Dr. Ahmed Abdul Aziz’s Post

The Government’s Migration Strategy was released on 11 December 2023. “One of the key areas of future reform outlined in the Migration Strategy is to explore a reformed points test to better identify migrants to drive Australia’s long-term prosperity”. Australia uses a points test which attributes points (for age, qualifications, English language, work experience, study in Australia etc) and a minimum total pass mark for general skilled migration visas (subclass 189, 190 and 491). Migrants are invited to apply for a visa based on their points score and the demand for their occupation in Australia or a particular state/territory.  The Department of Home Affairs has published a discussion paper (267KB PDF) on the review of the points test and is inviting submissions to the review of the points test by 5 pm AEST on Friday 24 May 2024. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g8d7gtSV . . . #australia #migration #visas #migrationadvisor #subclass189 #189visa #subclass190 #190visa #subclass491 #491visa #workvisa #partnervisa #globaltalentvisa #citizenship #registeredmigrationagent #eligibilityassessment #visaconsultation #permanentresidencypathway

The Report on the recent Review of the Migration Health Requirement and Australia's visa Significant Cost Threshold has been published on the Department of Home Affairs website. Whilst there has already been some change in this space (such as the increase to the significant cost threshold on 1 July 2024), the Department hasn't committed to a number of proposed actions, including increasing the number of visas to which PIC4007 applies. These changes would require legislative change, so perhaps this isn't surprising. At this stage, it seems like many visa applicants will have to continue playing the waiting game. #healthwaiver #immigrationlawyer #nomoslegal

Proposed Reforms to Australia’s Migration Points Test: What You Need to Know Australia is set to revamp its migration points test, aiming to better align with the nation’s long-term prosperity. The proposed changes are designed to: - Focus on characteristics associated with migrants successfully finding skilled work. - Provide greater certainty for migrants about their prospects for permanent residence, avoiding 'permanent temporariness’. - Target the skills that Australia needs now and in the future. - Recognise that younger migrants will contribute to Australian workplaces for more years. - Acknowledge the potential contributions of partners in the migration process. These reforms will redefine the Skilled Independent visa program to focus on long-term prosperity, while the Employer Nominated program will address immediate skills needs. A new talent and innovation program will target candidates with exceptional characteristics1. The Department is requesting feedback by 5pm AEST on 24 May 2024. More information is available here https://lnkd.in/g88mTbNS

🚀 Have Your Say on Skilled Visa Points Test! 🚀 🔍 Review of the Skilled Visa Points Test ✍️ The Department of Home Affairs is seeking your input on the Skilled Visa Points Test. Your feedback will shape the future of skilled migration pathways in Australia. 🔹 Express Your Thoughts: Answer the questions raised in the review to ensure fair opportunities for skilled and talented migrants. 🔹 Lodge Your Submission: Share your insights with the Department of Home Affairs to contribute to the review process. 🔹 Current Findings Extract: o   Prospective migrants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) before visa application. o   Invitations based on various criteria like priority occupations, high points scores, or state/territory nominations. o   A transparent system allocating limited permanent visas to numerous migrants for Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (Provisional) (Subclass 491). o   Reforms aim to respect migrants' decisions while ensuring fairness and certainty. Share your perspective today! Let's shape a better future for skilled migration in Australia. #SkilledMigration #VisaReforms #AustralianImmigration #HaveYourSay #AustraliaVisa https://lnkd.in/gQXNA5K2

As of August 2024, there have been several notable changes and updates to Australia's permanent residency (PR) program. Here are some key changes and developments: Skill Select and Points System: The SkillSelect system continues to play a crucial role in Australia's PR process. Recent updates have focused on adjusting the points system, including changes to the points awarded for certain factors like work experience, education, and language proficiency. It’s important to review the latest points table to understand how these changes might impact your eligibility. Occupations List Updates: The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) are regularly updated to reflect the current labor market needs. New occupations might be added, and existing ones might be removed or reclassified. Staying updated with these lists is essential for determining eligibility for various skilled migration visas. State and Territory Nomination: Each Australian state and territory has its own nomination criteria for the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491). Changes in state and territory nomination criteria can affect your chances of receiving an invitation. Regional Migration Initiatives: There has been an emphasis on encouraging migration to regional areas of Australia. New incentives and programs may be introduced to attract skilled workers to these regions. The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) and other regional visas may have updated criteria or benefits. Family and Partner Visa Changes: There have been updates to the processing times and requirements for family and partner visas. This includes changes in sponsorship requirements, financial criteria, and documentation. Visa Processing Times: Processing times for various PR visas can vary, and there have been adjustments due to changes in immigration policies and global events. The Department of Home Affairs provides updated processing time estimates on their website. Policy and Regulatory Updates: The Australian government periodically introduces new policies or regulations affecting immigration. These can include changes in visa eligibility, fees, and application procedures. For the most current and detailed information, you should regularly check the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. #australiamigration #australiapr #australiaupdates2024 #immigrationchanges

