Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents

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As part of the Australian Government's Migration Strategy released in December 2023, there are significant changes to the 482 visa condition 8607 and the 494 visa condition 8608 from 1 July 2024. These changes are aimed at reducing the exploitation of immigrants in Australia and providing more flexibility for visa holders.

Summary of Changes:

• Extended Period to Find a New Sponsor: Employer-sponsored visa holders will have 180 days to find a new sponsor if they quit or are fired (currently, it is only 60 days).
• Maximum Total Period: A maximum of 365 days in total across the entire visa grant period.
• Flexibility in Employment: During this period, visa holders are allowed to work for different employers, including in occupations not listed in their most recently approved sponsorship nomination. This flexibility ensures that visa holders can support themselves financially while searching for a new sponsor.

Obligations:

• Notification Requirement: Sponsors must notify the Department if a visa holder ceases work within 28 days, whether the visa holder resigns or their employment is terminated.
• Employment Restrictions: Unless exempt, visa holders cannot work for another employer unless they have ceased work with their sponsoring employer.
• Nominated Occupation: Visa holders must remain in their nominated occupation while working for their existing sponsor.
• Licensing and Registration: Visa holders must not do any work inconsistent with any licence or registration needed for their nominated occupation.

Affected Individuals:

The changes apply to existing 457, 482 and 494 visa holders as well as those granted a visa on or after 1 July 2024.

Pathway to Permanent Residency:

The 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream has not been changed at this point, so most 482 visa holders are still required to work 2 years for their same sponsoring employer before they can be sponsored for the 186 TRT stream.

The government may change this later in the year, when they bring in the Skills in Demand visa, so that “Periods of employment with any approved employer will count towards permanent residence requirements.” (The Migration Strategy, page 48).

Reform of Skilling Australia Fund Needed:

The Migration Strategy report raised the possibility of changes to the Skilling Australia Fund (SAF). Currently, the SAF requires a large upfront payment for the original nomination for a temporary work visa:

• For 482 visas: $1,200 per year for businesses with a turnover up to $10 million and $1,800 per year for businesses with a turnover over $10 million.
• For 494 visas: $3,000 flat fee for businesses with a turnover up to $10 million and $5,000 per year for businesses with a turnover over $10 million.

The changes to conditions 8607 and 8608 provide significant flexibility for employees, making it urgent to reform the Skilling Australia Fund to ensure employers are willing to sponsor, even with the risk of employee turnover.

Do you need help with a 482 or a 494 Visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents is ready to assist you with your visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

If you are looking for an employer to sponsor you, check out our blog "How to Find an Employer Sponsor in Australia."

Sources:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1213

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/programs-subsite/migration-strategy/Documents/migration-strategy.pdf

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In December 2023, the Australian government announced a new Migration Strategy, introducing significant changes to various visa programs, including the Graduate Visa.

The main change will be the reduction of the maximum eligible age from under 50 to 35 years or under, proposed to be implemented on July 1, 2024.

These reforms are set to impact many people currently studying in Australia, prospective students, and the education sector, as the substantial reduction in age eligibility could make Australia less attractive for those seeking study opportunities and a pathway to permanent residency.

So, if you are 36 years old or over and can’t qualify for a 485 Graduate Visa, here are 5 visa options you may be eligible to apply for:

1. Skilled Nominated Visas (190 or 491)

Use your existing experience and qualifications to get a positive skills assessment and apply for the Skilled Nominated Visas 190 or 491.

Minimum requirements for the Skilled Nominated 190 Visa:

• Have an occupation on the relevant skilled list
• Have a positive skills assessment
• Be invited to apply for this visa
• Satisfy the points test (65 points or more)
• Be under 45 years old
• Have at least competent English

Minimum requirements for the 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa:

• Be nominated to apply by a state or territory
• Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
• Have a positive skills assessment
• Be invited to apply
• Be under 45 years old
• Satisfy the points test (65 points or more)
• Have at least competent English

2. Employer-Sponsored Work Visa (Subclass 482)

If you have two years of full-time experience (down to one year from November 2024), find an employer and apply for a 482 Employer-Sponsored Work Visa.

