OZ Home Migration in Rockdale, New South Wales | Passport and visa service

OZ Home Migration

Locality: Rockdale, New South Wales

Phone: +61 403 416 670

Address: Level 2 Kings Court, 8-12 King St 2216 Rockdale, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.ozhome.info

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25.01.2022 WORK IN HEALTH CARE AND MEDICAL SECTORS NOW ELIGIBLE FOR WHV417/462 EXTENSION - 19 AUGUST 2020 The legislation has been changed to allow for critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors after 31 January 2020 in any place in Australia to count for the purpose towards eligibility for a second or third 417/462 visa. The legislation states the eligible work includes:... (a) medical treatment, nursing, contact tracing, testing and research; (b) support services such as cleaning of medical and health care facilities and equipment. Examples of eligible specified work: - providing care to COVID-19 patients in a hospital - research relating to COVID-19 treatment - cleaning at a COVID-19 testing centre Examples of ineligible work: - general administration or cleaning work that is not in response to COVID-19 - selling personal protective equipment The links to this legislation: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2020L01033 https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2020L01034

23.01.2022 AAT FEES INCREASE, CREDIT CARD SURCHARGES CHANGES 1 JULY 2020 AAT application fees will increase from $1787 to $1,826. Visa/citizenship application charges - the following surcharges will change:... - for payments made by Visa or MasterCard the surcharge rate is being increased by 0.08 per cent (that is, from 1.32 per cent to 1.4 per cent). - for payments made using PayPal the surcharge rate is being increased by 0.01 per cent (that is, from 1 per cent to 1.01 per cent)

23.01.2022 STUDENT VISA HOLDERS EMPLOYED IN HOPITALITY AND TOURISM SECTOR WILL BE ALLOWED TO WORK FULL TIME AND ELIGIBLE FOR 12 MONTHS 408 VISA - 09 MAY 2021 The Government will remove existing work hour caps for Student Visa holders employed in the tourism and hospitality sector. A 40 hour fortnightly limit previously applied during study periods. In addition, temporary visa holders will be able to access the 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa for a period of 12 months if they work in th...e tourism and hospitality sector. This decision adds tourism and hospitality to the critical sectors of agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care and child care for eligibility for this visa subclass. Minister Hawke has also taken the decision, based on strong industry feedback, to include veterinarians in the Priority Skilled Migration Occupation List (PMSOL) which fills critical skills needed to support Australia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Source: https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au//support-for-australia

23.01.2022 SECOND 485 PSWS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 20 JANUARY 2021 The government is introducing the promised incentive for regional university graduates. The extension of 485 visa will be available from 20 January 2021. More information about eligibility for a second 485 visa here: http://visa.ozhome.info/visa/graduate-visas---485_476

23.01.2022 PTE TESTING SUSPENDED IN AUSTRALIA PTE testing has been suspended in many locations to protect test takers and employees. If you intend to lodge a visa application where you need to prove your English proficiency, you need to plan in advance. Follow this link for information about PTE test centres closures: https://home.pearsonvue.com/coronavirus-update

21.01.2022 491 NSW NOMINATIONS - UPDATE 18 JUNE 2020 NSW Treasury is extending applications to all eligible candidates who are currently residing in a designated regional area in NSW. There is no minimum time-frame for how long you have been residing in regional NSW, however you must be able to demonstrate your place of residence through evidence.... More information: https://www.business.nsw.gov.au//skilled-work-regional-vis

20.01.2022 CHANGES TO STUDENT VISA ARRANGEMENTS - 20 JULY 2020 These five visa changes will ensure international students are not worse off due to the coronavirus pandemic and that Australia remains competitive with other countries. - 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.... - 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. - 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. - 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. - Additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language results where COVID-19 has disrupted access to these services. Source: https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au//supporting-internatio

18.01.2022 462 WHV VISA - APPLICANTS FROM MORE COUNTRIES WILL NOT NEED A GOVERNMENT LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM MARCH 2021 Applicants from - Argentina - Austria... - Chile - China, People’s Republic of - Czech Republic - Ecuador - Greece - Hungary - Israel - Portugal - Singapore - Slovak Republic - Spain - United States of America - Vietnam will not need a letter of support from their government when applying for their first 462 WHV from 1 March 2021. Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2021L00152

17.01.2022 188 HOLDERS NOW EXEMPTED FROM TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS The Department of Home Affairs updated their covid-19 website. We strongly recommend follow this website as it is being frequently updated: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/travel-restrictions-0 Currently, you are automatically exempt from the travel restrictions and can enter Australia (without obtaining an individual exemption) if you are:... - an Australian citizen - a permanent resident of Australia - an immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident* - a New Zealand citizen usually resident in Australia and their immediate family members - a diplomat accredited to Australia (holding a subclass 995 visa) - a traveller transiting Australia for 72 hours or less - airline crew - maritime crew including marine pilots - recruited under the Government approved Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme - holder of a Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visa There are also individual exemptions that can be found on the above link.

