We hope this post finds you well as we bring you important updates regarding the Australian immigration landscape. As your go-to source for all things migration, Migration Guru is here to guide you through recent changes that have unfolded in the wake of the COVID-19 concession period, which officially concluded on 25 November 2023.
The End of COVID-19 Concession Period: A New Chapter Begins
The Australian government’s temporary measures aimed at easing the challenges faced by visa applicants during the pandemic have concluded. With the removal of international travel restrictions, travellers to Australia no longer need to provide vaccination status information or seek travel exemptions. This marks a significant milestone in the journey toward a well-managed migration system.
Impact on Specific Visa Programs: Employer-Sponsored Visas and More
Effective 25 November 2023, key changes have been implemented for various visa streams, including Employer-Sponsored Visas such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS), Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS), and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. New nominations for these visas will now require TSS holders to have specific work experience criteria, ensuring a more streamlined and targeted approach.
Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 887: Changes and Concessions
For eligible prospective Subclass 887 visa applicants, the concession period allowed for lodging applications both in and outside Australia. However, this concession is now obsolete. Applicants can only access employment requirement concessions if they held an eligible skilled provisional visa during the concession period and submitted a valid application on or before Monday, 26 February 2024.
Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) Visas: A Grace Period
COVID-19 concessions under BIIP for provisional Subclass 188 and permanent Subclass 888 visas are still applicable for eligible applicants. Those who qualify can make a valid application up to three months after the end of the concession period, with a deadline of Monday, 26 February 2024.
Partner Visas and Temporary Graduate Visas: New Flexibilities
Recent amendments now allow Partner Subclasses 309 and 820 visas to be granted whether applicants are inside or outside Australia at the time of visa grant. Additionally, all applications for any stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) program must be lodged in Australia from 25 November 2023 onward.
Changes in NSW State-Sponsored Migration Program: A Restructuring
The NSW government is undergoing a restructuring of its departments, including Investment NSW, which manages the state-sponsored migration program. Notably, the Regional Development Australia (RDA) approval processes for Subclass 491 visas have been abolished, with the NSW government taking over this function.
Two pathways are now available for obtaining NSW nomination for the Subclass 491 visa, offering clarity and improved application experiences. Direct applications to Investment NSW and invitations by Investment NSW are now open, with the latter initiating invitation rounds soon.
For those with pending applications handled by RDAs, Investment NSW is working collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition.
Feel free to reach out to us for any queries or concerns by booking a consultation. At Migration Guru, we’re committed to ensuring your migration journey is as seamless as possible.
For more information contact Our team via email at info@migrationguru.com.au or by calling 07 3036 3800. Readers are encouraged to follow us on Facebook for all the updates.
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