Author Archives: My Migration

31 Oct 2023

Best Time to Apply for an Australian Visa

Categories Australia, GSM, International Students, State Nomination, Visa

The Australian Department of Home Affairs recommends that you apply for an Australian visa at least 4 months before your intended travel date. However, the processing time for a visa application can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the current visa application workload.

Variations in processing times

The department will assess applications on a case-by-case basis. Processing times can vary for a range of reasons, including:

  • whether you have submitted an application with all necessary supporting documents. Use the checklists available at ImmiAccount to make sure you attach all required documents
  • whether you have lodged an online or paper application. Applying online helps streamline processing
  • how quickly you respond to requests for more information
  • how long it takes the department to perform the required checks
  • how long it takes the department to receive information from external agencies, particularly relating to health, character and national security requirements
  • how many places are available in the migration program for permanent visa applications.

Processing times are impacted by cases that are complex, changes to the volume of applications and changes to Ministerial Directions.

If you are applying for a visa with a shorter processing time, you may be able to apply closer to your intended travel date. However, it is always best to apply for your visa as early as possible to avoid any delays.

 

Here are some tips for applying for an Australian visa early:

  • Start the application process early. It can take several weeks to gather all the required documents and complete the application form.
  • Check the Australian government’s website for the most up-to-date visa requirements.
  • If you have any questions about the application process, you can contact the Australian embassy or consulate in your home country

If you are applying for a visa with a longer processing time, you may want to consider applying for a visa sooner. This will give you more time to gather all the required documents and complete the application form. It will also give you more time to address any issues that may arise during the application process.

 

Here are some additional tips for applying for an Australian visa with a longer processing time:

  • Gather all the required documents as soon as possible.
  • Start the application process early.
  • Be prepared to answer any questions that the visa officer may have.
  • Be patient. The processing time for visas can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the current visa application workload.

If you have any concerns about meeting all the requirements for an Australian visa, you should contact a migration agent such as My Migration. We can help you understand the requirements and make sure you meet them.

31 Oct 2023

Best Universities for Master Programs in Australia

Categories Australia, GSM, International Students, State Nomination, Visa

Australia has several top universities that offer outstanding master’s programs. Here are some of the best universities for master’s programs in Australia:

  1. The University of Melbourne: Renowned for its research and academic excellence, the University of Melbourne offers a wide range of master’s programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, humanities, health sciences, and more.
  2. The Australian National University: Known for its strong research focus, ANU offers a diverse range of master’s programs in fields such as law, arts, science, business, and public policy.
  3. The University of Sydney: As one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious universities, the University of Sydney offers an extensive range of master’s programs in areas like business, engineering, health sciences, social sciences, and more.
  4. The University of New South Wales: UNSW is known for its innovative research and industry connections. It offers a wide range of master’s programs, including business, engineering, computer science, arts, and law.
  5. Monash University: Highly regarded for its innovative approach to education, Monash University offers an array of master’s programs in areas such as business, engineering, arts, information technology, and public health.

These universities are just a few examples, and there are many other excellent options available throughout Australia. When exploring your options, consider factors such as program reputation, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and industry connections.

23 Jan 2022

Visa Fees Refunded To International Students and Working Holiday Makers

Categories Australia, International Students, Visa

Australian government is refunding visa application fees to international students and Working Holiday Makers!
From 19 January 2022, international students and Working Holiday Makers (WHM) who arrive in Australia will have their visa application fees refunded.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the changes to help the nation ease workforce shortages caused by the spread of the Omicron variant.
International students will have the fees waived for 8 weeks from 19 January 2022 till 19 February 2022, while the changes will be in place for 12 weeks for Working Holiday Makers (till 19 March 2022).
The federal government last week announced a 40-hour per fortnight working cap would be removed for international students.
The current visa application fee of $630 is charged for international student visa and $495 for working holiday visa.

 
N0 Restrictions For Working Holiday Makers

From 19 January 2022, WHMs working in any sector anywhere in Australia may continue to work for the same employer or organisation without requesting permission.
To address the current workforce shortages, the Australian Government will not enforce condition 8547 which restricts Working Holiday Makers to work only 6 months for any one employer.
This arrangement will be in place until 31 December 2022 when it will be reviewed by the Government.
Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417 and 462) visas are on the list of eligible visas for entry to Australia without a travel exemption. Visa holders must be double-vaccinated and prove their status by providing a foreign vaccination certificate or evidence of medical exemption.

 
Interested to know more?

Please Book a Consultation for an initial assessment and find out if you are eligible for an Australian visa and let us guide you towards your Australian migration goal.

 
Disclaimer

The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

05 Nov 2020

SkillSelect Invitation Round on 21 October 2020

Categories Australia, GSM, Skills Assessment, State Nomination, Visa

SkillSelect invitation rounds results for 21 October 2020 has been published by Department of Home Affairs.

The Government is closely monitoring migration and visa settings to ensure they are consistent with public health measures, are flexible and do not displace job opportunities for Australians, so that Australia can effectively respond to the immediate and subsequent impacts of COVID-19. As such, targeted invitation rounds have occurred since May 2020.

The table below shows the number of invitations issued in the SkillSelect invitation round on 21 Octogber 2020.

Visa subclassNumber
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)30
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored80

 

Visa subclassMinimum points scoreLatest date of effect month
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)6509/2020
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored)6504/2020

 

Point scores and the dates of effect cut off for the pro rata occupations in the 21 October 2020 invitation round.
Due to high levels of demand, and in keeping with previous program years, the below occupation groups will be subject to pro rata arrangements to ensure availability of invitations across the program year.
SkillSelect first allocates available places to Skilled – Independent visas (subclass 189), and thereafter the remaining to Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored . If all places are taken up by subclass 189 visas then there will be no invitations issued for subclass 491 visas in these occupations.