17.01.2022 STUDENTS IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY SECTORS ALLOWED TO WORK MORE THAN 40 HRS FORTNIGHTLY - 10 MAY 2021 Due to exceptional circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to ensure the supply of critical services, the Department of Home Affairs and Australian Border Force will take a flexible approach to student visa holders working beyond their usual work limitations, but only in specified industries. You can work for more than 40 hours a fortnight if you are:... - employed by an aged care Approved Provider or Commonwealth-funded aged care service provider with a RACS ID or a NAPS ID, before 8 September 2020 - employed by a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme provider - enrolled in a health care related course and you are supporting the health effort against COVID-19, as directed by health officials - employed in the agriculture sector - employed in the tourism and hospitality sector Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au//temporary-relaxation-of-w

16.01.2022 LAST WEEK CHANGES - 27 MARCH 2021 From 22 March 2021, Australian citizens and permanent residents no longer need a travel exemption from Australian travel restrictions when they travel to New Zealand as long as they spent 14 days in Australia before the departure. From 24 March 2021, Visa applicants for offshore parents visa (103, 143, 173) can be granted a parent visa in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic under certain circumstances. Similarly, visa applicants for onsh...ore parents visa (804, 864) can be granted a parent visa outside Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic under certain circumstances. From 24 March 2021, there have been changes in some skills assessing authorities for 186 visa in direct entry stream. The affected occupations are chief executive or managing director, corporate general manager, engineering manager, childcare centre manager and podiatrist.

13.01.2022 IMMIGRATION UPDATE 25 MARCH 2020 Source MIA, MA, AAT, Department of Home Affairs: TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS... Any exemption from the travel ban must be granted prior to travel to Australia. You can apply for an exemption here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au//onli/covid19-enquiry-form Please follow https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au//current-/novel-coronavirus for up-to-date information Current visa holders whose visas are expiring soon and cannot leave Australia need to appply for a new visa. If your visa has expired, you can apply for Bridging E visa (BVE) immediately in order to become lawful. VISA MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS Clients should be aware of disruptions to visa medical services, both in Australia and outside Australia, due to COVID-19. More info here: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au///visa-medical-appointments BUSINESSES THAT HAVE BEEN registered to access the temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au//entities-temporary-relaxat Aged care providers registered with the Department of Health are not required to register with the Department of Home Affairs to access this measure. A letter outlining access to this measure will be sent to all registered aged care providers by the Department of Health. AAT AAT is implementing measures to protect their employees and clients. As part of these measures: - there will be no hearings in person in the near future - hearings will be conducted by telephone conferencing where possible - the matters will be decided on papers where possible

13.01.2022 IMMIGRATION UPDATE 4 APRIL 2020 - ANALYSIS Source: MIA Notice #30/2020 and #31/2020 and https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au//Coronavirus-and-Tempo and...Continue reading

12.01.2022 RED CROSS ANNOUNCEMENT - Assistance to Temporary Visa Holders Source: https://www.redcross.org.au//help-for-migrants-in-transiti Red Cross is receiving funding from the Australian Government for the next six months to deliver emergency relief and casework support.... These funds are for people on temporary visas who have no way to support themselves and who have urgent needs. This includes food, medicine and crisis accommodation costs. You may be eligible for Red Cross Safety Net support if you: - are in Australia on a temporary visa - are in urgent financial hardship - cannot access Centrelink, Medicare or similar services - have no income, savings or other financial support (including from family overseas). For more info - refer to the above link.

