In Australia, the financial year and midyear Christmas fall in June. Therefore, we used to see most changes happening as of 1st July. In the past few years, the immigration department becomes less predictable and we can experience important changes happen any time. However most price changes we still observe in July.

Below you can find current changes in visa and immigration matters. Those are pointers and if you are interested in more detailed information let us know (in Australia) 1300 10 50 50 ,  (From overseas +61 7 4946 4680).

2021-2022 Family visa stream is set on the same level as in last year  – 77,300.  It is great news, however, we may expect more changes in Partner visa this year. Some had been discussed for a long time, and it is expected to come into life in 2021. The sponsor will have to be approved before a partner (applicant) can lodge an application. It may mean a significant delay in processing time and also will stop last-minute partner visa lodgements.

The second expected change is a requirement for both Sponsor and Partner to pass the English test before application ledgment. Level of required English is unknown yet.

This year 79,600 visas are reserved for GSM program. The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List has been expanded with 22 new occupations added to it. Waight is still on occupations supporting country during Covid pandemic.

From 1 July 2021, the number of streams and subclasses in the program is being reduced to four from nine.

The Business Innovation and Investment Program, Global Talent Program and Employer-Sponsored Program will be prioritised – In 2020-21, the number of places available in the Business, Investment and Innovation Program had almost doubled to 13,500 places, while the Global Talent Independent program allocation tripled to 15,000

There is a higher assets and business turnover test for the Business Innovation stream, and visa holders in the investor stream are required to make an investment of $2.5 million, up from $1.5 million.

The $200,000 funding threshold requirement for the Entrepreneur stream has been scrapped and the pathway to permanent residency has been made easier.

https://visatoaustralia.net.au/business-visa-australia/

Australian citizenship applications will cost more, and new migrants will wait longer to access welfare.

Australian citizenship application fee increase

Starting 1 July 2021, anyone applying for Australian citizenship will have to contend with paying a higher fee.

The fee for applications for citizenship by conferral is rising to $490 from $285, an increase of 72 per cent.

Student visa holders working in the tourism and hospitality sectors are temporarily allowed to work more than 40 hours per fortnight.

Accountants, engineers, software developers and chefs are among 22 new occupations added to the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List that was established in 2020 to fill critical skills to support Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

The list now has a total of 41 occupations available for employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482, Subclass 949, Subclass 186 and Subclass 187). The occupations on the PMSOL are given priority processing.

While Australia’s international border remains shut, temporary visa holders with a priority occupation can seek an exemption from travel restrictions.