Australian Immigration News

Monday, 09 January 2012
AustJOBS Job Matching Service
Information on our job matching service through AustJOBS

Thursday, 05 January 2012
Acacia Launches Points Test App for iPhone
Details of the points test app for iPhone

Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Time Running Out for Migration Applicants
Details on the effect on Skilled Points Tested and Business Migration applicants under the new SkillSelect model to commence on 1 July 2012

Wednesday, 07 December 2011
Expansion of eHealth Arrangements from 28 November 2011
Details of changed to health checking arrangements to apply from 28 November 2011

Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA) Changes Confirmed.
Details of the confirmed changes to the Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA) that will be effective as of 1st July 2012.

Monday, 28 November 2011
Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA) to be Reviewed
Details of the proposed cuts to the Living Away from Home Allowance in the 2011-12 Budget

Friday, 04 November 2011
Accredited Sponsor Program for 457 Visas Announced
Details of the new Accredited Sponsor Program for 457 Visa Applications

Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Knight Review - Strategic Review of the Student Visa Program
Details on the Knight Review Recommendations into the Student Visa Program

Tuesday, 13 September 2011
DIAC Announces Perth is now Regional Area for RSMS and Skilled Regional Sponsored Visas
Details on yesterday's announcement that Perth is now a regional area for some visa subclasses

Monday, 22 August 2011
DIAC Releases Discussion Paper on Permanent Employer Sponsored Visas
Details of the discussion paper for the review of permanent employer sponsored visas by DIAC

Wednesday, 29 June 2011
FIRB - Foreign Investment Review Board
details on temporary visa holders getting approval for purchase of real estate property in Australia

Thursday, 23 June 2011
Increases to Minimum Salary Level for 457 Effective 1 July 2011
Increase to TSMIT and English language exemption salary thresholds coming into effect 1 July 2011

Tuesday, 07 June 2011
Points Test Update - 7 June 2011
More details on the new points test, particularly English language ability, points for qualifications and work experience

Tuesday, 07 June 2011
New Skilled Occupations List from 1 July 2011
New Skilled Occupations List in effect from 1 July 2011

Friday, 27 May 2011
Update on 2011-12 Migration Program, New Skilled Migration Points Test and Selection Model
More details now available on 2011-12 Migration Program, New Skilled Migration Points Test, New Selection Model, General Skilled Migration

Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Immigration Portfolio Budget 2011-12 - Back to the Future
Significant changes to Immigration Portfolio announced as part of the Federal Budget on 10 May 2011

Wednesday, 11 May 2011
New Selection Model for General Skilled Migration
Details of the Expression of Interest selection model to be introduced from 1 July 2012

Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Regional Initiatives - Budget 2011-12
Details of regional initiatives announced as part of the 2011-12 Budget

Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Enterprise Migration Agreements for Resources Projects
Details of the proposed Enterprise Migration Agreements for Resources Projects

Monday, 07 March 2011
NSW Releases State Migration Plan
Details of occupations available for nomination by NSW under the State Migration Plan, and impact on processing times

Tuesday, 15 February 2011
GSM Processing Update - 14 February 2011
DIAC has advised that certain GSM applications are likely to be allocated to case officers in the near future, and that some applicants should proceed with health and character checks.

Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Changes to 457 Occupations List February 2011
Changes to list of approved occupations for business sponsorship (subclass 457) visas

Thursday, 03 February 2011
Occupational Trainee Visas - Opportunities for Employers in the New Regime
The requirements for Occupational Trainee visas were overhauled completely in September 2009, at the same time as major changes were made to the more common 457 Business Sponsorship visas. This article explains how the new system works and possible opportunities for employers to use this visa type.

Thursday, 23 December 2010
Tasmania Releases State Migration Plan
Details of Tasmania's new State Migration Plan

Monday, 13 December 2010
Western Australian State Migration Plan Announced
Details of the occupations, English requirements and work experience requirements for the WA State Migration Plan

Thursday, 09 December 2010
Queensland Releases State Migration Plan
Details of the occupations, work experience and English language ability requirements for Queensland's State Migration Plan

Monday, 06 December 2010
Changes to Skilled Occupations List and Skills Assessment Authorities
Details of the changes to the skilled occupations list and skills assessing authorities for general skilled migration effective 5 December 2010

Sunday, 05 December 2010
Changes to ENS Occupations List and Salary Level
Addition of occupations to the ENS Occupations List and Changes to the salary level for highly paid executives applying for ENS

Thursday, 02 December 2010
Australian Department of Immigration Commences Collection of Biometrics for Visa Applications
Details of the biometric trial being conducted by the Department of Immigration for certain types of visa applications lodged in certain countries

Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Northern Territory State Migration Plan Announced
Details of the Northern Territory's State Migration Plan announced in November 2010

Thursday, 11 November 2010
New Skilled Migration Points Test Announced
Details of the new General Skilled Migration Points Test to apply from 1 July 2011

Tuesday, 09 November 2010
ACT State Migration Plan Announced
Details on the ACT's State Migration Plan - which occupations are on the list, English language and work experience requirements for state nomination.

