The Albanese Government has now unveiled their plans for migration changes following their recent budget update.
The announcement has resulted in the following:
- 195,000 permanent skilled migration places
- an additional $42.2 million to accelerate visa processing, resolve the visa backlog and raise awareness of opportunities for high-skilled migrants in Australia’s permanent Migration Program
- extended relaxation of work restrictions for student visa holders and secondary training visas holders to 30 June 2023
- priority processing of offshore skilled migration applications and on-hand NZ Stream Skilled Independent SC 189 applications.
New announcements:
- an additional 500 places in the aged care training pathway for Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme participants 2022–23
- a new Pacific Engagement Visa with up to 3,000 permanent migration places for nationals of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste, in addition to the existing permanent migration program
- additional funding for 3 year Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visas (subclass 786) for Ukrainians and extended access to Medicare for a 12 month period for Ukrainians, including their immediate family members, who hold a Bridging Visa E
- $0.6 million in additional funding in 2022–23 for the Ukrainian Community and Settlement Support
- nil visa application charges for international teams, officials and official carers participating in the Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022.
Wondering how these changes will impact you? Contact the migration team at Nevile & Co. today! nevileco@nevile.com.au
Disclaimer: This publication contains comments of a general and introductory nature only and is provided as an information service. It is not intended to be relied upon as, nor is it a substitute for specific professional legal advice. You should always speak to us and obtain legal advice before taking any action relating to matters raised in this publication.
