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.
