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No Work Rights? We Can Change That If You Have A Compelling Need To Work

January 29, 2021 by Rosie Acutt

Have you been granted a Bridging visa with limited work rights, or no work rights?

If you have any one of the following conditions applied on your visa, you may not have full work rights:

8101, 8102, 8103, 8104, 8105, 8107, 8108, 8111, 8112, 8115, 8547, 8607 or 8608;

If you are suffering from financial hardship and need to work, you may be eligible to apply for a new Bridging visa with these conditions removed, effectively giving you full work rights. To do this, you will need to substantiate to the Department of Home Affairs that you have a “compelling need to work”.

You may be able to apply for work rights on the basis of compelling need to work if:

  • You are on bridging visa A, C or E without work rights; or
  • You are on a bridging visa without work rights and have applied for a Temporary Skills Shortage visa (subclass 482).

Applying for work rights will require you to apply for a new Bridging visa with information supporting your compelling need to work. Please be aware that the Department can have regard to information that has been provided in previous visa applications or permission to work applications, thus it is important to avoid providing conflicting evidence in any subsequent applications, unless there is a reasonable explanation or evidence to support the inconsistencies or change in circumstances.

In this article we will discuss how to apply for work rights on a Bridging Visa A that is not related to a pending application for a 482 visa. If you have a Bridging Visa C or E, or a Bridging Visa A granted in association with an application for a Subclass 482 visa, different considerations will apply when seeking to remove work limitations.

Compelling need to work

A “compelling need to work” is defined in the relevant legislation as being in financial hardship. In short, the Department is looking to see that you are currently facing, or will soon face, financial hardship. 

The Department considers that a person is in financial hardship where “the cost of reasonable living expenses exceeds your ability to pay for them”. To establish this, you will need to provide evidence about your income, savings, expenses and support available from other persons such as your partner or family.

In all circumstances, the Department can have regard to a range of factors in determining whether there is a compelling need to work, for example:

  • Whether your claimed expenses are reasonable
  • How you have supported yourself up until the point of application and how that support will continue
  • If there are other possible means of support such as a sponsor or nominator, relatives or friends in Australia or overseas
  • If you will become a burden on public funds or charitable institutions
  • When the substantive visa application is likely to receive a decision

Any claimed expenses should be reasonable for your situation. Including unnecessary expenditures such as fancy meals and branded goods would obviously not be taken into consideration. 

When considering your circumstances, the Department can consider any contractual obligations or necessary expenses such as food, accommodation and other necessities, including supporting any dependent children. 

Possible compelling reasons to work can include situations where your means of support has been through savings and those savings are running out, or where a person has suddenly lost a stream of income (i.e. loss of job).

The Department will also consider when a decision is likely to be made on your substantive visa application. A long processing time for the substantive visa will likely be given more weight in determining that a person has a compelling need to work.

If you have a compelling need to work, contact our office today to discuss your circumstances in more detail.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Health Waivers for Partner Visas

May 26, 2020 by Rosie Acutt

All Australian visas have a requirement that the applicant meet certain health criteria. These medicals are mandatory for the purposes of a Partner visa.

If you fail to meet the health requirement, your visa may be refused.

When might you fail the health test?

You might fail to meet the health requirement if you have a disease or condition (such as tuberculosis) that is, or may be:

  • A threat to public health in Australia;
  • A danger to the Australian community;
  • Requires, or might require health care or community services (even if you have no intention of using such services*);
  • Result in a significant cost** to the Australian community in the areas of health care and community services; or
  • Prejudice the access of Australian citizens or permanent residents to health care or community services.

For some visas, if an applicant or members of the applicant’s family unit fails the health test then it will be “one fails, all fails”.

*Australia has a national health insurance and benefits schemes, including income support, nursing home entitlements and other allowances. Once there is an entitlement based on need, the support cannot be denied to an Australian resident or citizen. For this reason, even if you have private health insurance for your condition, you will be assessed against the standard accepted medical practice available across Australia for that condition.