Minimum requirements for the Temporary Skill Shortage 482 Visa:

• Be nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor
• Have the right skills to do the job
• Have at least 2 years of relevant work experience as above in your nominated occupation or a related field
• No age requirement for this visa
• English requirements: Short-term stream - Overall band score of at least 5.0 with a score of at least 4.5 in each component. Medium-term stream - Overall band score of at least 5.0 with a score of at least 5 in each component

3. Training Visa (Subclass 407)

If you do not have post-qualification experience, then apply for a 407 Training Visa for two years to gain professional development.

Minimum requirements for the 407 Training Visa:

• Must be sponsored by an eligible employer in Australia
• Must be nominated to enter a specific training program
• Must have functional English
• No age requirement for this visa

4. Partner Visa

If you have an Australian partner.

Minimum requirements for the Partner Visa:

• Be in a genuine relationship with your spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Must be 18 or older

5. Another Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) 

If you can find a suitable course to undertake.

Minimum requirements for a Student Visa:

• Be a genuine student
• Be enrolled in a course of study in Australia
• Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

If you want to know if you are eligible to apply for one of these visas, please book an appointment here. We will be happy to assist you.

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

What are the 5 best courses to study in Australia in 2024 to obtain Permanent Residency?

Australia is home to 43 universities, some of which are among the world's top 100. Australia is a safe and welcoming country attracting many students who want to settle in Australia and obtain Australian Permanent Residency. So, let's get started!

After completing their studies, there are two main visa paths students can follow to obtain PR:

• Skilled Visa (Subclass 189, 190 and 491)
• Employer-Sponsored 482 and 494 Visas
• DAMAs

The courses we are mentioning have strong options in both paths. If you are interested, please book an appointment here.

Number 5: SOCIAL WORK OR COMMUNITY SERVICES

Social work is becoming increasingly popular for securing permanent residency in Australia.

• A bachelor’s degree in Social Work is usually a 3-year degree with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 18,000 per year.
• Ensure the degree you enrol in is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).
• Social Work is on the medium-term list and can lead to a Skilled Independent visa or 190 or 491. Employer sponsorship is also an option.
• Under a Ministerial Direction, Social Work currently receives priority processing.
• Skills assessment: The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Number 4: CARPENTER

With a shortage of houses in Australia, the Government is encouraging the construction of more houses. Carpenters are in high demand in terms of employability:

• Diploma-level qualifications related to Carpentry is a two-year course with a tuition fee of approximately AUD 10,000 per year.
• This is a very good option if you are looking for a trade course that may lead to PR.
• Trade occupations must complete a job-ready program to get a positive skill assessment from TRA with a minimum of 12 months of full-time work experience or equivalent.
• Be aware that graduates of trade courses can only obtain an 18-24 month temporary graduate visa 485.
• Skills assessment: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

Here are some common types of carpenters in Australia:

• Joiner carpenter
• Framework carpenter
• Formwork carpenter
• Green carpenter

Number 3: CIVIL CONSTRUCTION DESIGN

• Advanced Diploma in Civil Construction Design is a two-year course with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 12,000 per year.
• One of the advantages of the course is that you can get a skills assessment done by Engineers Australia without any work experience and apply for a 485 Graduate Visa, and then further for any of the GSM visas.
• The occupation related to this course is on the medium- and long-term skills list, which means that this occupation is eligible for all three GSM visas, including 189, 190, and 491.

After obtaining this qualification, potential job roles may include:

• Civil Engineering Technician
• Civil Engineering Design Draftsperson
• Civil Engineering Draftsperson
• Senior civil construction designer
• Structural Engineering Drafting officer
• Road Design Draftsperson

Number 2: TEACHER

 A Bachelor of Teaching is a 4-year degree with a tuition fee of approximately AUD 18,000 per year.

