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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482 visas: Australia-UK free trade agreement negotiations commencing; international visitors likely in 2021

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482 visas: Australia-UK free trade agreement negotiations commencing; international visitors likely in 2021

With as much fanfare as Boris Johnson could muster, both the UK and Australia announced formal negotiations towards a free trade agreement between these two historically close countries. Visa benefits are likely to include international trade obligation exempting labour market testing for UK nationals when being nominated for a Subclass 482 – Skill Shortage visa, and perhaps the lifting of the age cap from 30 to 35 for Subclass 417 – Working Holiday visas. Also, the likelihood of Australia welcoming international visitors for holiday purposes seems to have been pushed back to 2021.

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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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491/189 visas: SkillSelect EOI invitation numbers fall off a cliff to 100…no surprises why

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491/189 visas: SkillSelect EOI invitation numbers fall off a cliff to 100…no surprises why

The number of invitations issued for Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent visas and Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visas sponsored by an eligible relative dropped to only 100 invitations in total for April 2020. Reasons why and a brief history of recent skilled migration reforms are provided.

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