FEDERAL BUDGET PLAN 2020-2021- MIGRATION PROGRAM UPDATES
Important changes have been announced within the Migration Program of the Federal Budget plan for 2020-2021, specifically for partner visa applicants and for temporary visa holders unable to travel to Australia due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Partner visa
A family sponsorship framework will be introduced; those who wish to sponsor their partner must submit their own application first and be deemed suitable to sponsor before a visa application can be lodged.
English language requirements will be introduced for BOTH applicants and their permanent resident sponsors. The aim is to enhance their social integration and a better economic participation.
Priority will be given to applications made onshore and to applicants whose sponsor resides in regional area.
REFUND for temporary visa holders
VAC refunds, waivers or visa extensions will be offered to current visa holders who have been unable to travel to Australia due to the pandemic and the borders closure, including:
temporary skilled workers and visitor visa holders, who will be eligible to have a VAC for a subsequent visa application waived,
working holiday visa makers will be eligible to have a VAC for a subsequent visa application waived or otherwise to access the VAC refund.
prospective marriage visa holders will have access to VAC (Visa Application Charges) refund.
To make these changes effective, regulation amendments are required.
Further updates will be available soon
CHANGES TO THE OCCUPATIONS LISTS - MARCH 2020
The planned changes to the occupations lists of March 2020 will occur after the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business will have taken into consideration public submissions among the other factors.
A list of flagged occupations (proposed for a change and/or recommended a salary caveat) has just been published. Occupations that are not included in the list are unlikely to see any changes.
The following occupations, currently in the STSOL are proposed for removal from the list:
Careers Counsellor, Vehicle Trimmer, Business Machine Mechanic, Animal Attendants and Trainers nec, Gardener (General), Hairdresser, Wood Machinist, Massage Therapist, Community Worker, Diving Instructor (Open Water), Gymnastics Coach or Instructor.
The occupations below are proposed for a change of list from MLTSSL to STSOL:
Automotive Electrician, Motorcycle Mechanic, Locksmith, Painting Trades Worker, Glazier, Wall and Floor Tiler, Cabinetmaker
On the contrary, the following occupations might be transferred from STSOL to MLTSSL:
Sales and Marketing Manager (with a salary caveat of $120,000), ICT Project Manager (includes Blockchain Planner/Manager), Information and Organisation Professionals nec (includes Data Scientist), Insurance Loss Adjuster
From ROL to STSOL:
Post Office Manager, Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson, Real Estate Representative
From TSOL to ROL:
Geologist
From ROL to MLTSSL:
Procurement Manager, Ship's Master
Added to STSOL:
Corporate Treasurer, Aged or Disabled Carer , Nursing Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant
Last but not least, the occupations below are proposed a salary caveat of $65,000:
Baker, Pastrycook, Horse Trainer , Fitter and Turner, Sportspersons nec, Poultry Farmer.
Do not hesitate to contact us for further information
GOLD COAST WILL BE REGIONAL AREA
Following the announcement on Perth reinstated as regional area, the Gold Coast too, according to a joint media release with the Hon Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister, the Hon Alan Tudge MP and the Hon Dan Tehan MP, will become regional as of 16 November 2019.
The regional cap for skilled regional visa places has been increased by 2,000 units, from 23,000 to 25,000.