Get help navigating Australia’s stricter visa rules

First off, this is what has changed

Here is a list of the most important changes to the Australian skilled worker migration programmes:

• Applicants 45 and above are no longer able to obtain permanent residence as sponsored employees or a general skilled worker. The previous age limit was 50 years of age.
• The number of occupations available for state sponsored work visas and general skilled migration visas has been reduced by 216 occupations.
• The consolidated skilled occupations list was renamed to the short-term skills shortages list.
• The skilled occupations list was renamed to the medium and long-term skills shortages list.
• Only those in occupations on the long-term skills shortages list can be sponsored for permanent residence by employers.
• Those on the short-term skills shortages list can only receive a two year work visa, which is renewable for another two.
• There is now a tougher English language test, involving reading, writing, listening and speaking.

According to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, the changes were implemented with the aim of improving “Australian values”. Many have been up in arms since the changes were announced. While it may be tougher it is certainly not impossible.

See also: Australian visa

How to get a state sponsorship

There are two ways to get a state sponsored visa. These options are very much alive and well despite the recent changes to the immigration rules and regulations.

1. Apply directly to the state

Despite the reduction of occupations available for those seeking sponsorship by state governments, there has been and increase in the amount of sponsorships that are being handed out. Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania have diversified their occupations list and managed to increase the amount of work visas being issued.

2. Use your family connections

Anyone with close family living in a state or territory of Australia is also allowed to be sponsored by that state for occupations that are not on the list. These “off-list” occupations are many and varied.

Tasmania, ACT and South Australia have already increased their number of sponsorships being granted for “off-list” occupations. This was done soon after the migration changes were announced, no doubt to offset any decrease in migration to these areas.

Temporary work visa not abolished, but replaced

Despite many saying the temporary work visa (subclass 457 visa) is abolished, in reality it has actually been replaced. Earlier this year, the Australian government announced that the temporary skills shortage visa (TSS) will be introduced in place of the subclass 457 visa.

The TSS visa will include short-term occupations for up to two-years and medium-term occupations for up to four-years.

Don’t go it alone, get help when you need it most

When preparing your application, it is best to seek MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) registered agents to help clear up any concerns you might have.

They will also advise you on what course of action to take if the recent migration changes affect you directly. Going through an expert will also ensure your application will have the best chance of success. An immigration agent can also advise you on which visa route is the best for you and your family.

Get help with your Aussie visa application. Contact our Melbourne office on +61 (1) 800 039 300 or drop us an email on ausoffice@sableinternational.com.