11.01.2022 FEDERAL BUDGET 2020-21 - 7 OCTOBER 2020 Source: MIA The federal budget is being presented by the government. We received a summary of information relating to Department of Home Affairs from MIA overnight. This is an extract of the most important information we have identified:... The Budget papers predict net overseas migration will be 71,200 less than the 154,000 persons in 2019-20, but is expected to gradually increase to around 201,000 in 2023-24. The current Migration Program Planning level will remain at 160,000 for the 2020-21 program year, however, the distribution of places will change with an increase from 47,732 to 77,300 for Family stream places for this program year. Employer Sponsored, Global Talent, Business Innovation and Investment Program visas will be prioritised within the Skilled Stream. Onshore visa applicants and Partner visa applicants where the relevant sponsor resides in a designated regional area, will be prioritised for the 2020-21 Migration Program. Visa application charges refunds and waivers will be available to some current visa holders who are unable to travel until the border reopens. Business, Investment and Innovation Program (BIIP) program will focus on higher value investors, business owners and entrepreneurs and improve the economic outcomes of the BIIP. Visa application charges for BIIP visas will also be increased by an additional 11.3% (above regular CPI indexation) on 1 July 2021. Places in Global Talent Independent program will be tripled to 15,000. Partner visas - the mandatory family sponsorship provisions for Partner visas will be implemented, requiring character checks and sharing of personal information with the applicant, and enforceable sponsorship obligations. English language requirements will be introduced for Partner visa applicants and the sponsor, to enhance social cohesion and economic participation outcomes. Budget 2020-21 source: https://budget.gov.au/index.htm The joint media release by Minister Dutton and Acting Minister Tudge: https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au//Securing-and-Uniting-

10.01.2022 PROSPECTIVE MARRIAGE 300 VISA - VALIDITY EXTENDED 11 DECEMBER 2020 The Regulations address the negative impact of COVID-19 travel restrictions by extending the duration of Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage) visas to 31 March 2022, for those outside Australia who held that type of visa at any time between 6 October 2020 and 10 December 2020. This is a significant extension of visas that otherwise expire nine months after the date of grant. The visa extension applies if:... - the visa was in effect at any time during the period beginning on 6 October 2020 and ending on 10 December 2020; and - the holder was outside Australia on 10 December 2020. The explanatory statement states that refunds of visa application charges would be provided if the visa ceased before 6 October 2020.

10.01.2022 JOINT MEDIA RELEASE OF ACTING IMMIGRATION MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT, SKILLS, SMALL AND FAMILY BUSINESS - 2 SEPTEMBER 2020 We just received information form MIA about a release of a joint statement of THE HON ALAN TUDGE MP and SENATOR THE HON MICHAELIA CASH - a relevant extract: A new priority skills list and strengthened labour market testing 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 Australia’s 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. Visa holders, who have been sponsored by an Australia business in a PMSOL occupation can request an exemption from Australia’s travel restrictions, but will be subject to a strict 14 days quarantine on arrival at their own expense. Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said the PMSOL would be complemented by strengthened labour market testing requirements. In addition to the current requirements of two national advertisements, employers must also advertise their vacancy on the Government’s jobactive wesbite, Minister Cash said. Existing skilled migration occupation lists will remain active and visas will still be processed, but priority will be given to those in occupations on the PMSOL. The 17 occupations (ANZSCO code) are: Chief Executive or Managing Director (111111) Construction Project Manager (133111) Mechanical Engineer (233512) General Practitioner (253111) Resident Medical Officer (253112) Psychiatrist (253411) Medical Practitioner nec (253999) Midwife (254111) Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (254412) Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) (254415) Registered Nurse (Medical) (254418) Registered Nurse (Mental Health) (254422) Registered Nurse (Perioperative) (254423) Registered Nurses nec (254499) Developer Programmer (261312) Software Engineer (261313) Maintenance Planner (312911) Media Contacts: Minister Tudge: Steve Kidner 0466 385 097 Minister Cash: Guy Creighton 0438 815 302

08.01.2022 Joint Standing Committee on Migration - INTERIM REPORT 18 MARCH 2021 The Joint Standing Committee on Migration today presented an interim report for its inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program. (More info about this inquiry is here: https://www.aph.gov.au//SkilledMigratio/Terms_of_Reference) This interim report (if recommendations are implemented by the government) could be beneficial to many temporary visa holders already in Australia.... An extract from the recommendations: Recommendation 5: 3.127 The Committee recommends that the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List be expanded urgently to include Chefs, Veterinarians, Café and Restaurant Managers and Seafarers. Recommendation 6: 3.128 The Committee recommends that the Department of Home Affairs conduct an urgent review of the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, with a view to expanding the number of occupations to better reflect the urgent skills shortages in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery. The Department should give particular consideration to civil engineers, electrical engineers, motor mechanics, cooks, carpenters, electricians and other roles in the hospitality, health, trades, agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Recommendation 9: 3.135 The Committee recommends that: - The Department of Home Affairs improve visa processing times for employer-sponsored visas because of the labour market needs during the COVID-19 pandemic economic recovery; and - The Department of Home Affairs expedite the processing times for skilled visa holders who have remained onshore in relevant employment seeking a subsequent skilled visa or permanent residency visa. Recommendation 10: 3.144 The Committee recommends that all employer sponsored visa holders be given a clearer pathway to permanency. The full interim report can be found here: https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au//InterimReportoftheInquiryinto

