Educare International Student Services Centre ( in Sydney, Australia | Passport and visa service

Educare International Student Services Centre (

Locality: Sydney, Australia

Phone: (Sydney, Australia) +61 2 92800919; (Hong Kong) +852 23812020

Address: Head Office: Suite 8, Level 2, Labour Council Building, 377 Sussex Street 2000 Sydney, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.ecint.com.au/

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25.01.2022 Updates on State nominations ********************************************** The State & Territory nomination program is still temporarily closed until the Commonwealth Governments allocation of state nomination places for 2020-21 takes place as part of the Federal budget process. Even so, some States and Territories have been provided with a limited number of interim allocation places for the following programs:... a) General Skilled Migration - State and Territory nomination b) Business Migration == The nomination process is always decided by each State Government, and applications will be prioritised based on skills and sectors critical to supporting the countrys response to the COVID19 pandemic. == Critical skills, services, and sectors include: * Critical or specialist medical services, such as air ambulance, medical evacuations, and delivering critical medical supplies. * Critical skills required to maintain the supply of essential goods and services, such as in medical technology, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, engineering and mining, supply chain logistics, agricultural technology, food production, and the maritime industry. * Services in sectors critical to Australias economic recovery such as financial technology, large scale manufacturing, film and television production, and emerging technology. == Currently, ACT has just released its occupation list and requirements for Canberra residents (for people currently residing in Canberra as per the definitions set by ACT government).

23.01.2022 Update: VIC State Nomination for 2019-20 Migration Program ******************************************************************** Victorias skilled visa nomination program is now closed for both the subclass 190 and the subclass 491 as the places provided by the Department of Home Affairs for the 2019-20 program year have been filled up.

21.01.2022 Travel exemptions: updated on the Critical Skills List ************************************************************** The Commissioner of the Australian Border Force may grant an individual exemption if you are a non-citizen:... 1) Travelling at the invitation of the Australian Government or a state or territory government authority for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response 2) providing critical or specialist medical services, including air ambulance, medical evacuations and delivering critical medical supplies 3) with critical skills required to maintain the supply of essential goods and services (such as in medical technology, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, engineering and mining, supply chain logistics, agriculture, primary industry, food production, and the maritime industry) 4) delivering services in sectors critical to Australias economic recovery (such as financial technology, large scale manufacturing, film, media and television production and emerging technology), where no Australian worker is available 5) providing critical skills in religious or theology fields 6) whose entry would otherwise be in Australias national interest, supported by the Australian Government or a state or territory government authority. = An individual can submit a request for a travel exemption under this category or a business can submit a request on their behalf. The applications of multiple travellers within the same group/business can be linked, so that the requests are considered together. Please request an exemption using the form below and provide appropriate evidence to support the claims. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. All documents need to be officially translated into English. Further information can be found here: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/coming-australia (Source: The DHA)

21.01.2022 Official results for the Invitation round held on 11 August 2020 *********************************************** invitation numbers in each round may vary depending on the number of applications being processed by the Department. State or territory government nominations for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) will not be impacted by the departmental invitation rounds. ==... i) There were only 110 invitations issued for Subclass 189 (Skilled- Independent) and 90 invitations issued for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) Family Sponsored in this round. The minimum score to receive an invitation for a Subclass 189 in this round was 90 points (latest date of effect month was July 2020) whereas 75 points was the minimum score to receive an invitation for a Subclass 491 (family-sponsored) (latest date of effect month was June 2020). The number of invitations issued by points score is shown on Graph 1. == The Government is closely monitoring migration and visa settings to ensure they are consistent with public health measures, are flexible and do not displace job opportunities for Australians, so that Australia can effectively respond to the immediate and subsequent impacts of COVID-19. As such, targeted invitation rounds occurred in May, June, July and August 2020. (Source: The Department of Home Affairs)

21.01.2022 Our Holiday Closure ***************************** Please be informed that both of our offices will close on Thursday 24th December 2020 for Christmas and New Year Holidays, and resume work on Monday 04th January 2021. Phone and email inquiries will be not be attended to during this time. We will still keep checking our emails received from the Department of Home Affairs and inform particular clients accordingly if needed.... Should you have any queries relating to our Christmas and New Year holidays, please email or call us before our offices close. We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

21.01.2022 Official results for the Invitation round held on 14 July 2020 *********************************************** The Department of Home Affairs has released the official results for the first invitation round of the new program year (2020-2021) held on 14th July 2020. Please note that invitation numbers in each round may vary depending on the number of applications being processed by the Department. State or territory government nominations for Skilled Work Regional (Provisiona...l) visa (subclass 491) will not be impacted by the departmental invitation rounds. == i) There were only 500 invitations issued for Subclass 189 (Skilled- Independent) and 100 invitations issued for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) Family Sponsored in this round. The minimum score to receive an invitation for a Subclass 189 in this round was 90 points (latest date of effect month was July 2020) whereas 95 points was the minimum score to receive an invitation for a Subclass 491 (family-sponsored) (latest date of effect month was May 2020). The number of invitations issued by points score is shown on Graph 1. == ii) There were no invitations issued for the Popular occupations except certain Engineering occupation groups in this round. Please refer to Graph 2. ii) In this round, the invited occupations mainly were Health Professionals and some engineering groups only. Please refer to Graph 3 and 4. ==== The Government is closely monitoring migration and visa settings to ensure they are consistent with public health measures, are flexible and do not displace job opportunities for Australians, so that Australia can effectively respond to the immediate and subsequent impacts of COVID-19. As such, targeted invitation rounds occurred in May, June and July 2020. (Source: The Department of Home Affairs)