Wednesday, 03 November 2010
Victoria Announces State Migration Plan
Details of Victoria's new State Migration Plan operating from 3 November 2010

Thursday, 28 October 2010
Decision Ready Checklists (DRC)
Australian Migration Agents are able to obtain more efficient processing by using Decision Ready Checklists.

Wednesday, 22 September 2010
South Australia Announces Interim Occupations List for State Nomination
New List to be used in interim period ahead of State Migration Plan being approved

Monday, 13 September 2010
New Australian Immigration Minister Announced
Chris Bowen has been announced as new Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

Thursday, 19 August 2010
Staying in or returning to Australia after your Study Abroad program finishes
Many students who Study Abroad in Australia wish to return and live in the 'Lucky Country'. We have compiled a list of the most common pathways for remaining in or returning to Australia after studying abroad.

Friday, 06 August 2010
Australian Politician Finally Makes a Sensible Statement on Immigration
Malcolm Turnbull, Liberal Member for Parliament for Wentworth recently shared his views on Immigration with Mark Webster of Acacia Immigration

Thursday, 05 August 2010
Minister Announces New Processing priorities and Processing Times
The Minister for Immigration has announced new processing priorities which apply from 14 July 2010 for General Skilled Migration and permanent employer sponsored visas.

Monday, 28 June 2010
Cap for Pre-September 2007 Offshore General Skilled Migration Applications Finalised
Cap has been put into effect - details of the visa subclasses affected and numbers to be granted

Monday, 28 June 2010
ENS Occupations List and Minimum Salary Levels from 1 July 2010
List of occupations, ANZSCO codes, skills assessing authorities and minimum salary levels applying to ENS from 1 July 2010

Friday, 25 June 2010
457 Visa Changes from 1 July 2010
Various changes to the 457 program to come into effect from 1 July 2010

Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Final Skilled Occupations List Released
Details of skilled occupations lists applying to skilled independent, family sponsored, state/territory sponsored, and 485 holders from 1 July 2010

Monday, 21 June 2010
Australian Immigration Update - 1 July 2010
Changes coming into effect on 1 July 2010 affecting skills assessment as an accountant, Australian citizenship, and general skilled migration

Tuesday, 08 June 2010
Visa Capping Bill - Comments following Minister's Interview on ABC Radio
The Minister for Immigration, Chris Evans, was interviewed by Peter Mares on radio last Friday on the proposed Visa Capping Bill. Mark Webster comments.

Wednesday, 02 June 2010
Minister for Immigration Seeks Power to Terminate Unwanted Visa Applications
The Minister for Immigration, Chris Evans, has introduced a Bill to Parliament granting him the power to terminate visa applications based on the individual characteristics of the visa applicant.

Monday, 17 May 2010
Minister Announces New Skilled Occupations List
Announcement of the new Skilled Occupations List by the Minister for Immigration on 17 May 2010

Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Department of Immigration - 2010-11 Budget Announcements
Migration Program for 2010-11 announced as part of Commonwealth Budget

Friday, 07 May 2010
Department of Immigration Suspends Offshore GSM Program
Announcement from DIAC that applications for offshore skilled visas will not be accepted from 8 May 2010

Wednesday, 05 May 2010
Frequently Asked Questions - International Student Forum UNSW 4 May 2010
Mark Webster answers international students questions from the Arc at UNSW International student Q and A session

Friday, 30 April 2010
Skills Australia has today made its recommendations to DIAC in relation to the new Skilled Occupations List (SOL)
Skills Australia has made its recommendations to DIAC in relation to the new Skilled Occupations List.

Thursday, 29 April 2010
Mark Webster invited to be panelist for International Student Q and A session at UNSW
Mark Webster will be a panelist at the Arc@UNSW and SRC International Students' Collective Q and A panel discussion on Tuesday, 04 May 2010

Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Changes to Accounting Skills Assessments from 1 July 2010
The Institute of Chartered Accountants and CPA Australia have announced changes to their criteria for skills assessment to come into effect from 1 July 2010.