• For those with a relevant degree, a Master of Teaching is a two-year course.
• Teachers are on the medium-term list with several PR application options, and they are also a high priority in processing, similar to Registered nurses.
• Different universities have different admission criteria, so be sure to check with us if you are interested in this course.
• Under a Ministerial Direction, Teaching currently receives priority processing.

Skills assessment: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

To work as a teacher, you will need to register as a teacher after completing your course.

In-demand teachers in Australia include:

• Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
• Middle School Teacher
• Primary School Teacher
• Secondary School Teacher
• University lecturer
• Special Education Teachers

Number 1: REGISTERED NURSES

Registered Nurses have the highest priority in processing.

• Registered nurses are on the medium-term list with several PR application options such as Skilled Visa (Subclass 189, 190, and 491), Employer-Sponsored Visa, and DAMAs.
• A Bachelor of Nursing is a 3-year degree with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 30,000 per year.
• One of the basic requirements for enrolment in this course is an English test result equivalent to IELTS 7 bands in each module.
• Skills assessment: Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

As a Registered Nurse, you may choose from various specialties, including:

• Aged Care
• Mental Health
• Critical Care and Emergency
• Medical
• Perioperative
• Midwife

GUIDE TO OBTAINING PR AS A REGISTERED NURSE IN AUSTRALIA

Many more course options can provide you with a pathway to permanent residency. Please contact us if you are looking for something that suits your career needs.

In December 2023, the Australian Government introduced in the Migration Strategy the Skills in Demand Visa with three pathways: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills. The new Skills in Demand visa will replace the Temporary Skills Shortage 482 Visa and provide more flexibility to workers and employers. The Skills in Demand Visa are set to be implemented in late 2024.

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is a skills assessment service for people with trade skills gained overseas or in Australia for the purpose of migration.

It offers skills assessment programs based on your occupation, country of passport, where you studied, and the type of visa you are seeking. There are 5 programs:

1. Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA)

This is for the 485 applicants. PSA must be completed before you can apply for the JRP.

2. Job Ready Program (JRP)

The JRP is an employment-based skills assessment program. It is for international student graduates with an Australian qualification that has been verified through a Provisional Skills Assessment. Applicants with positive outcomes can apply for a General Skilled Visa (Subclass 189/190/491) or an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) Direct Entry Stream.

Step 1:  PSA

• The applicant needs to complete the relevant course and
• Have 360 hours work placement to be eligible.

Step 2: Job Ready Employment (JRE)

• The applicant needs to demonstrate their visa which allows them to work full-time in the next 12 months.
• From the date of application, the applicant needs to work in the nominated occupation for 12 months. You can change employer, but you need to register every employer that you work with.
• You need to complete your logbook and the employer needs to sign it.
• Once you completed 863 hours in 6 months, then you need to notify TRA to start Step three.

Step 3: Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA)

• You will be contacted by TRA recognized RTO to have an assessment in your workplace.
• All the assessment is done in English, no interpreters are allowed.

Step 4: Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA)

• Completed Step three and have more than 12 months employment (not less than 1725 hours).
• You will receive an outcome letter which can be used for GSM (491/190) application.

3. Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Skills Assessment

This is for applicants who would like to apply for a TSS Subclass 482 visa.

Step 1:  RTO Documentary Evidence Assessment

• This is to assess the evidence of your identity, qualifications (if any), skills and employment experience.

Step 2: Technical Interview

• You will be required to participate in a technical assessment of your skills and knowledge. This will involve a technical interview of skills and gathering evidence from nominated employers or other referees, which may include documentary, oral, pictorial and/or video evidence.

Step 3: Practical Assessment (licensed occupations only)

• You need to demonstrate your skills in one of the RTO’s venues.

4. Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)

This is for applicants who would like to apply for a General Skilled Visa (Subclass 189/190/491) or an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186).

