Australian Immigration News

You can now get the latest immigration news and updates by following Acacia on Twitter or Facebook, or registering your interest below:

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

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

Thursday, 04 February 2010
TRA Job Ready Program - Further Details Released
Further information on the requirements for the TRA job ready program for Australian Skilled Migration has become available. The job ready program applies to people living in Australia who wish to apply for skills assessment in a trade occupation.

Thursday, 14 January 2010
New Job Ready Program for International Students
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) has now released details of the Job Ready Program. This program will affect international students completing trade qualifications (eg cookery, hairdressing) in Australia and who wish to apply for General Skilled Migration.

Friday, 08 January 2010
Working Holiday Makers 'Pathways' to University in Australia
Often working holiday makers hoping to extend their stay in Australia find moving onto an Australian student visa their most achievable visa option. Studying at university is a good option, however after investigating their study options, they often choose to enrol in university `pathway' programs.

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

Wednesday, 25 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.

Friday, 13 November 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.

Tuesday, 10 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

Tuesday, 03 November 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

Sunday, 01 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.

Tuesday, 27 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, 27 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.

Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Getting your PR - A Guide for International Students (Part 2) Skills Assessment
International students guide to skills assesment for skilled migration to Australia

Thursday, 01 October 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

Thursday, 10 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, 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

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
Immigration Update June 2009
A quick synopsis of recent changes in Australian Immigration

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

Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Immigration Seminar for French community in Australia
Alexia Emmerson presents workshop for the French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FACCI)

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

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

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

Sunday, 01 February 2009
Acacia News Feb 2009
Update on Acacia Immigration

Wednesday, 21 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
Budget Announcements for Immigration Portfolio 2008-2009
Significant changes introduced in Minister Chris Evans' first budget as Immigration Minister

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

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

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

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