21.01.2022 State Nomination: Tasmania **************************************** As earlier announced, the Department of Home Affairs has issued an interim allocation of subclass 491, 190, 188 and 132 visa nomination places to states and territories. It is anticipated that that the interim nomination arrangement will continue until early to mid December 2020. = The Department of Home Affairs has directed that, all nominations must be justifiable in relation to their likely contribution ...Continue reading

21.01.2022 Refund of Visa Fee on certain visa applications impacted by COVID-19 ************************************* On 25 Feb 2021, The Department of Home Affairs has released an instrument on "Refund of Visa Application Charge." The instrument is to specify circumstances under these provisions to allow refunds of the first instalment of visa application charge. ... = Refunds are being made available in respect of visa holders and former visa holders who have been impacted due to COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions introduced on 20 March 2020 and hold, or have held, the following visas: = 1) Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage (Temporary) visa (section 5 to the instrument); 2) Subclass 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) visa in the Pacific Labour Scheme stream (PLS visas) (section 6); 3) Subclass 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) visa in the Seasonal Worker Program stream (SWP visas) (section 7); 4) Subclass 417 Working Holiday (Temporary) visa (section 8); and 5) Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visa (section 9)

19.01.2022 Victorias 2020-21 skilled visa nomination program (subclass 190 and 491) ********************************************************************* As released by VIC state government yesterday, 2020-21 Victorian skilled visa nomination program (subclass 190 and 491) will be open on Tuesday 8 September, 2020. = VIC will also be changing the way we select applicants to apply for Victorian visa nomination, with a new process that will focus on talent and contribution to Victoria...s economic recovery, as well as information in your Expression of Interest (EOI). This change aims to be responsive to challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, with a focus on the states economic recovery. == 1) The skilled visa nomination program up until 5 October 2020 As VIC state government only have a very limited number of visa nomination places available until after the Federal Budget is delivered on 6 October 2020, VIC will initially run a shorter and more targeted interim skilled visa nomination program (subclass 190 and 491) until 5 October 2020. = For this interim period, VIC will only select applicants to apply for Victorian visa nomination if their Registration of Interest demonstrates they are working in health or medical research and contributing to Victorias economic recovery and/or health response. == 2) The Selection Process a) To be considered for Victorian visa nomination, applicants must submit a Registration of Interest for Victorian State Visa Nomination. Applicants who register their interest may then be selected to apply for Victorian visa nomination. . b) Applicants must submit your Registration of Interest by 5pm AEST, 21 September 2020. c) VIC will then select the best candidates to apply for Victorian visa nomination. d) Note: a Registration of Interest is not an application for Victorian visa nomination. Applicants will only be contacted if you are selected to apply for Victorian visa nomination. There is no set timeframe for when you may be selected. e) If you are selected to apply for Victorian visa nomination, you will then need to submit a separate visa nomination application. == 3) Eligibility: Applicants must: be currently living in Victoria, and be currently employed in Victoria (minimum six months), and work in a highly skilled occupation in health or medical research, which supports Victorias economic recovery and/or health response == 4) Further information about the 2020-21 Victorian skilled visa nomination program With limited nomination places available, the program is highly selective and targeted. VIC will closely monitor Victorias visa nomination program to ensure it is consistent with public health measures, is flexible and does not displace Victorian job seekers, so that Victoria can effectively respond to the immediate and subsequent impacts of COVID-19. == (Source: VIC State Government) See more

19.01.2022 ACT Matrix Round Results ************************************ Invitation Round held on 31 AUGUST 2020: 1) 10 invitations issued to 457 / 482 visa holders.... 2) 147 invitations issued to Matrix nominating Critical occupations. (ACT Critical Skills List update - 233913: "Biomedical Engineer" was added on 26 August 2020) NOTE: a) The minimum ranking score is an indication only and not a guarantee that an invitation was issued. b) The next Canberra Matrix invitation round will be held on or before 14 September 2020. c) Refer to the below lists for the information about the nominated occupations and Matrix score invited in this round.

19.01.2022 Official results for the Invitation round held on 21 October 2020 ******************************************************************** Invitation rounds for Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) Family Sponsored visas, anticipated to be run each month. Dates for the rounds are subject to change. Invitation numbers in each round may vary depending on the number of applications being processed by the Department. No...te: State or territory government nominations for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) will not be impacted by the departmental invitation rounds. == i) There were 30 invitations issued for Subclass 189 (Skilled- Independent) and 80 invitations issued for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) Family Sponsored in this round. The minimum score to receive an invitation for a Subclass 189 in this round was 65 points (latest date of effect month was September 2020) whereas 65 points was the minimum score to receive an invitation for a Subclass 491 (family-sponsored) (latest date of effect month was April 2020). The number of invitations issued by points score is shown on Graph 1. == The Government is closely monitoring migration and visa settings to ensure they are consistent with public health measures, are flexible and do not displace job opportunities for Australians, so that Australia can effectively respond to the immediate and subsequent impacts of COVID-19. As such, targeted invitation rounds occurred in May 2020. ********* (Source: The Department of Home Affairs) See more

19.01.2022 South Australia nomination program ********************************************************** Immigration SA stated today that, "The South Australian Skilled and Business Migration programs are awaiting the Commonwealth Governments allocation of state nomination places for program year 2020-21; therefore, these programs remain closed until further notice."... (Source: Immigration SA)

19.01.2022 Australian Community Workers Association: Processing time updates ********************************************************************* Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA: Skills Assessment Authority for such as Welfare Workers, Community Workers, Disabilities Services Officers and others), due to COVID-19, the processing times for Migration skills assessment applications are a bit longer than usual as shown below: * General Applications: Up to 12 weeks... * Fast Track Applications: Up to 6 weeks (Source: ACWA)