Certain occupations and passport holders from certain countries need to undertake this program.

You can check your nominated occupations and countries here. 

Common occupations assessed under this steam are:

Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic* [342111]  

​Electrician (General)* [341111] 

​Plumber (General)* [334111] 

Step 1:  RTO Documentary Evidence Assessment

• This is to assess the evidence of your identity, qualifications (if any), skills and employment experience.

Step 2: Technical Interview

• You will be required to participate in a technical assessment of your skills and knowledge. This will involve a technical interview of skills and gathering evidence from nominated employers or other referees, which may include documentary, oral, pictorial and/or video evidence.

Step 3: Practical Assessment (licensed occupations only)

• You need to demonstrate your skills in one of the RTO’s venues.

5. Migration Skills Assessment

This is for applicants who would like to apply for a General Skilled Visa (Subclass 189/190/491) or an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

Common occupations to apply under this program are:

Electronic Equipment Trades Worker

Painting Trades Worker

Wall and Floor Tiler

You need to provide all the required documents directly to TRA through its online portal.

Obtaining a positive skills assessment is an important step in your Australian Visa application. If you are unsure of which authority is relevant for your occupation, or about the skills assessment criteria, we can help. Click here to book an appointment.

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your skill assessment process and Australian visa application.

 Click here to learn more about other types of skills assessments.

Sources:

https://www.tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au/

How can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your potential application(s).

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

We've launched hundreds of partner visas over the years. With numerous aspects to consider, understanding the requirements and nuances of the application process is crucial. We aim to provide a guide, offering valuable insights into the Australian Partner Visa application, covering various aspects from types and stages to documentation, requirements, and common questions.

If you need to apply for a Partner Visa, please book an appointment here.

Types of Visas Related to Partner Relationships:

Currently, there are three types of visas related to partner relationships: the prospective marriage visa or Fiancée Visa, the partner visa offshore, and the partner visa onshore.  

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300): Designed for those planning to marry their prospective spouse in Australia and subsequently apply for an onshore partner visa. The evidence required for a prospective marriage visa is generally less. You need to demonstrate your intention to be in a spouse relationship rather than being in a spouse or partner relationship.  

Partner Visa Offshore (Subclass 309 and 100): For individuals in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, applying from outside Australia. Applicants applying outside of Australia will need to apply for an offshore partner visa Subclass 309 which goes to subclass 100 for permanent residency. 

Partner Visa Onshore (Subclass 820 and 801): For applicants inside Australia, the process involves obtaining a temporary partner visa (Subclass 820) followed by a permanent partner visa (Subclass 801).

Stages of Partner Visa:

If you are in a married or de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and you are being sponsored by your partner, you might apply for a partner visa.  The relationship must be genuine and ongoing.

There are two stages to the partner visa:

Stage 1: is a temporary partner visa.

Stage 2: is a permanent partner visa. 

Both temporary and permanent partner visas allow you to work and study in Australia and you are eligible for Medicare. 

Documentation and Evidence:

We know that every relationship is different, and the Australian Department of Home Affairs may need different kinds of documents to assess your application. Include evidence relating to the nature of your household, recognition of your relationship by family and friends, and your joint financial commitments to each other. 

Married relationship: If you're in a married relationship, you need to provide a legal marriage certificate or registration from in Australia or another country. The marriage document needs to be authentic and legally valid. 

De facto relationship: There are two ways to meet the de facto relationship requirements. 

• Number 1: being in a de facto relationship, which is mutually exclusive, and you've been with your partner for at least 12 months before you apply for the partner visa in or outside of Australia.  In most cases, this would mean you've been living with your partner for 12 months.
• Number 2: register a relationship in an Australian state or territory.  This can allow an application to proceed when the relationship is less than 12 months old. 

You need to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that a de facto relationship exists between you and your partner. There are some exceptions to the 12-month rule. For example, if there's a child of the relationship. 

