Samantha Tyler’s Post

Australian Points Test Reform Updates: So, the AU government has now opened the window for suggestions, anything that can be useful in better planning the immigration strategy of AU. As the current point system is not functioning appropriately as expected as per the current government. The current point system was introduced in 2012, and now 12 years later this need for change is felt. And for this change, your OPINION matters a lot, as it can increase chances for enormous number of skilled persons to get their dream jobs in AU. What can we do? Time to make the submissions related to the observations that can be considered as key points in the upcoming reformed points test should be made till 24 May 2024 AEST. Make sure that your submissions include supporting documentations/information/analysis to support your points. References that can be used to support your opinions/suggestions: FOI (Freedom of Information), Skillselect Analysis, Quarterly Updates from Immigration department. Link: https://lnkd.in/gNtBcqb3 #Australia #Immigration #Pointstest #Skillselect #Update #migration #Reform #Discussion #Submission #homeaffairs #AU Fatma Samy Nehal Lotfy Aiysha Raoof Almas Yaqoob Elizah Abbasi Shazia khan (R.P.H) Brenton Hart Rutaba Rais Susan Muller Susan Trevillian Narelle Forsyth Ahmed Elwan Arief Mohammad Akram Ahmad, PhD Irfan Ullah Irfan Hashmi, Sanna Zaffar Anisa S I. Rimsha Azeem, Pharm.D (Rph) syed safdar hussain Shah Talha Ikram Amjad Khan AMJAD ANWAR Pharm D, IPPRP-1 (ASHP), GCP. Dr. Syeda Nabila Shahela Eman Akbar Nazia Rafique Iqra Raza Adele Tahan Ghalib Khan Sarah Durran Armaan zikria Hafiz Basit Muneer Samreen Khalid Syed Shabab Syed Muhammad Saif Ali Husnain Ashfaq Gujjar Pharm-D, MBA Mehwish Aslam Saad Azhar Asad Mehmood Muhammad Sarim Shafique Pharm D, KAPS (Certified), MBA, DHHM, C-QIPS.

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

🚀 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

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

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

Important Update: DHA Visa Application Fees The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced updates to visa application fees starting from July 1, 2024. Here are some key changes: - Student & Guardian Visas (Subclass 500 & 590): $710 ➡️ $1,600 - General Skilled Migration (Subclass 189, 190, 491, 494): $4,640 ➡️ $4,765 - Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485): $1,895 ➡️ $1,920 - Partner Visas (Subclass 300, 820/801, 309/100): $8,850 ➡️ $9,095 - Parent Visas (Contributory): $420-$4,765 ➡️ $430-$4,895 - Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): $1,455 ➡️ $1,495 (short-term), $3,035 ➡️ $3,115 (medium-term) - Employer Nomination Scheme / Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 186, 187): $4,640 ➡️ $4,770 - Business Migration Visas (Subclass 188A, 188B): $9,450 ➡️ $9,710 - Significant Investor Visa (Subclass 188C): $13,860 ➡️ $14,240 - Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): $475 ➡️ $490 (onshore applications) - Citizenship Application (By Conferral): $540 ➡️ $560 For detailed info, access (homeaffairs.gov.au) DHA’s fees page. 📄✨ #VisaUpdate #Immigration #DHA #VisaFees #Migration #Australia #TravelNews #VisaChanges #DHAUpdate #MigrationNews

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 🌐📈👥

It's disheartening to hear that from today, the non-refundable fee for international student visas will increase from $710 to $1,600, making Australia the world's most expensive destination to apply for a student visa! The gov media release said "This increase reflects the increasing value of education in Australia and reflects the Albanese Government’s commitment to restoring integrity in the international education sector." I would say this shows how international students are both treated as cash cows and unwelcome. This damages and devalues, instead of increasing value, Australian international education. UK's student visa fee is around AUD900. Canada charges approximately AUD170 for a Study Permit, US around AUD290 and New Zealand AUD345. Link to media release: https://lnkd.in/g-ZtqjHf #intled #internationaleducation #internationalstudents #Australia

Protecting international students from exploitation or exploiting them? I have just looked back at some key government policy documents and reports over the past 3 years and in all these docs, the government consistently emphasised that one of their main drivers for introducing measures and policy changes is to protect “vulnerable international students from exploitation”. But would they self-contradict their ultimate goal above as increasing the non-refundable fee for international student visas by 125%, from $710 to $1,600, is itself exploiting “vulnerable international students”, especially given that the fee is non-refundable amid an increased visa rejection context? This fee hike is fundamentally for both generating more cash from international students and cutting down the number of international students, rather than “restoring integrity in the international education sector”! The policy docs I have looked at that highlighted the urgent need to protect international students from exploitation are: Draft International Education and Skills Strategic Framework (May, 2024 – where the direct quote above came from), The Nixon Review into the Exploitation of Australia’s Visa System (March 2023); The Parkinson Review of the Migration System (March 2023); Migration Strategy (Dec, 2023), “Quality and Integrity-the Quest for Sustainable Growth”: Interim Report into International Education (Oct, 2023) and Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030 (Oct, 2021). UK's student visa fee is around AUD900. Canada charges approximately AUD170 for a Study Permit, US around AUD290 and New Zealand AUD345. The gov media release: https://lnkd.in/g-ZtqjHf  #intled #internationaleducation #internationalstudents #Australia