18.01.2022 Official results for the Invitation round held on 11 June 2020 ********************************************************************* The Department of Home Affairs has finally released the official results for the invitation round held on 11th June 2020. i) There were only 170 invitations issued for Subclass 189 (Skilled- Independent) and 30 invitations issued for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) Family Sponsored in this round.... The minimum score to receive an invitation for a Subclass 189 in this round was 85 points (latest date of effect month was February 2020 whereas 70 points was the minimum score to receive an invitation for a Subclass 491 (family-sponsored) (latest date of effect month was April 2020). The number of invitations issued by points score is shown on Graph 1. == ii) There were no invitations issued for the Popular occupations except 2339 Occupation group: Other Engineering Professionals where 95 points was the minimum score to receive 189 and 491 (family sponsored) in this round. Please refer to Graph 2. == iii) Graph 3 shows the invitations issued in each round for the whole Migration programme year (July 2019- June 2020)for subclasses 189 and 489/491. Note that the figures do not include invitations issued for State and Territory Government nominated visa subclasses. State and Territory Governments nominate throughout the month for specific points tested skilled migration and business innovation and investment visas. == (Source: The Department of Home Affairs)

18.01.2022 ACT Matrix Round Results ************************************ Invitation Round held on 28 October 2020: 1) 457 / 482 visa holders: 4 invitations were issued where 190 nomination: 4 invitations... 491 nomination: NIL == 2) Matrix nominating Critical occupations: 66 invitations were issued where 190 nomination: 66 invitations 491 nomination: nil invitations as interim allocation is met. == NOTE: * The minimum ranking score is an indication only and not a guarantee that an invitation was issued. Ranking may depend on date and time of Matrix submission. * Invitations may not be issued for: a) an occupation if the monthly cap is met. The cap will reset in November; and b) you have an active application in the system; or have previously received ACT nomination * The next Canberra Matrix invitation round will be held on or before 10 November 2020 (Source: ACT state Government)

17.01.2022 NT State Nomination: 2020-2021 program year update ****************************************************************** The Australian Government has not yet allocated nomination quotas to the states and territories for the Migration program year of 2020-2021. = This means that the Northern Territory (NT) Government is currently unable to issue nominations under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and the Business Investment and Innovation Program (BIIP). ... = At this stage, if you are currently living in the NT, you will still be able to lodge new applications for NT nomination under the GSM program, and these applications will continue to be assessed. Offshore GSM nomination applications remain closed. BIIP nomination applications remain open. However, please note that even if your application is successful, you will only be issued a nomination once the Australian Government has allocated quotas to the NT. Given the uncertainty in allocations for the current program year, there is no guarantee that all applicants who meet the NT nomination criteria will be nominated. = If your current visa is about to expire, you should note that your nomination application may not be finalised before your visa expires. Please also note that the nomination application fee is non-refundable. It is important that you remain lawful at all times and obtain professional migration advice on options available to you. We look forward to your continued interest in the Northern Territory s skilled and business migration programs and we will provide updates as soon as additional information becomes available. === Source: NT state government See more

17.01.2022 Tasmania State Government: Interim Allocation ********************************************************************* The Department of Home Affairs has issued a small quota of nomination places for Tasmania State Government to use until the Federal Budget takes place on 6 October 2020. Below is provided by TAS state government in response of the interim allocation:... 1) Those in critical roles or able to provide the most compelling claims will be nominated first. 2) Every nomination must demonstrate that the applicant is critical to supporting Tasmanias response to the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery. Applicants must provide a letter of support from their employer clearly explaining how their role is critical to providing medical services, the supply of essential goods and services, or delivering services in sectors critical to Tasmanias economic recovery. 3) Critical Skills Occupations There is not a specific list of skilled occupations based on ANZSCO. However, the following critical roles have been specified and will be considered for Tasmania state nomination. a) Assisting directly in Tasmanias COVID-19 response (directly engaged by the Tasmanian Government due to their specialist skills and experience). b) Providing critical or specialist medical services or delivering medical supplies potentially associated with COVID-19 response. This includes all general nursing and medical positions with the Tasmanian Health Service. c) Directly involved in the supply of essential goods and services (medical technology, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, engineering and mining, supply chain logistics, agricultural technology, food production, and the maritime industry): * must be highly skilled and specialised roles * infrastructure engineering and maintenance such as dams, large-/high-complexity bridges, irrigation schemes, transport logistics planning and maintenance * agriculture such as artificial insemination technicians, wool classers, livestock pregnancy scanners * the supply of essential goods and services which would be in jeopardy without the applicant d) Delivering services in sectors critical to economic recovery such as financial technology, large scale manufacturing, film and television production and emerging technology which: * must be high-value/highly-skilled/specialised roles * would normally include a significant and recognised contribution to export income, significant flow-on employment and economic benefits, high-value national/ international exposure == Note: Above positions do not include lower level positions such as retail workers, harvest labour, delivery drivers, warehouse staff, etc. The scope of these priority areas may change as the needs of Tasmanias economy evolves. (Source: Tasmania State Government)

17.01.2022 Family visa processing priorities ************************************ The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is processing family migration applications in line with the government’s policy priorities regardless of the lodgement date. = I. The current processing priorities (with highest priority first) are:...Continue reading

16.01.2022 ***************** (Full Allocation) 2021 ... 1) (New South Wales) Critical Skills Critical Skills: (Health Professionals)ICTNSW (491) NSW (190) 20212188132 == 2) (Queensland) a) 20211929105800EOI COVID202012251EOI b) 202012102020929105EOI2020106129EOIEOI EOI132,188A,188C188E == 3) (Northern Territory) 121 121 == 4) 821 (Invitation Round) 20206 == 5) (Victoria) & (Tasmania) & (South Australia) (ACT):