Same-sex couples:

Same-sex couples can apply for partner visas. They will need to demonstrate their relationship based on a married or de facto relationship. 

We’ve been successful with many applications for same-sex couples. 

Genuine and Continuing Relationship Criteria:

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has some standard criteria to assess a genuine and continuing relationship.  The main four criteria are:

• Financial responsibilities: this could include a home loan, joint property, or rental property that is in both parties' names or an active bank account that has both parties' names. 
• Evidence of a shared household: this could include things like bills and utilities. It could include evidence of living arrangements, and it could include things like shared financial responsibility for food and utilities.
• Social commitment: this includes statements from friends and family which attest to you being in a relationship. It can also be shown by photos from social events. 
• Commitment: this criteria includes considerations of how long the parties have been in a relationship and the future plans that the couple has. Such criteria might be addressed in a statutory declaration to help prove the application.

Providing strong evidence addressing these criteria is vital for a successful application.

How long does the process normally take?

Partner visa processing times can vary, typically ranging from six months to two years. Having strong evidence of your relationship can help with processing times. 

You can find the processing times at Home Affairs website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times

Sponsor Requirements:

Sponsors must be of good character and provide necessary documentation, including police clearances. There are limitations on sponsoring more than one partner within a five-year period.

Main reasons for partner visa refusals:

• Lack of supporting evidence of the relationship. 
• Inconsistencies in the application, and in relation to the telephone interview with the department, if they hold one.
• Not meeting schedule three requirements. This is about not having a substantive visa at the time of application.
• Misleading social media posts and inconsistencies in those social media posts.
• Sponsor problems, for example, failing to update Centrelink that they are in a relationship. 

How can you make an application strong? 

A successful partner visa application requires meticulous planning. You need to have a genuine and continuing relationship and ensure all the documents are provided as part of the visa application. 

How much does a partner visa cost?

The Australian partner visa comes with a significant application fee of $8,850, making it one of the more expensive visa applications.

Obtaining an Australian Partner Visa involves a thorough understanding of the process, careful documentation, and strategic planning. If you have questions or need assistance in applying for a partner visa, our team is here to help. Contact us for personalized guidance throughout your partner visa application.

Sources:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-onshore

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-offshore

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/prospective-marriage-300

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Partner Visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

The Australian Government announced that it will close the Global Talent Visa in late 2024 and replace it with the new National Innovation Visa. Follow this link for more details about the National Innovation Visa.

Opportunity for you in the Global Talent Visa:

We’ve been working actively with the Global Talent Visa since it was introduced in November 2019. There have been quite a few changes in relation to the Department of Home Affairs' approach to the Expression of Interest and the Global Talent overall priority. It is no longer the top priority, which has gone to Nurses and Teachers through Direction 100.

The Global Talent Visa is taking longer, but there are still plenty of success stories. It is still a good option for those looking to go straight to Australian PR without needing to do a Skills Assessment, especially for those who are over 45 years old. 

I want to give you an update on what’s been happening lately.

Read more about the Global Talent Visa

Expressions of Interest:

Expression of Interest is the toughest of the two stages. The need to demonstrate prominence and achievements in your field and earning capacity of at least the FWHIT currently AUD 167,500 are centrally important.

Some Expressions of Interest still receive priority; for example, we recently got priority for our client whose professional experience is in the area of education.

However, fewer priorities are being given, and overall, you would expect the Expression of Interest stage to take 6 to 12 months.

The Australian Government has announced changes that will allow short-term 457 or 482 visa holders to have a pathway to permanent residency in Australia after 2 years. If you have held and worked on a 482 visa for at least 2 years, you can apply from November 25, 2023.

Employers will be able to nominate holders of all Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 Visa, including Short-term and Labour Agreement streams. The nominated person will need to have held their TSS or subclass 457 visa(s) for 2 out of the 3 years before nomination.