**When determining if you meet the health requirement, a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC) considers whether you have a health condition that will be a significant cost to the Australian community in terms of the health care or community service required to manage your condition.

The Department use per capita data about health and community service costs to work out what your condition is likely to cost over a period of time. For permanent visa applicants this is generally 5 years.

Having a disease or health condition does not always mean you will not meet the health requirement due to significant costs. The likely costs will depend on what kind of disease or condition you have and how severe it is.

The Department will not grant you a visa if you do not meet the health requirement because your condition is likely to be a significant cost, unless a health waiver is available and exercised.

The Department regard costs of AUD49,000 or more to be significant.

The 5 most conditions most commonly identified as affecting permanent visa applicants who have failed the health requirement are:

  • intellectual impairment
  • HI infection
  • functional impairment
  • renal disease or failure
  • cancer

Health Waivers

In very limited circumstances, the health criteria can be waived.

In order for the health criteria to be waived, it is necessary to satisfy the Department that the granting of the visa would be unlikely to result in undue costs or to prejudice access to community health services.

If you are concerned that you have circumstances which may impede your ability to meet the health criteria, or have received an invitation from the Department to comment regarding health issues that may affect the outcome your application, get professional assistance immediately.

The Department can take into account a broad range of discretionary factors in determining whether costs or prejudice to access are ‘undue’, including your capacity to mitigate costs associated with your condition, as well as any compelling and compassionate circumstances such as family ties to Australia.

What is the process of applying for a Health Waiver?

During the processing period the applicant will be required to undertake medicals. Once the results are available, if the applicant has failed the health test, the applicant will receive a letter from the immigration department to furnish additional information and explain why a health waiver should be granted to the applicant.

The visa applicant must fill out the details in a formal submission document claiming the waiver on equitable grounds.

The department scrutinises the claim on below-mentioned factors

  • Whether the applicant can handle the resultant expenses
  • Whether the applicant’s sponsor can cover the expenses
  • Whether and how much the applicant may utilize the country’s health care system and community services if granted the visa
  • Whether there are any compelling or compassionate reasons to consider the waiver
  • The advantages the applicant or the sponsor may bring to the Australian economy and the community
  • The disadvantages of visa refusal to the applicant or the sponsor, the Australian economy and the community

Based on the above parameters the waiver is allowed or denied.

Every health waiver case gets scrutinised on a case-to-case basis. The process takes considerable time before the authorities decide after weighing pros and cons of granting a health waiver to the applicant.

If the authorities deny the health waiver, the visa application gets rejected automatically and communicated to the applicant accordingly.

However, if the cost of treating or taking care of the health condition amounts to AUD 500,000 or more or the case demonstrates to burden the health care and community services, the case officer must recommend the case to the National office in Canberra.

For a partner visa along with the criteria of the cost of utilising the public health services, these below-mentioned factors are considered as significant too:

  • The closeness and affection in the relationship and the hardship the partners may face if not granted the visa
  • The possibility of why the Australian partner cannot join the foreign partner because visa rejection
  • If the decision may affect the children adversely (if any)
  • The location and other circumstances of the partners

What should an applicant do to strengthen his/her case for a waiver?

  • Provide as many details as possible to see the case on a compassionate ground
  • Assure the agency that he/she will not be burdening the Australian community and the public health system
  • Provide evidence that they can take care of their medical costs either individually or through the sponsor (who is a partner)

Health waivers can be tricky and failing to provide detailed or adequate information may result in a missed opportunity. We’ll help you every step of the way, from deciding on whether a health waiver may be applicable, through to preparing documentation and lodging your health waiver and helping you meet all the other criteria.

If you need a health waiver simply dial (07) 3194 9152 or email [email protected] to know your options and chances of getting a health waiver for you or your dependent.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

A New World – Corona Virus (COVID-19)

April 10, 2020 by Rosie Acutt

In these uncertain times surrounding Corona Virus (COVID-19) we want to do all we can to support our valued clients and community members so that we can get through this together.

