note that proof that you are unable to get vaccinated for medical reasons is not the same as a travel exemption and you would need to apply for one to enter. Additionally, visa holders who arrive in Australia may have their visa cancelled and removed if they:
are not fully vaccinated for international travel purposes in accordance with Australia’s border entry requirements; or
do not have a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine
are not in an exempt category or hold an individual travel exemption
State and territory updates
Some of the state and territory have recently updated their occupation lists or visa eligibility criteria and are as follows:
South Australia
Changes were made to the South Australia DAMA list with new occupations focusing on hospitality and tourism, monitor trades, agribusiness, manufacturing and forestry occupations added. Further concessions have also been added including:
lowered work experience for AQF qualification holders, which will assist highly skilled international students
further English language concessions for some occupations
increased age eligibility to 55 years in some occupations
an expanded pathway to PR for all skilled workers.
Victoria
Changes were made to implement forms going digital.
Australian Capital Territory
ACT nomination will include a non-refundable service fee which is an administrative charge only and does not guarantee the approval of the nomination
ACT will offer streamlined nomination for holders of a Doctorate completed with an ACT university. This will include a simplified application process with minimal supporting documentation, priority processing and fee free.