07.01.2022 SOCIAL WORKER ADDED TO PMSOL 27 November 2020 Based on advice from the National Skills Commission, the occupation of Social Worker (272511) has been added to the PMSOL Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au///sponsoring-workers/pmsol

05.01.2022 IMMI UPDATE 29 NOVEMBER 2020 source: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid-19-visa-concessions Some categories of visa require applicants to be outside of Australia at the time the visa is granted. The government will introduce temporary concessions in early 2021 that would allow certain family visas, which have been applied for outside Australia, to be granted while the visa applicant is in Australia. This temporary concession will be for people who are in Australia and a...re not able to travel offshore to be granted the visa due to COVID-19 related border closures. The concession will apply to certain applicants for the following Family visa subclasses: - Child (subclass 101) visa - Adoption (subclass 102) visa - Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa - Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa - Partner (subclass 309) visa Further information will be available in early 2021.

05.01.2022 COVID-19 Pandemic event for Subclass 408 - 6 APRIL 2020 Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2020L00409 The government is responding to the current corona virus crisis. A legislative instrument was registered today to allow certain people in Australia to apply for 408 visa under the government endorsed event stream of 408 visa.... The amount of visa application charge is zero. The purpose of the instrument is to provide a pathway for certain former and current holders of temporary visas to lawfully remain in Australia and who would otherwise be required to depart Australia who, but for the COVID-19 pandemic, are unable to leave Australia. The instrument limits the class of persons who can be granted the visa to those who hold a visa that is 28 days or less from ceasing to be in effect, or held a visa that is no more than 28 days from ceasing to be in effect. It further limits the class of persons to those who are unable to apply for the same temporary visa they hold or held or any other subclass of temporary visa other than the Subclass 408 visa. The purpose of the instrument is also to implement a measure to respond to workforce shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to areas including, but not limited to, agriculture, aged care and public health. The instrument is designed to allow holders of temporary visas who are engaged in or have the relevant skills to undertake critical work relating to supply of essential goods and services, provided the applicant falls within the class of persons specified by the instrument.

04.01.2022 LEGISLATION UPDATE (WHV, 124/858, 887) - 14 November 2020 The regulations were amended on 14 November 2020. The summary of the most important changes: - 124 visa is repealed and 858 visa is possible to apply for from overseas... - 887 visa - can be granted offshore even if an applicant applied before 19 September 2020 - 417/462 (second or third) - allowing specified work undertaken as the holder of, or an applicant for, certain COVID-19 pandemic event 408 visas, to be counted towards eligibility for a second or third 417 visa or 462 visa, provided some or all of that work was critical COVID-19 work in the medical and health care sectors. See more

01.01.2022 491 NSW NOMINATIONS - APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED BETWEEN 15 JUNE 2020 AND 23 JUNE 2020 ONLY Today, we received an email from NSW Business and Skilled migration team advising NSW Treasury will begin accepting for NSW nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) on Monday 15 June 2020. NSW Treasury will stop accepting applications at 5pm Tuesday 23 June 2020.... Applications will be assessed by the end of the financial year; Tuesday 30 June 2020. We have not seen any 491 nomination issued by NSW government yet. If you are in a position to apply for 491 NSW nomination, do not miss out on it. You can only apply for NSW nomination if you meet Department of Home Affairs’ requirements for this visa and: - have an occupation on the NSW Stream 1 Regional Skilled Occupation List, and; - have been living in a designated regional area in NSW for at least the last 12 months, and; - have been working in a designated regional area in NSW for at least the last 12 months, and; - have been working in your nominated occupation, or a closely related occupation, for at least the last 12 months. If you do not meet all of these requirements, you are not able to apply for 491 NSW nomination. Keep an eye on this page: https://www.business.nsw.gov.au//skilled-work-regional-vis

01.01.2022 AUSTRALIANS/AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE AUSTRALIA - FLASH NEWS 25 MARCH 2020 Source: MIA and Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Overseas Travel Ban Emergency Requirements) Determination 2020 STARTS ON: 25 March 2020 12pm... An Australian citizen or permanent resident (the person) must not leave Australian territory as a passenger on an outgoing aircraft or vessel on or after 25 March 2020 12pm unless an exemption applies. For exemptions - see the legislative instrument: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2020L00306