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.