COVID-19: Hundreds of thousands stranded Australian temporary visa holders and the lucky few allowed to enter

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COVID-19: Hundreds of thousands stranded Australian temporary visa holders and the lucky few allowed to enter

Of the 5.1 million temporary visas holders outside Australia as of 31 May 2020, roughly 255,000 temporary residents including 25,000 temporary sponsored workers or their family members were stuck overseas. As only 10,000 travel exemptions were granted up to 22 June 2020, most of which were for transiting passengers, it is an unfortunate situation that many temporary visa holders may see their visas expire without being able to return to Australia.

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Student visas offshore processing resumes but borders remain closed; COVID-19 affected students to renew for free and other benefits

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Student visas offshore processing resumes but borders remain closed; COVID-19 affected students to renew for free and other benefits

To shore up the education sector and to reassure existing and prospective international students, offshore student visa processing will re-commence despite Australia’s borders still closed to most if not all international students. Furthermore, current and future student visa holders who require a further student visa because of COVID-19 will not be required to pay an application fee. Other benefits for COVID-19-affected 485 visa applicants including counting online study, the ability to lodge their application while offshore and additional time to provide evidence of English language ability.

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Special visa arrangements for Hong Kong passport holders; new skilled occupation lists coming soon?

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Special visa arrangements for Hong Kong passport holders; new skilled occupation lists coming soon?

The prime minister has set out a plan for certain Hong Kong passport holders who hold Australian visas to extend their stay in Australia for up to 5 years. Additionally, new student graduates and temporary work visa applicants will also have access to a 5-year visa, with a pathway to a permanent visa available. The government has also set its sights on attracting Hong Kong’s best a brightest workers and businesses.

But perhaps the biggest announcement may be that revisions to the skilled occupation lists are coming sooner rather than later.

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International students inbound on pilot programs, business travellers floated, all only once state borders open

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International students inbound on pilot programs, business travellers floated, all only once state borders open

Late last week, firm words from the prime minister were directed towards his state and territory counterparts to open their borders as this would be a precondition before international borders are opened. The initial stages, likely in July 2020, will see international students enter Australia on pilot programs with select institutions and with the possibility of international business travellers allowed to enter too (or shortly after) according to the health minister.

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