16.01.2022 Updates on Queensland State Nominations *************************************************** Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (BSMQ) has confirmed that they have received the final nomination allocations for FY 2020-21 and is set to open the skilled migration and business program. Below is the information released on the official website:... ==== 1) Business Program BSMQ business program is now OPEN from 10 December 2020, but it will assess the applications submitted from the interim quota opening from 29 September 05 October 2020, then from 6 October 9 December 2020 before the EOIs being submitted from 10 December 2020. Thus, extending the processing time for the EOIs submitted now. ** Priority processing for: Subclass 132 Significant Business History stream Subclass 188 Business Innovation stream Subclass 188 Significant Investor stream Subclass 188 Entrepreneur stream BSMQ will nominate high quality applications related to the COVID-19 economic recovery, or those businesses which focus on productive investment and job creation or have a regional investment focus within the business program. ==== 2) Skilled Migration Program The BSMQ skilled program remains SUSPENDED while they process the backlog of applications from 29 September 05 October 2020 interim quota opening. NOTE: a) Only selected occupations related to the COVID response and recovery will be processed as a priority. If applicants do not receive an invitation before the 25 December 2020, you will be required to submit a brand new EOI when the government reopens the program at the end of January 2021. b) Applicants affected by s48 barred will not be processed. c) While BSMQ recognises there are a number of people in challenging situations, it is required to adhere to selecting occupations critical to the COVID recovery. These occupations will be processed as a priority. Priority cannot be given to applicants who have a visa expiring at this time. d) The skilled program remains suspended until further notice. Please DO NOT submit an EOI as they will not be picked up or considered. ==== (Source: Business and Skilled Migration Queensland)

16.01.2022 South Australia State Nomination: 2020-2021 Program Year Update ************************************************************************ Immigration South Australia has confirmed on 01st July 2020 that both Business and Skilled Migration program remains closed until August 2020. This means that no applications will be accepted for the following subclasses:... Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa Business Innovation stream (subclass 188A) (Provisional) visa Investor stream (subclass 188B) (Provisional) visa Significant Investor stream (subclass 188C) (Provisional) visa Entrepreneur stream (subclass 188E) (Provisional) visa Significant Business History (subclass 132A) (Permanent) visa Venture Capital Entrepreneur (subclass 132B) (Permanent) visa == NOTE: The places allocated for each visa subclass will be dependent on the allocated by the Commonwealth.

16.01.2022 Update on NSW (491) nomination ****************************************** It has just been released that Regional Development Australia offices (RDAs) will begin assisting NSW Treasury manage the subclass 491 visa in early February 2021. Each RDA office will accept and assess applications and determine eligible occupations for their respective regions; however, nomination criteria is consistent across all regions. ... Information about how to apply will be made available as soon as possible. Below is a list of the participating regions in New South Wales: Central Coast Central West Far South Coast Far West Hunter Illawarra Mid North Coast Northern Inland Northern Rivers Orana Riverina Southern Inland (including Murray region) Sydney ==== RDA offices will focus on nominating applicants who are undertaking skilled work in critical sectors. These applicants are a priority for Government in supporting economic recovery following the impacts of COVID-19. (Source: Business NSW)

16.01.2022 Updates on Victorian State Nominations ************************************************ VIC government has been allocated 2500 quota for Subclass 190 and 1043 quota for subclass 491,which is same as the last year’s. The full 2020-21 Victorian skilled visa nomination program (subclass 190 and 491) will open on Tuesday 5 January, 2021, and still responds to challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, with a focus on Victoria’s health response or economic recovery. Basically, ...all applicants must have met Department of Home Affairs’ minimum requirements for age, English levels, Points, a Skills assessment and a commitment to continue living and working in Victoria for a certain period (at least 2 years for subclass 190 and at least 4 years for subclass 491). === I. Selection to apply for Victorian visa nomination (subclass 491) To be eligible to be considered for selection to apply for subclass 491 Victorian visa nomination, prospective applicants must: 1. already be living in regional Victoria 2. be currently employed in regional Victoria in a highly skilled occupation in the health, medical research, life sciences, agri-food or digital sectors, and your role must either have been supporting Victoria’s economic recovery and/or health response for at least the past 3 months. === II. Selection to apply for Victorian visa nomination (subclass 190) To be eligible to be considered for selection to apply for subclass 190 Victorian visa nomination, prospective applicants must: 1. already be living in Victoria 2. be currently employed in Victoria and working in a highly skilled occupation in health or medical research which supports Victoria’s economic recovery or health response for at least the past 6 months. ** If you are a nurse, please note that only the following nursing occupations will be nominated: Midwife - 254111 Registered Nurse (Aged Care) -254412 Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) - 254415 Registered Nurse (Mental Health) - 254422 Registered Nurse (Perioperative) - 254423 ==== Note: a) Currently, VIC state nominations are only open for eligible onshore applicants b) For both subclasses 491 and 190, International student graduates and PhD applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are also encouraged to apply. Applicants with a track record of commercialising innovative ideas and bringing them to market will also be highly regarded. c) If you have already submitted a Registration of Interest (ROI) during the interim program, you do not need to submit another ROI. Your existing ROI will still be considered. d) Victoria will only accept ROIs lodged within the submission windows (shown below), and ROIs submitted during the interim program (September 2020). Invitations to apply for Victorian skilled visa nomination are made on each selection day. If you are not selected immediately after your submission window, your ROI will still be considered on future selection days. === (Source: VIC State Government)