🔥 🔥 B R E A K I N G N E W S 🔥🔥 For many months the industry has been waiting on a Federal decision to either reduce the WHV or let it be, today we can say excitedly announce that the Government is not considering limiting the Working Holiday Maker visa to one year as this would significantly damage local economies in regional Australia. More info here: Review of Regional Migration Settings discussion paper (homeaffairs.gov.au)

A great article https://lnkd.in/ehAt2FHN on the ills of immigration and the recent historical context (by Robyn Urback), not to mention it is also fun to read.

🚀 Exciting News! Ep. 36 of Immigration Uncovered is now live!🚀 🎙️This week I'm joined by the renowned David Lesperance, Founder of Lesperance & Associates, to dive deep into the fascinating world of multiple citizenships and tax considerations for American expatriates. 🌍💼 🔑 Key Discussion Points: - Multiple citizenships as your own "insurance policy" - Three scenarios for residing abroad and the tax implications of each - Explanation of FATCA and FBAR - Insights into Citizenship by Investment and Golden Visa programs - Renunciation of US citizenship: who considers it and why🌟 👨⚖️ About David Lesperance David is one of the world’s leading international tax and immigration advisors. With a wealth of experience from his time as a Canadian immigration and customs officer to his successful career as a legal consultant, David has become a trusted advisor to many high-net-worth individuals and families. He is also a published author and a dedicated pro bono advisor to governments on enhancing their investment immigration programs. 📚🌐 👉Tune in and enjoy this very interesting and timely conversation! Links to David's white papers on these topics are below in the comments!🎧 #ImmigrationUncovered #Podcasting #ImmigrationLaw #Docketwise #immigrationlawyer 🌐📈👥

This may seem like a cliched quote; but, it's something we'd like to reiterate, especially to our clients and generally, the immigrant community. The whole view of immigration often seems tumultuous which basically means it can be overwhelmingly confusing. And truthfully, in reality, it is. Immigration is complex and if we were to speak with you in Jamaican dialect. we would say, it ruff bad! We encourage our community, at every opportunity, to just start. And how do you 'just start' or 'make the first step'? We say it often....BOOK A CONSULTATION! Yes, that is the first step. And it may be one of the easiest steps of the journey; but you are either scared, in a don't care attitude, doubting yourself or just listening to the wrong persons. Let the professionals at Midas Immigration Services hear your story, let us help you make a plan with all possible options laid out on the table. Let us hold your hand as you make the steps needed to realize your American Dream! 📞 (786) 733-8043 🌐 https://lnkd.in/eguFJWQp 📧 midasimmigrationservices@gmail.com 🔗https://lnkd.in/ej4AgC6K #MaketheFirstStep #Midasishere #MaketheCall #BookaConsultation

𝐃𝐨𝐇𝐀 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 ! 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 : I have received an invitation for/lodged a Skilled Permanent Visa. Am I eligible for a refund on my application? 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: There are very limited circumstances under which a refund of an application charge will occur once the application has been lodged. DoHA will only refund a VAC in certain circumstances. This includes if: ➡️the application was unnecessary at the time it was made ➡️a mistake was made by the Department ➡️the applicant has died ➡️the sponsorship or nomination was not successful ➡️the application was made because of a mistake by the applicant and it is withdrawn in writing before a decision is made. Whilst you may choose to apply for a refund, it is very rare that a refund is approved. 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝 - https://lnkd.in/gNHtFy_A #AustraliaPR #RefundRequest #Elgiblity #SkilledWorkers #PR