Pre-election rush: DAMAs signed for Warrnambool, Orana, South Australia

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Pre-election rush: DAMAs signed for Warrnambool, Orana, South Australia

In what may be the last act by the current Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) were signed late last week for Warrnambool, Orana and South Australia. With an election looming, these agreements formalise negotiations between State and Federal Governments so local businesses can use Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage visas to fill critical skill shortages not covered by the standard business sponsor program.

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Budget Special: VACs increase 5.4% from 1 July 2019; GSM single applicants to be awarded points, partners may become a disadvantage

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Budget Special: VACs increase 5.4% from 1 July 2019; GSM single applicants to be awarded points, partners may become a disadvantage

The Federal Budget handed down last night announced a 5.4 per cent visa application charge increase from 1 July 2019, and a change to the requirements for partner skills to be awarded for General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas. While the need for a skill assessment for the spouse or de facto partner of a visa applicant will be dropped, it may end up being a disadvantage as prospective visa applicants without partners will be awarded points for simply being single.

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The Greeks Are Coming…up to 500 of them from 1 July 2019 and on Subclass 462 – Work and Holiday visas

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The Greeks Are Coming…up to 500 of them from 1 July 2019 and on Subclass 462 – Work and Holiday visas

Greece will be the 43rd nation to join Australia’s working holiday visa and cultural exchange program from 1 July 2019 with up to 500 places per year for Greek nationals with functional English and who have completed or are studying towards a tertiary qualification.

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