16.01.2022 Occupation ceilings ************************************** The Occupation Ceilings for each occupation listed under MLTSSL have been released. 1) Occupation ceiling values are set by referring to a percentage of stock employment figures for each occupation. Employment figures are provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and represent the number of people employed in Australia in each occupation.... = 2) The occupation ceilings may be applied to invitations issued under the Subclass 189 (skilled-independent) and Subclass 491 (skilled regional (provisional); family sponsored) visas. It means there will be a limit on how many EOIs can be invited for skilled migration per each occupation group listed. = 3) Once this limit is reached, no further invitations for that particular occupation group will be issued for that program year. = 4) Occupation ceilings do not apply to State or Territory Nominated, Employer Sponsored or Business Innovation and Investment visa subclasses. = 5) The attached tables show the occupation ceilings for the 2020-2021 program year for each occupation on the list. = 6) In comparison with the last program years occupational ceilings, the largest drop is Accountants, it was dropped by about 64%. The biggest increase is the occupation group of (2335) Industrial, Mechanical & Production Engineers, it was increased by about 68%. Generally, there was not much change in other occupations. For Registered Nurse (the one always assigned with the highest occupational ceiling), the ceiling is increased from 17,509 to 17,859, which reflects the continuously high demand for this occupation. The below table shows the changes in some "popular"occupations. == (Source: The Department of Home Affairs) Occupation ceilings for the 2020-21 program year.

16.01.2022 The ACT Skilled Migration Program (Interim allocation) **************************************************************** As announced by ACT State Government last night, they have opened its state nomination for Canberra residents (people who are currently residing in ACT and have met the relevant requirements as a Canberra Resident). Due to the COVID-19, The Australian Government has directed the ACT Government to restrict nominations to Canberra residents with skills critic...Continue reading

16.01.2022 Entering into Australia ************************************************ Currently, only Australian citizens, permanent residents, immediate family members of an Australian citizen or permanent resident or New Zealand citizens usually resident in Australia can travel to Australia. For more information, please click at: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/coming-australia-0 ... === You are only considered to be an immediate family member if you are: * a spouse * a de facto partner * a dependent child/ren * a legal guardian. === Immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents who hold a temporary visa will need to provide evidence of their relationship. People who do not hold a temporary visa will not be considered for travel exemption. === NOTE: All travellers arriving in Australia must undertake a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated facilities (for example, a hotel), in their port of arrival. You may need to provide information to the Department before travelling to Australia. === (Source: The DHA)

16.01.2022 Update on South Australias state nominations ******************************************************** The following information is announced by The Government of South Australia: "The Government of South Australia has been advised of a limited number of interim allocation places for the States General Skilled and Business Migration Program for 2020/21, which will be prioritised to support South Australias economic and public health recovery. ... - The full nomination allocations for 2020/21 will be determined later in the year as part of the 2020/21 Budget process. Given the limited number of available nominations, South Australias program requirements and application processes for the General Skilled and Business Programs are currently being finalised, with a view to applications being open in late August 2020. - Based on direction from the Department of Home Affairs, applications will be prioritised according to: - 1. High quality applications within the Business Innovation and Investment Program, with those who have already lodged an Intention to Apply given priority consideration. 2. Applicants critical to supporting South Australias response to the COVID19 pandemic, including individuals providing critical or specialist medical services, critical skills required to maintain the supply of essential goods and services; or delivering services in sectors critical to Australias economic recovery. 3. Early consideration to onshore applicants that satisfy the above criteria. Further guidance will be available next week. ****** (Source: Immigration SA) See more

15.01.2022 Visa Changes to support International Students ********************************************************************** A Joint Media Release published today by the DHA stating that the Morrison Government is making a number of changes to student visa arrangements to ensure Australia remains a priority destination for international students as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. = These five visa changes will ensure international students are not worse off due to the coronavi...rus pandemic and that Australia remains competitive with other countries. = The changes include: 1. The Government will recommence granting student visas in all locations lodged outside Australia. This means when borders re-open, students will already have visas and be able to make arrangements to travel. 2. International students will be able to lodge a further student visa application free of charge, if they are unable to complete their studies within their original visa validity due to COVID-19. 3. Current student visa holders studying online outside Australia due to COVID-19 will be able to use that study to count towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa. 4. Graduates who held a student visa will be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa outside Australia if they are unable to return due to COVID-19. 5. Additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language results where COVID-19 has disrupted access to these services. = (Source: The Department of Home Affairs/ News release)

14.01.2022 Updates on TAS State Nominations on skilled migration **************************************************** On 19 March 2021, Tasmanian State Government has released the updates on its state nominations, and a brief summary is listed below: - 1) Tasmania’s nomination quota for the 202021 program year is:...Continue reading

14.01.2022 NSW state nomination: Interim allocation ************************************************* NSW State Government has been provided a limited number of interim nomination places for the 202021 financial year. Because the nomination places are limited, they have made some temporary adjustments to the application process. These adjustments will be reviewed if more nomination places are provided to NSW later in the financial year.... == Invitation rounds will commence shortly for subclass 190 visa nomination. In line with Home Affairs direction, NSW government will only invite applicants in selected health, ICT and engineering occupations, and who currently reside in NSW. == Eligibility Applicants must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements to be eligible for NSW nomination. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you will be invited by NSW to apply for nomination. a) Age You must be aged under 45 when we invite you to apply for nomination, and when we nominate you to apply for the 190 visa. b) Points claim You must have at least 65 point in an EOI c) English language At the time of invitation, you must have at least competent English (an IELTS 6.0 in all 4 bands or equivalent in a one of the recognised English tests). Your English test will be exempted if you are a citizen of the USA, UK, Canada, Republic of Ireland or New Zealand. d) Nominated Occupation You must hold a valid skills assessment in an occupation that exactly matches an occupation that appears on the" NSW 190 Priority Skilled Occupation List". Some occupations have an additional requirement to have BOTH: been residing in NSW for six months immediately before being invited by NSW, AND: completed at least one full year of skilled employment in NSW in your nominated occupation in the past ten years. Occupations with the additional requirement are identified on the NSW 190 Priority Skilled Occupation List. e) Residency If your occupation has the additional requirement: you must be residing in NSW for at least the past six months. If your occupation does not have the additional requirement: you must EITHER be: residing in NSW, or offshore, for at least six months, OR; be residing AND employed in your nominated occupation in NSW, or offshore, for at least one month. == NOTE: * You are not eligible for NSW nomination if you are currently residing in a different Australian state or territory. * Your commitment to NSW You must commit to living and working in NSW for at least the first two years of your subclass 190 visa. **** (Source: NSW State Government)

