If you plan to apply for an Australian visa shortly, you must be aware of the application requirements and the recent rule changes. The Australian immigration lawyers system is straightforward. Overseas skilled workers must satisfy the point requirements to obtain permanent residence visas. The Government of Australia has introduced a few crucial changes in the visa process requirements and rules, which you have to consider while applying for a visa this year.
Australia Immigration: Changes And Updates 2022
Here we discuss the latest changes and updates introduced in the immigration rules and regulations.
A Western Australian Region Has Entered DAMA
The Southwest region of Western Australia has signed a DAMA with the Federal Government to handle the labor shortage issue. ‘DAMA’ stands for Designated Area Migration Agreement, created by DAMA and the Shire of Dardanup. This region is the 8th in the line to enter this 5-year agreement with the Commonwealth.
The NSW Government is Considering Offshore Candidates
The New South Wales Government is also considering offshore candidates. These candidates have skills in several main occupations within some ANZSCO unit groups. The NSW Government had already marked these unit groups in their skilled occupation list.
Australian Government Has Reopened the Borders
The Federal Government has started reopening its international borders on 21 February 2022. However, it only applies to visa holders who have received full vaccination doses.
Travelers need to undergo a relevant COVID test before boarding their Australian flights. In addition, they also need to do the required paperwork, including the Australian Travel Declaration. After arriving here, it will be vital for them to follow the necessary quarantine requirements set by the state or the territory they enter.
Announcements for International Students
The Government of Australia has also declared some key measures for international students, who have been affected by the pandemic. The new arrangements will protect their post-study work rights.
Visa Extension for Holders of 491, 489, and 494 Visas
As per the announcement made by the Australian Government on 18 January 2022, holders of 491, 489, and 494 Visas impacted by the travel restrictions will get a 3-year extension on their visas.
191 Visa Will Commence in November 2022
The Australian Government introduced the Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491 and the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa Subclass 494. These visas allow companies based in regional Australia and the state and territory governments a much broader range to nominate and recruit skilled workers from overseas.
Applicants applying for these visas need to satisfy several requirements, including English language skills, work experience, and age limits.
If you are one of them and have held the 494 or 491 Visa for a minimum of 3 years and satisfy the minimum taxable income requirements, you will be eligible for the permanent Subclass 191 Visa.
This 191 Visa is expected to commence in November 2022.
Your visa lawyer can help you with your application.
Section 48 Is No Longer a Problem
The Australian Government has also made an important announcement regarding section 48. This rule became effective on 13 November 2021. Onshore applicants who have this section imposed can apply for three skilled visas – Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190, Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491, and Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa Subclass 494.
Changes Made by the South Australian Government in Their Business and Investment Program 2021-22
The South Australian Government has removed two crucial steps associated with the business visa application process. These new changes are as follows.
- You are no longer required to submit, an ITA (Intention to Apply) form for this ongoing 2021-22 program year.
- “Exploratory visit to South Australia” has also been removed.
Changes Introduced by the Western Australia Government in the State Nomination Ranking System
The Government of Western Australia has also introduced some major changes to the ranking system it has been using to nominate candidates based on their EOI (Expression of Interest) documents.
The main intention behind introducing these changes is to focus more on the international students and skilled workers currently residing in the state.
Quarantine Requirements Are Expected to Continue
New variants of COVID-19 are emerging. That is why it is expected that the quarantine requirements and travel restrictions may continue to respond to the severity of the pandemic in several countries.
So, prospective applicants must keep an eye on the relevant resources that provide essential information regarding changes in immigration procedures.
How Can An Immigration Lawyer Help You?
If you need any help with the application procedure, a qualified and experienced immigration lawyer in Perth is the best person for that. They handle a number of cases every year and can guide you throughout the application procedure. So, get in touch with the top immigration lawyers who can solve all the issues.