Monday, 12 April 2010
Update on Skills Assessment Requirements for Nurses and Accountants
There will be a new Skilled Occupations List (SOL) from 1 July 2010. We should have more details on which occupations are on the list by the end of April.

Saturday, 20 March 2010
Specialised Occupations List Published - Likely Basis of New Skilled Occupations List
LIst of Specialised Occupations produced by Skills Australia - likely to be the basis of the new Skilled Occupations LIst

Friday, 19 February 2010
Australian Study requirement - "Closely related" issue
Review of MRT case an example of how vital a persuasive 'relevancy statement' is

Tuesday, 09 February 2010
GSM changes impact on international students
Significant changes to Australian General Skilled Migration were announced on February 8 2010. Many of these changes have transitional provisions to ensure that the impact on international students studying in Australia are minimised.

Monday, 08 February 2010
Changes to General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program 8 February 2010
Important changes announced affecting the General Skilled Migration program

Monday, 08 February 2010
General Skilled Migration Update 8 February 2010
On 8 February 2010, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, announced changes to the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program for Australia

Friday, 08 January 2010
Reminder - Market Rate Salaries Apply to all 457 Holders from 1 January 2010
Market rate salaries have been applicable to all new 457 visa applications since 14 September 2009

Wednesday, 30 December 2009
Details of TRA Job Ready Test Released
TRA has announced details of its job ready program for skills assessment for onshore trade applicants

Thursday, 17 December 2009
Last Minute Changes to General Skilled Migration to Affect both Onshore and Offshore Applicants from 1 January 2010
Legislation has been released on Comlaw on the 15th of December to affect both onshore and offshore applicants for General Skilled Migration.

Wednesday, 02 December 2009
Visa Options for Working Holiday Makers
Many working holiday makers enjoy themselves so much in Australia that they don't want to leave after their visas expire - this is a list of the main options to consider if you want to stay in Australia after your working holiday visa finishes

Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Skilled Migration Changes and Processing Times Update
There are 3 significant changes to General Skilled Migration (GSM) coming into effect on 1 January 2010. These will affect a large number of international students applying for permanent residence.

Thursday, 19 November 2009
Getting your PR - A Guide for International Students (Part 4) Choosing the Right Course for your Occupation
Tips for international students in Australia for selecting a course which gives you a good chance of passing skills assessment in the most common 60-point occupations

Thursday, 19 November 2009
Immigration Minister Responds to Concerns over GSM Backlog - Applications May Take 30 Years to Process
The Minister for Immigration, Chris Evans, has responded on the Radio National program the National Interest to concerns over the slowdown of processing of General Skilled visas.

Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Changes to Sponsorship of Temporary Workers to Harm Australian Economy
Significant changes to the legislation dealing with sponsorship of temporary workers for 457 visas came into effect on the 14th of September 2009. These changes present clear consequences for Australian business as they stifle innovation and entrepreneurship at a time when such efforts should be encouraged.

Friday, 06 November 2009
Skilled Applicants in Limbo - 10 Serious Consequences of DIAC's Go Slow Policy
Since January 2009, most applicants for General Skilled Migration have faced significantly longer waiting times for their applications to be processed. Many are now in limbo with no real idea of when their applications will be finalised. This article details 10 serious consequences of DIAC's 'Go Slow' Policy

Monday, 02 November 2009
New VETASSESS Assessment Criteria
From 1 January 2010, VETASSESS will be changing their assessment criteria for all applicants. VETASSESS is the main skills assessing authority for professional (50-point) and associate professional (40-point) occupations for the purposes of Australian General Skilled Migration (GSM) and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) applications.

Friday, 30 October 2009
Mark Webster on ABC Radio National: "Migration applicants stuck in two-year limbo"
Mark Webster discusses the plight of applicants for general skilled migration to Australia during an appearance on ABC Radio Nationals the National Interest

Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Australian Migration Regulations Partially Recognise Same-Sex "Marriages"
Australian Migration Regulations will be changed from 9 November to partially recognise same-sex relationships which have been registered in an Australian state or territory.

Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Australian Citizenship - Special Residence Requirement
Effective 21 September, the Australian Department of Immigration has introduced the ability for certain people to apply for Australian citizenship, even if they do not meet the usual residence requirement.

Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Getting your PR - A Guide for International Students (Part 3) Choosing the Right Course
Many international students wonder what the best course is to choose if they are interested in staying on permanently after they finish. We have compiled a list of our top 5 tips in making the choice.