13.01.2022 A summary of each states status on nominations *********************************************************** NOTE: 1) For those state with Open status, it is assumed that no invitations will be issued until a new quota for FY2020-2021s migration program year is released. 2) The State & Territory nomination program will remain temporarily closed until the Commonwealth Governments allocation of state nomination places for 2020-21 takes place... 3) The General Skilled Migration Program for 2020/21 program year is scheduled to re-open from early August however, changes to the composition of the Australian Migration program might be made in October under the new Federal budget. See more

13.01.2022 *************************** Expression of Interest (EOI) I. ... a) b) 491 190 (); c) 2040; d) PhD Master (Research) == 5 1) 47(IELTS ) 2) EOI90 3) 12 4) (Outer Regional South Australia) ( Postcodes) 5) COVID(Critical Skills : (Critical Skills) EOI == II. : a) 3 b) : i) EOI ; ii) EOI iii) EOI190491 iv) EOI v) vi) EOI vii) 491EOI viii) 6-8 == III. 1) 10 2) postcodes 3) a) 15302040 b) 121530491 ANZSCO Code 321324 (Motor trades) ANZSCO Code 33 (Construction trades) ANZSCO Code 322323 (Engineering trades) ANZSCO Code 34 (Electrical trades) (391111) (Hairdresser) ANZSCO Code 351 (Food trades) - c) d) -- * 1 i) 5121,2,34 Career ii) 828384 iii) 20 40, (Greater Adelaide); , 1530 iv) : 491 -- * 2 1) 5 2) 20 40; , 1530 3) 12 == III. (The Talent and Innovators Program) 190491 - 1. (Employment Stream) 10 2. (Independent Talent Stream) 10 3. (Small business and start-up stream) 10 -

13.01.2022 Updates on South Australia State Nominations ********************************************************* On 15 December 2020, South Australian State Government has announced that they have been provided with full State Nomination allocations by the Department of Home Affairs. They will continue to focus on driving economic growth and job creation for the state through the Migration Program and supporting businesses to acquire the skills they need throughout the State’s economic...Continue reading

12.01.2022 VIC State Nomination: 2020-2021 program year update ****************************************************************** The Victorian Governments state nomination program will remain temporarily closed while the State is awaiting the Commonwealth Governments allocation of state nomination places for the migration program year of 2020-2021. == In the meantime, applicants will not be able to apply for the following state nomination visas:... Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa Business Innovation stream (subclass 188A) (Provisional) visa Investor stream (subclass 188B) (Provisional) visa Significant Investor stream (subclass 188C) (Provisional) visa Entrepreneur stream (subclass 188E) (Provisional) visa Significant Business History (subclass 132A) (Permanent) visa Venture Capital Entrepreneur (subclass 132B) (Permanent) visa == NOTE: Applicants can still lodge their Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect system for selection. See more

12.01.2022 Parent Visas: Current processing time ************************************************** As updated on 12th August 2020, below is the updates from Parent visa centre: 1) Onshore Contributory Parent (UU884 and DG864) visa subclasses have been assessed up to January 2017. Onshore Contributory Parent visas lodged from January 2017 onwards are likely to take longer to process while we action offshore Contributory Parent (CA143 and TU173) applications to bring the dates back to pa...rity. 2) Onshore Aged Parent (BP804) visas have been assessed up to Queued Date of May 2012. Onshore Aged Parent applications with a Queued Date of May 2012 onwards are likely to take longer to process while we action offshore Parent (AX103) applications to bring the dates back to parity. 3) Offshore Contributory Parent (Subclass 143): currently processed the applications submitted up May 2016. 4) Offshore Parent (Subclass 103): a) For Queue assessment: currently processed the applications submitted up to November 2018. b) For Visa assessment: currently processed the applications assigned with a queue date up to August 2010. NOTE: The Department is required to process Parent and Contributory Parent applications in date order and within annual quotas. The Department has identified some discrepancies in processing times between offshore and onshore visas in both Parent and Contributory Parent categories and are currently taking action to correct them. (Source: Parent Visa Centre)

11.01.2022 *********************************************** 1) (New South Wales) a) 190: Health, ICT & Engineering (Critical Skills List) 1901...Continue reading

11.01.2022 Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) *************************************************************** The Hon Alan Tudge MP, Acting Minister for Immigration Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs has released a media statement announcing a new Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) today.... A new priority skills list will strengthen labour market testing, which will allow small numbers of sponsored skilled workers to return to Australia to fill urgent skills needs in critical sectors, helping to create Australian jobs and rebuild Australias economy. = The 17 occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) were based on advice from the National Skills Commission and consultation with relevant Commonwealth agencies and will be reviewed regularly. = 111111: Chief Executive or Managing Director 133111: Construction Project Manager 233512: Mechanical Engineer 253111: General Practitioner 253112: Resident Medical Officer 253411: Psychiatrist 253999: Medical Practitioner nec 254111: Midwife 254412: Registered Nurse (Aged Care) 254415: Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) 254418: Registered Nurse (Medical) 254422: Registered Nurse (Mental Health) 254423: Registered Nurse (Perioperative) 254499: Registered Nurses nec 261312: Developer Programmer 261313: Software Engineer 312911: Maintenance Planner = Offshore visa holders who have been sponsored by an eligible Australia business in any of the PMSOL occupations will be able to request a travel exemption with the Department of Home Affairs. = (Source: Department of Home Affairs)