Before, only Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa holders whose occupations are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) could apply for an Employer Nomination Scheme (186) visa under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) pathway after 3 years of full-time employment with the sponsoring employer while on a 457 visa or 482 visa.

Short-term 482 to PR 186

From November 25, 2023, the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream will become available to the majority of 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa holders. It will no longer be restricted to 482 visa holders with occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Skilled Occupation List. In addition, the required length of employment with your sponsoring employer will be reduced from 3 years to 2 years.

If your occupation is on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), you will also be eligible to apply for the 186 Temporary Residence Transition after working in Australia for your employer-sponsor with a 482 visa for 2 years.

Medium-term 482 to PR in 2 years

Previously, medium-term occupations required 3 years on a 482 visa to be eligible to apply for permanent residency. When the changes start, all 482 streams can access PR and the work experience requirement will now be reduced to 2 years.

Common medium-term occupations include roles such as Registered Nurse, Diesel Mechanic, Carpenter, and more.

Below we have summarised what the changes mean:

The migration allocations for the year ending 30th of June 2024 have zero allocations for Business and Investor Visas. That signifies that there are no Business or Investor Visas available for this year, as illustrated in the chart below.

This means it will not be possible to get a state nomination for any of the four streams of the Business and Investor Visa Program. 

The four streams of the Business Innovation and Investor Programme (BIIP) are:

• Business Innovation stream
• Investor stream
• Significant Investor stream
• Entrepreneur stream

 Why did they close the Business 188 visa?

The Parkinsons’ Migration Review Final Report had several negative comments about the Business Innovation and Investor Programme. These negative comments included that the overall age of business Visa applicants is higher than other visas and that this could cause high medical expenses. Further, there were comments that 188 Visa holders had low incomes while in Australia.

In relation to the income point, we argue that this was based on accurate information that underestimated the range of income generated by Business Visa holders, including through their business and personal. 

The migration review also recommends revisiting the allocation of places across the permanent skilled program. In particular, it suggests reconsidering the size and role of the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP), noting more positive outcomes from the Significant Investor Visa.

Other visa options

If you do not want to wait until new Business and Investor Visas are announced, you may consider the Global Talent Visa. 

To learn more about the Global Talent Visa and to explore your immigration options, please visit: https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/services/global-talent-distinguished-talent-visas/global-talent-independent-visa.html

New Investor Visa opportunities coming from July 1, 2024

The Migration Review Final Report did mention some positive contributions by their Significant Investor Visa and suggests consideration be given to whether the BIIP is retained as a substantial program.

We expect a redeveloped version of the Significant Investor Visa to be introduced from 1 July 2024. 

On page 66 of the report, there are suggestions that consideration should be given to whether the BIIP is retained as a substantial program: “We note that outcomes for the small Significant Investor stream have been stronger than for the remainder of the BIIP. If there is a desire to retain some element of the BIIP, consideration could be given to drawing on the relative strength of this stream in designing a niche investment visa product, much more sharply targeted to select migrants able to drive innovative investments or play a valuable role in the venture capital industry.”

It is expected that the new investor Visa will be similar to the current significant investor Visa and may require: 

• $5000,000 investment into a complying investment
• Complying investments are yet to be determined by the federal government and may include a stipulated percentage of investment into venture capital.

If you intend to invest in Australia, we can help you find the best Australian business visa options. Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents looks forward to assisting you. If you are interested in a Significant Investor Visa for Australia, please contact us.

Sources:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/reports-and-publications/reviews-and-inquiries/departmental-reviews/migration-system-for-australias-future

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/reports-and-pubs/files/review-migration-system-final-report.pdf

 How can Work Visa Lawyers help?

If you need help with this visa, Work Visa Lawyers can assist you.

Work Visa Lawyers is highly experienced in all parts of an employer-sponsored visa application process. We can assist with all aspects of the application and will provide an eligibility assessment before advising you to proceed with a visa application.

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world. You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.