Friday, 25 September 2009
New GSM Priority Processing Arrangements
On 23 September 2009, The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, set new priority processing arrangements for Skilled Migration visas

Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Sweeping Changes to 457 Program from 14 September 2009
Changes to the minimum salary level, sponsorship obligations and English language requirements

Friday, 11 September 2009
ACT Reopens Sponsorship for Skilled Migration
The ACT reopened nomination under the Australian general skilled sponsored program on 31 August. This is a significant boon to people who are wishing to migrate under the general skilled program.

Wednesday, 09 September 2009
Getting your PR - A Guide for International Students (Part 2) Skills Assessment
International students guide to skills assesment for skilled migration to Australia

Tuesday, 01 September 2009
Partnership Offers Temporary Workers Permanent Solution
Acacia Immigration and Geoffrey Nathan announce new partnership to offer tempoary workers in Australia a permanent solution

Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Getting your PR - A Guide for International Students in Australia (Part 1)- "Top 10 Tips for International Students"
The first in a series of articles aimed at helping international students better understand their options for permanent residency after graduation

Saturday, 18 July 2009
Immigration Update June 2009
A quick synopsis of recent changes in Australian Immigration

Friday, 26 June 2009
Legislation changes from the 1st July 2009
A snapshot of changes as of July 1st, 2009

Thursday, 18 June 2009
Overhaul of Australian Temporary Worker Visa Program Makes Permanent Visas More Attractive
Changes to the minimum salary level, sponsorship obligations and English language requirements make 457 visas less attractive than permanent employer sponsored options

Thursday, 18 June 2009
Australian Economic Outlook - June 2009
Australian Economic Outlook - June 2009

Thursday, 18 June 2009
Current processing times and priorities at DIAC - June 2009
Current processing times and priorities at DIAC as of 18 June 2009

Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Cuts to Skilled Migration Announced
In response to the economic slowdown in Australia, the Australian Immigration Minister has announced significant cuts to the general skilled program for 2008-09

Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Victoria suspends processing of nominations for trade occupations for 886 applicants
Victoria has modified its requirements for state nomination and suspended procesing for some occupations

Thursday, 05 March 2009
Immigration Seminar for French community in Australia
Alexia Emmerson presents workshop for the French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FACCI)

Tuesday, 03 March 2009
New work and holiday arrangement with Indonesia
An agreement has been signed between Australia and Indonesia meaning that Indonesians aged under 31 may be eligible for a 12-month work and holiday visa

Monday, 02 March 2009
New Requirements for Welfare Workers to be Introduced
AIWCW, the assesssing authority for welfare workers will introduce new requriements for English language ability, qualifications and work experience

Monday, 02 March 2009
Review of Sponsorship Obligations for 457 Sponsors
the Department of Immigration is considering introducing more comprehensive sponsorship obligations for employers sponsoring for 457 visas

Friday, 27 February 2009
Acacia News Feb 2009
Update on Acacia Immigration

Tuesday, 03 February 2009
Deegan report - Impact on 457 Visa holders
The Deegan report has significant potential effects on current 457 holders, as well as people wishing to be sponsored in the future

Thursday, 01 January 2009
Critical Skills List an Admission of Failure of GSM Program
Critical Skills List was introduced in January 2009 as a 'quick fix' for significant problems in the General Skilled Program

Thursday, 11 September 2008
457 MSL changes
Temporary Business Sponsorship (457) - Changes to Minimum Salary Level (MSL) announced by DIAC

Thursday, 26 June 2008
Visa Processing Changes
New Locations and Dates for Visa and Citizenship Processing

Monday, 02 June 2008
Statement from Victorian Government
Victoria welcomes increased Skilled Migration announced by the Federal Government

Thursday, 29 May 2008
MODL Changes - May 2008
Changes to the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) as of 17 May 2008

Thursday, 29 May 2008
MSL Increase
Minimum Salary Level Increase of 3.8% for 457 Visa Holders

Monday, 19 May 2008
Record Skilled Migration Program announced for 2008-2009
Increase in the planning level for general skileld migration program for 2008-09

Monday, 19 May 2008
Budget Announcements for Immigration Portfolio 2008-2009
Significant changes introduced in Minister Chris Evans' first budget as Immigration Minister

Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Report by External Reference Group (ERG) on 457 Visas, May 2008
The External Reference Group (ERG) recommendations after their review of the 457 visa program

Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Department of Immigration - 2009-10 Budget Announcements
Significant changes to the Migration Program were announced as part of the 2009-10 Budget

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