The Government is making a number of changes to temporary visa holder arrangements during the coronavirus crisis in order to protect the health of our community, safeguard job opportunities for Australians, support critical industries, and assist with the rapid recovery post the virus.

We understand that many of our clients are feeling anxious in the current climate and have varying needs depending on whether you plan to lodge a visa, are awaiting on an outcome on a visa, or already hold a visa. As circumstances vary depending on your personal circumstances, if you are affected by COVID-19 we would strongly urge you to make an appointment to discuss your options.

Whilst we have had to make some changes to our day-to-day operations, it’s business as usual in unusual times. Our staff are currently working remotely and can conduct consults via telephone or Skype. Please feel welcome to reach out to discuss how we may assist you further.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

A migration agent with compassion and expertise

January 14, 2020 by Rosie Acutt

Here at Queensland Migration Practice, we pride ourselves on customer service, professionalism and results. 

We’re a small firm that believes in quality over quantity. Time is dedicated to achieving your visa goal no matter how complicated. Problem solving is part of our repertoire and no case is too big for us to handle.

Sometimes we turn away work, but we’d rather do that so we can provide the best service possible to our current clients.

Just read our reviews.

As a result of this ethos, our Principal Solicitor, Rosemary Acutt has received a Certificate of Excellence in 2020. This certificate places her in the category of Top Three Best Immigration Lawyers in Brisbane courtesy of ThreeBestRated.

If you’re looking to immigrate to Australia, and have been searching for someone with compassion combined with dedication and expertise, contact Queensland Migration Practice today.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Migrating to Australia in 2020? These changes could affect you

January 10, 2020 by Rosie Acutt

As we wave goodbye to another successful year and step into 2020, it’s important to consider how the most recent changes could affect your plans to migrate to Australia this year.

Has your occupation been flagged for a status change?

Over 30 occupations on the Skilled Migration Occupation Lists are flagged for a potential status change this year. Click here to check if your occupation is on the list, as this may affect your pathway to permanent residency.

  • 11 occupations are flagged for removal from the Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) including careers counsellors, gardeners, hairdressers and community workers
  • 17 occupations are flagged for a move from the Medium Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL), to the STSOL
  • Six occupations have been recommended for salary caveats including Bakers, Horse Trainers, and Sports Persons 
  • Four new occupations are set to be added to the STSOL. If you are an aged carer or nursing support worker, you may be eligible for a visa. 

An updated list will be available in March 2020. If you fall under one of these occupations and would like to discuss your options, please contact our team to book a consultation today. 

Consider an opportunity in rural towns

With our city centres swelling, the call for investment into regional Australia remains strong. Two new regional visas were implemented in November last year, providing a permanent residency pathway for 23,000 people who would be happy to call rural Australia home.

  • Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) – enables eligible workers and their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia for five years with the option to pursue permanent residency after three years 
  • Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – replaces the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Subclass 187

A new pathway to permanent residency for horticulturalists

The signing of a new Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement sees doors open for people across 31 occupations looking to enter the country on a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) visa.

Occupations include Mechanical Engineers, Horticulture Growers, Fitters and Welders, Fork Lift Drivers and Irrigationists. Whilst there are concessions for English, skills, salary and age, this visa offers a pathway to a permanent visa. 

Keep an eye on innovation and investment visa requirements in 2020

The threshold for Business Innovation and Investment visas could see a rise from its current requirement of $1.5million as the Australian government reviews and streamlines its program. Regional investments are expected to be a key priority. Stay tuned. 

If you’re applying for a visa or Australian citizenship in 2020, it’s important to understand whether you’ll be impacted by these changes.

Contact one of our experienced staff on (07) 3184 9152 to book a consultation and discuss your circumstances today.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Australia, Migration, Migration Changes, Regional Visas, Rural Visas, Skilled Migration, Work Visas

2018 Migration Changes

January 19, 2018 by Rosie Acutt

With 2018 being well underway and the festive cheer feeling like a distant memory, it is time to reflect on the year ahead. 2017 was a turbulent year in migration, with the government introducing some of the largest changes seen in recent years  across a number of visa programs.

