482/494 visas: PMSOL for priority processing and travel exemptions; stronger labour market testing

482/494 visas: PMSOL for priority processing and travel exemptions; stronger labour market testing

A new Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) was announced today that sees priority processing and likely travel exemptions for visa applicants nominated for certain medical professional, construction, and IT occupations. Additional labour market testing on the government’s Jobactive website is required from tomorrow.

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188/888 visas: SIV in sight amid reports of rorting, potential increase from $5 million?

188/888 visas: SIV in sight amid reports of rorting, potential increase from $5 million?

A review of Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Program is ongoing, however, Significant Investor visas, which is a passive investment stream under the Subclass 188/888 – Business Innovation and Investment visa has come under fire with recent reports of integrity concerns and an alleged Ponzi scheme run through the current complying investment framework. The review suggests the $5 million minimum may be increased.

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WHM visas: Critical COVID-19 work anywhere in Australia after 31 January 2020 accepted as specified work

WHM visas: Critical COVID-19 work anywhere in Australia after 31 January 2020 accepted as specified work

From today, any application for a second or third Working Holiday Maker visa, Subclass 417 – Working Holiday visa and Subclass 462 – Work and Holiday visa, where an applicant has undertaken critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors in any postcode in Australia after 31 January 2020 will count towards specified work. What is defined as critical COVID-19 work is open to interpretation.

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

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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