10.01.2022 New penalties for travellers who don’t declare high-risk biosecurity goods ************************************************ From 1 January 2021, biosecurity officers will be able to issue infringement notices up to $2664 where travellers fail to declare potential high biosecurity risks (like uncanned meat or live plant material) when arriving at Australian international air and sea ports. Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said the ...Biosecurity Amendment (Traveller Declarations and Other Measures) Bill 2020 was about protecting Australia. Our biosecurity system is critical to supporting the health of Australians, the environment and the competitiveness of our agricultural industries, Minister Littleproud said. Australia produces the best agricultural products in the world, but we need to be vigilant to protect Australia from an ever-increasing number of pests and diseases that threaten our country and way of life. Source: Dont-be-sorry-just-declare-it.pdf

10.01.2022 (VIC) ********************************* 106 Federal Budget ... 1) 190ITEOI2544 190: 2 47 65 2) i) 233914: 46PhDoffer65-7080-95superior ii) 2341: 65-7046PhD offer iii) 2241: IELTS 46 iv) 2525: IELTS (Academic) 4765-70 v) 2613 ICT : IELTS 473657080 vi) IELTS 46 565-70 == a) (190) 190 i) - "Eligible list" ii) - IELTS 466 iii) offer offer offer206 b) 491 45 Competent (12; 38; )

10.01.2022 Official results for the Invitation round held on 25 May 2020 ********************************************************************* The Department of Home Affairs has finally released the official results for the invitation round held on 25th May 2020. i) There were only 550 invitations issued for Subclass 189 (Skilled- Independent) and 100 invitations issued for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) Family Sponsored in this round. The minimum score to rec...eive an invitation for a Subclass 189 in this round was 85 points (latest date of effect month was December 2019 whereas 70 points was the minimum score to receive an invitation for a Subclass 491 (family-sponsored) (latest date of effect month was March 2020). The number of invitations issued by points score is shown on Graph 1. == ii) There were no invitations issued for the Popular occupations. Please refer to Graph 2. (Source: The Department of Home Affairs)

09.01.2022 South Australia: Interim nomination visa applications ******************************************************************** The following was announced by SA state government in this morning: 1) The Department of Home Affairs has provided a limited number of skilled and business visa nomination places to the South Australia State Government up until the Federal Budget is delivered on 6 October 2020.... = 2) Skilled migration a) The states allocation of interim 491 and 190 visa nominations are intended to support and prioritize South Australias economic recovery and public health response. b) Prospective applicants will be able to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. For those EOIs meeting Commonwealth and South Australian priorities will be given an invitation by which applicants can further submit an online application for a state nomination. c) The Government of South Australia will publish state nomination requirements on 27 August 2020. From 31 August, South Australia will commence reviewing EOIs and sending invitations to submit an online application. == 2) Business migration The states allocation of interim 188 and 132 visa nominations are intended to support the outcomes of its Business Innovation & Investment Program: a) High quality business owners and entrepreneurs have created genuine and sustainable business opportunities in South Australia that benefits the States economy, local businesses and the workforce. b) South Australia State Government will publish state nomination requirements on 27 August 2020. From 7 September, South Australia will commence reviewing Intention to Apply submissions and sending invitations to submit an online application. == (Source: SA State Government)

09.01.2022 Second Subclass 485 (Graduate) Visa ****************************************** Subclass 485 ( Temporary Graduate) visa allows visa holders to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily within the visa life. Eligible international students may apply after completing their tertiary studies in Australia by choosing one of the streams: 1) Graduate Work stream and 2) Post-Study Work stream. ... = The Subclass 485 has been a one-in-a-lifetime visa however, from 2021, graduates from regional educational institutions may be eligible for a second visa. From 20 January 2021, holders of Graduate visas in the Post-Study stream will have the opportunity to apply for a second Graduate visa in the same stream if they satisfy specific regional requirements. = The second Subclass 485 Graduate visa in the Post-Study Work stream will be granted with a visa validity of one or two years from the date of grant. = a) A One-Year visa A one-year graduate visa will be granted to applicants who studied their Australian qualification anywhere other than the major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) and who, while holding the first Graduate visa, lived, worked or studied only in areas (category 2) that were outside those cities for at least two years immediately before applying for the second visa. There will be a condition of the second visa where the visa holders continuing to live and work or study only in a designated regional area, which in practice means areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This condition will also apply to all family members of the primary holder who are granted a second Subclass 485 visa. = b) A Two-Year visa A two-year graduate visa will be granted to applicants who studied their Australian qualification in a regional centre or other regional area (category 3), and who, while holding the first Graduate, lived (worked or studied) only in a regional centre or other regional area for at least two years immediately before applying for the second visa. There will be a condition of the second visa where the visa holders continuing to live and work or study only in a regional centre or other regional area. This condition will also apply to all family members of the primary holder who are granted a second Subclass 485 visa. = NOTE: Category 2- ‘Cities and Major Regional Centres’ of Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong and Hobart Category 3 ‘Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas (Include Designated regional area postcodes as per below table)

08.01.2022 The official results on the invitation round held on 21 January 2021 *************************************************************** The Australian Government is closely monitoring migration and visa settings to ensure they are consistent with public health measures, are flexible and do not displace job opportunities for Australians, so that Australia can effectively respond to the immediate and subsequent impacts of COVID-19. It is why some occupations have not yet been invi...ted since this Migration Program year. The Department will run quarterly invitation rounds for the remainder of 2020-21 program year. The next invitation round will run in April 2021. = The DHA has just released the official results on the invitation round held on 21 January 2021, in brief: = 1) There were 200 invitations issued for Subclass 189 and 163 invitations issued for Subclass 491 (family-sponsored) in this round 2) The occupations invited are mainly Health Professionals, Engineers, a few construction project managers (less than 20) and Psychologists (17 invitations). 3) From July 2020 to January 2021, there were totally 1190 invitations issued for Subclass 189 (Skilled-Independent) and 583 issued for Subclass 491 (Family-sponsored) as shown on the following chart. **** (Source: The DHA)