2018 is set to see further changes rolled out across a number of visa and citizenship programs.

From 1 March 2018, a number of changes will be introduced:

  1. The 457 visa program will be replaced b a Temporary Skills Shortage (“TSS”) visa, introducing stricter english language and work experience requirements.
  2. The 187 visa program will be varied, introducing minimum salary requirements, stricter work experience requirements and a shorter list of occupations eligible for visa program.

From 1 July 2018, changes are proposed to be made to the Australian citizenship requirements, with the possibility of extending the residence requirement.

If you are applying for a visa or Australian citizenship in 2018, it is important to understand whether you will be impacted by these changes.

Contact one of our friendly staff on (07) 3360 0844 to discuss your circumstances today.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Changes to the Skilled Occupations List for 2017 – Accountants Can Breathe Easy

May 17, 2016 by Rosie Acutt

The new skilled occupations list for 2017 has been announced and Accountants can breathe a sigh of relief. Despite a controversial lack of positions in the Australian job market, graduate Accountants can take a small degree of comfort knowing that a migration outcome may still be feasible, despite the lack of job certainty for international graduates.

International audiologists are encouraged to seek professional advice from an experienced and registered Migration Lawyer, as this occupation has been added to the list. This move undoubtable reflects the shortage of audiologists which has been experienced right across Australia in recent years.

The following occupations have been removed from the list:

  1. Metallurgist
  2. Environmental Health Officer
  3. Occupational Health and Safety Adviser
  4. Orthotist or Prosthetist

If you are a skilled foreign national with qualifications and exeperience in an occupation listed above, all hope is not lost as there are still opportunities available for state nomination in most Australian States and Territories.

The official SOL list is available via the Migration Regulations by clicking here.

If you are interested in securing a migration outcome via the Skilled Migration Program, contact us today for a confidential discussion regarding your options and eligibility.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How To Get Your Australian Visitor Visa Approved

December 11, 2015 by Rosie Acutt

Every year, hundreds of thousands of applications are made for a visa to visit Australia.

To be eligible for a Visitor visa, an applicant must genuinely intend to stay in Australia on a temporary basis for a short business visit or for tourism purposes.

All applicants must be able to satisfy the requirements for the grant of a Visitor visa, which requires an applicant to demonstrate that:

  1. They have sufficient ties to their home country and thus an incentive to return home at the end of their visit.
  2. That they have access to adequate means to support themselves (and their family where relevant) during their stay in Australia. They could be asked to provide evidence of their adequate means of support.

Pretty simple stuff right?

Wrong.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Health Criteria for an Australian Visa

December 10, 2015 by Rosie Acutt

All Australian visas have a requirement that the applicant meet certain health criteria.

Depending on the length and duration of your stay in Australia, you might need to undertake medical examinations to prove that you meet the health criteria, such as a general medical examination or chest x-ray. The Medical Officer will provide the results of your medical directly to the Department.

The longer the intended period of stay, the more stringent the health examinations become.

If you fail to meet the health requirement, your visa may be refused.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How to Win at AAT

November 10, 2015 by Rosie Acutt

Every year, thousands of visa applications are refused. The reasons for refusal range from incorrect documentation having been provided, misunderstandings as to the requirements and failure to respond to correspondence from the Department of Immigration.

Every day, we field enquiries about appealing visa refusals and cancellations.

Accordingly, we sat down with Immigration Lawyer Valeria Flora to discuss how to win at AAT.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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Recent Posts

No Work Rights? We Can Change That If You Have A Compelling Need To Work

Have you been granted a Bridging visa with limited work rights, or no work … Read More

Health Waivers for Partner Visas

All Australian visas have a requirement that the applicant meet certain health … Read More

A New World – Corona Virus (COVID-19)

In these uncertain times surrounding Corona Virus (COVID-19) we want to do all … Read More

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Have you been granted a Bridging visa with limited work rights, or no work … Read More

All Australian visas have a requirement that the applicant meet certain health … Read More

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