SubclassOccupation IDDescriptionMinimum points scoreLatest date of effect month
189/4912211AccountantsN/AN/A
189/4912212Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate TreasurersN/AN/A
189/4912334Electronics EngineerN/AN/A
189/4912335Industrial, Mechanical and Production EngineersN/AN/A
189/4912339Other Engineering ProfessionalsN/AN/A
189/4912611ICT Business and System AnalystsN/AN/A
189/4912613Software and Applications ProgrammersN/AN/A
189/4912631Computer Network ProfessionalsN/AN/A

 

Invitations issued during 2020-21 program year
Visa subclassJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunTotal
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)50011035030        990
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored1009015080        420
Total600200500110        800

The above figures do not include invitations issued for State and Territory Government nominated visa subclasses. State and Territory Governments nominate throughout the month for specific points tested skilled migration and business innovation and investment visas.

For more details on invitation rounds visit: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds

Source: Department of Home Affairs Website[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

 
Interested to know more?

Click here to book a consultation with one of our friendly consultants.

 
Disclaimer

The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

07 Oct 2020

BUDGET 2020 – Immigration Update

Categories Australia, Business & Investment Visas, Family Visas, Visa

Here are few excerpts from the Budget paper:

COVID-19 Response Package — refunds and waivers of Visa Application Charges

The Government will refund or waive the visa application charge (VAC) for temporary visa holders affected by the COVID-19 travel ban.

Prospective Marriage, Pacific Labour Scheme and Seasonal Worker Programme visa holders will be able to access a VAC refund.

Temporary skilled workers and visitor visa holders will be eligible to have the VAC for a subsequent visa application waived, to allow them to return to Australia once travel restrictions are lifted.

Working holiday makers will be eligible to have the VAC for a subsequent visa application waived, to allow them to return to Australia once travel restrictions are lifted or otherwise be able to access a VAC refund.

VAC refunds and waivers will be available to current visa holders who are unable to travel until the border reopens.

 
Migration Program — 2020-21 planning levels

The Government will maintain the 2020-21 Migration Program planning level at 160,000.

Family Stream places will increase from 47,732 to 77,300 places on a one-off basis for the 2020-21 Migration Program year.

Employer Sponsored, Global Talent, Business Innovation and Investment Program visas will be prioritised within the Skilled Stream.

Onshore visa applicants and Partner visa applicants where the relevant sponsor resides in a designated regional area will also be prioritised for the 2020-21 Migration Program.

 
Migration Program — changes to the Business Innovation and Investment Program

From 1 July 2021, the Government will streamline and improve the operation of the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP). The Government will introduce changes to improve the quality of investments and applicants. Visa application charges for BIIP visas will also be increased by an additional 11.3 per cent (above regular CPI indexation) on 1 July 2021. These changes will sharpen the focus of the BIIP program on higher value investors, business owners and entrepreneurs and improve the economic outcomes of the BIIP.

 
Migration Program — enhancing Family Stream migration outcomes

The Government will apply the family sponsorship framework to Partner visas which will mandate character checks and the sharing of personal information as part of a mandatory sponsorship application, and subject the sponsor to enforceable sponsorship obligations. These changes will complement existing family violence provisions within the Partner visa program. The Government will introduce English language requirements for Partner visa applicants and their permanent resident sponsors. These changes will help support English language acquisition and enhance social cohesion and economic participation outcomes.
Source: https://budget.gov.au/2020-21/content/bp2/download/bp2_complete.pdf

 

SUMMARY OF EXPECTED CHANGES

  • 2020-21 Migration Program ceiling will remain at 160,000 places.
  • Family stream increased to 77,300 (72,300 places will be allocated to partner visa applicants). While this could be an indication to clear the massive partner visa application backlog that currently sits at 100,000, it could also mean a significant cut for places in the parent category.
  • Onshore visa applicants and Partner visa applicants where the relevant sponsor resides in a designated regional area, will be prioritised for the 2020-21 Migration Program – Meaning offshore Partner visa applicants could still have to wait longer. Alternatively, onshore applicants may be lured to move to regional areas for faster processing (thereby boosting economy of regional Australia).
  • English language requirements will be introduced for Partner visa applicants and the Sponsor – Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the new English language requirement for partner visa applicants and their permanent resident sponsors announced as part of the Federal Budget will be a ‘basic language competency test’ aimed at enabling migrants to get the best out of life in Australia
  • Business, Investment and Innovation Program will be increased to 13,500 places – Clearly the government is seeking high net worth business owners and investors to boost economy.
  • Global Talent Independent program will be tripled to 15,000 places – This could affect number of places available for other skilled visas, but it’s going to help the economy and open doors for highly skilled and talented indviduals!
 
Net Overseas Migration

The 2020 budget estimates reveal that Australia will suffer its first negative net overseas migration since the Second World War in a major blow to the country’s economy already bruised by the pandemic.

Net migration numbers are expected to fall from 154,000 in the 2019-20 financial year to a net loss of 72,000 in 2020-21 and 21,600 in 2021-22, before gradually increasing to about 201,000 over the next four years.

 
Interested to know more?

Please Book a Consultation for an initial assessment and find out if you are eligible for an Australian visa and let us guide you towards your Australian migration goal.

 
Disclaimer

The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

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