07.01.2022 Updates on NSW State Nominations *************************************** NSW State Government has released the updated information about its state nominations. On 09 December 2020, NSW has been provided with a full allocation of nomination places for the 202021 financial year. In align with the direction set by the Department of Home Affairs, NSW will continue to focus on nominating applicants undertaking work in critical sectors. These applicants are a priority for Governme...Continue reading

07.01.2022 ******************************** - Migration Programme Year16... () 1) Skill stream ())108,682 (67.9%) 2) Family stream (): 47,732 (29.8%) 3) Special Eligibility stream (): 236 (0.1%) 4) 3,3502%

07.01.2022 Travelers entering into Australia - continued ********************************************** Currently, only Australian citizens, permanent residents, immediate family member(s) of an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizens who usually residing in Australia are allowed to enter into Australia. == Overseas travelers have a compassionate or compelling reason to travel to Australia who will need to have an exemption from the Australian Border ...Continue reading

06.01.2022 Updates on NSW State Nominations **************************************** On 22nd October, 2020, the following information was received from NSW Business and Skilled Migration: NSW Business and Skilled Migration Skilled is close to filling its interim allocation of nomination positions for the 2020-21 program year provided by the Department of Home Affairs.... Following the Commonwealth Government’s announcement of the annual migration program planning levels, an additional provision of nomination positions for the reminder of the year may become available in the coming weeks. Further information will be provided on our website once the allocation of nomination positions has been finalised. == * Skilled migration NSW will continue to operate an expression of interest and invitation model to address NSW’s skill needs. Under direction from Home Affairs, NSW will continue to priorities applicants with skills to support NSW economic recovery and public health response. We will only invite applicants currently in selected health, ICT and engineering occupations, and who are residing in NSW. * Regional migration NSW will shortly announce changes to the management of the Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491). == (Source: NSW Business and Skilled Migration)

05.01.2022 Canberra Invitation Round Matrix held on 20 August 2020 ***************************************************************** The following information has been released by the ACT state government in relation to the most recent round of invitations issued for the ACT state government. = 1) 26 Invitations issued to 457 / 482 visa holders... 2) 145 invitations issued to Matrix nominating Critical occupations. The minimum ranking score is an indication only and not a guarantee that an invitation was issued. Approximately 27 occupations received an invitation. (Source: ACT State Government)

05.01.2022 Our response to COVID-19 ********************************** Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, our company has made the following arrangements: 1) Sydney office:... Our Team has started working from home until further notice. Our working hours remain unchanged, which is Mondays - Fridays, from 9:30am to 5:30pm, and closed on public holidays. ========== 2) Hong Kong office: Our Team has started working from home until further notice. Our working hours are shorten, which is from 10am to 5pm; Mondays to Fridays. For phone inquiries, it is only available from 11am to 4pm; Mondays to Fridays EXCEPT Wednesday. There is no phone inquiries available on Wednesday. =========== Please note the following during this time: 1) Our phone lines will be busier than usual, therefore please dont be panic if you can not call through, and just keep trying 2) Our preferred communication way is always by email. please email us instead of calling us. 3) We will endeavour to reply your emails within 2 business days. 4) Our lunch time is set to be 1-2pm. 5) No walk-in service is provided ============ Please do not hesitate to contact us: Sydney office: [email protected] or 02 9280 0919. Hong Kong office: [email protected] or 2381 2020 ============== Our team wish you and your families all the best during this difficult time.

05.01.2022 Skills Travel Exemption Update *************************************** Australian Border Force has updated the critical skills list on the basis of which a travel exemption may be granted into Australia. == The Commissioner of the Australian Border Force may grant an individual exemption if an applicant is a non-citizen:... 1) travelling at the invitation of the Australian Government or a state or territory government authority for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response 2) providing critical or specialist medical services, including air ambulance, medical evacuations and delivering critical medical supplies 3) with critical skills required to maintain the supply of essential goods and services (such as in medical technology, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, engineering and mining, supply chain logistics, agricultural technology, food production, and the maritime industry) 4) delivering services in sectors critical to Australias economic recovery (such as financial technology, large scale manufacturing, film and television production and emerging technology), where no Australian worker is available 5) whose entry would otherwise be in Australias national interest, supported by the Australian Government or a state or territory government authority. == An individual can submit a request for a travel exemption under this category, or a business can submit a request on their behalf. The applications of multiple travellers within the same group/business can be linked, so that the requests are considered together. == Currently, travel exemptions are taking 24 to 48 hours to finalise, and it varies depending on the circumstances of each case. == For details, please refer to the DHAs website at https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/travel-restrictions-0

05.01.2022 9 ************************************** Simon Birmingham9 9300... 30106.5 Birmingham Birmingham14

02.01.2022 Our phone lines are temporarily broken down ************************************************** Our phone lines of Sydney office have been temporarily broken down since yesterday due to the technical issues caused by Telstra. Telstra has promised to get it fixed as soon as possible. In the meantime, please call us at 0431 859 611 or email us if needed.... Thank you.

01.01.2022 ****************************** I. ========== a) 2018-19: 8,675 (Contributory)8848641731437,175; (Parent)1038041,500... b) 2019-20: 7,3716,0961,0791,275225 c) 2020-21: 4,500 II. =============== 2020630108,659 2020831107,21510339,601; 14353,449; 8643,395 3 (113, 804 & 884 )10,770 202093014353,444; 8643,447; 1732,884 III. ============= 1435173 () 4 2020109 (subclass 143) 20165103: 20191 (Queue assessment); (Visa assessment)20108