Southern Stone in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Passport and visa service

Southern Stone

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 1300 188 999

Address: Suite 12, 241-243 Blackburn Rd, Mount Waverley 3149 Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: http://southernstone.com.au

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25.01.2022 Australias net overseas migration has already fallen 126,000 and said to drop further says PM Scott Morrison. When you think that it was the great Professor McDonald who set a figure of between 160,000 and 210,000 as being what you need in this country to maintain a GDP-per-capita growth, then theres obviously a big gap there", says Morrison on Tuesday at the National Press Club. The net migration rate makes up more than 60% of Australias population growth and with no ...indication of borders opening up, the already hampered economic situation looks like it will continue well into the foreseeable future. The long-term impacts of this are leaving both government and economists scrambling to find ways to make up for the shortage, which includes the "cross-Tasman safe travel zone between Australia and New Zealand. While this may encourage some small number of tourism, it still cannot account for the numbers normally seen otherwise in a pre-pandemic world. For the full article:

25.01.2022 COVID-19 & AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION BY THE NUMBERS | Invitations for skilled independent visas subclass 189 in March and April 2020. How will the drop in migrant intake, as a result of COVID-19 border closures, affect the Australian economy? The consequences of halting the immigration program and the countrys economic future is detailed in our latest blog: https://www.southernstone.com.au/migration-halted-covid-19/

25.01.2022 Citizenship ceremonies will be held online in order to keep to current health and safety measures. The government have begun trialling one-on-one ceremonies and aim to confer up to 750 people a day when the online system is fully implemented. With up to 85,000 people currently awaiting a ceremony, which were halted due to the coronavirus crisis, those that have been scheduled for a citizenship related appointment will be contacted in the following months.... FOR THE FULL DETAILS READ OUR LATEST BLOG: https://www.southernstone.com.au/citizenship-ceremonies-to/

24.01.2022 Face-to-face citizenship ceremonies return as Australia slowly steps into the new normal. Acting Minister for Immigration Alan Tudge released a statement early this week inviting councils to choose between physical or online citizenship services where possible. Click the link to read our latest post: https://www.southernstone.com.au/citizenship-ceremonies-re/

23.01.2022 Previously announced visa arrangements for Hong Kong students, temporary graduates and skilled workers came into effect on 21 August 2020, as announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Existing 482 and 485 visa holders will have their visas extended by five years from 09 July 2020 and future applicants for the 485 or 482 visa will also have the 5 year pathway which leads to permanent residency. Those benefiting from the five year extension or the five year visa will be eligi...ble for permanent residency at the end of the five years (or three years for those who study at a regional campus, live and work in regional Australia), provided they meet certain requirements. Further announcements will be forthcoming and we will keep our readers informed as new information come to light. #southernstone #southernstonemigration #registeremigrationagent #australia #australianvisa #485visa #482visa #australianpr #hongkong #hongkongstudents #hongkongextension #migrationagent #visaassistance #hongkongpassport #hongkonginaustralia See more

23.01.2022 The Australian Red Cross have announced that they will be receiving government funding to deliver emergency relief and casework support for temporary visa holders. The Red Cross Safety Net will aim to assist those who have no other means to support themselves and have urgent needs, which includes food, medicine and crisis accommodation costs. You may be eligible for 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) While funding is still in process, those eligible for assistance in the meantime can contact the Red Cross by email and will be notified when the arrangements are in place. For the full announcement and how to apply visit the link below:

23.01.2022 Southern Stone has a monthly newsletter and we're inviting you to read our first issue follow the link below! Every month we will bring you: The latest visa and migration news from across the country... Updates from our blog A dedicated Visa in Focus section where we give a graphical overview of the most looked into visa types launching it off with the Partner Visa Skilled migration stats and summaries Southern Stone announcements from the team and more! Read our first issue here and dont forget to subscribe to get all the latest migration news straight to your inbox :

22.01.2022 Exciting announcement: applications for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) for NSW is now open. Find out your eligibility and how to apply by reading our latest blog. The deadline for applications is 5pm Friday, 26 June 2020. Read all about it here: https://www.southernstone.com.au/major-announcement-from-n/

21.01.2022 States have temporarily suspended the nomination program as COVID-19 continues to re-shape the migration outlook of Australia. What could this mean for you? Read the latest news here: https://www.southernstone.com.au/temporary-suspension-of-s/

20.01.2022 As tensions in Hong Kong increases, Australia has been asked to consider residency for Hong Kongers who want to flee the country if China imposes its new security law. The law would see any behaviour deemed a danger to Chinese national security punishable. This has raised strong opposition from HK citizens as it directly violates the 1984 international agreement between China and Britain that guaranteed Hong Kong maintains its own autonomy under the one-country, two systems... model. Australia, along with New Zealand, the UK, the US, and Canada, make up the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, discussed the matter of allowing residency to Hong Kongers mass exiting the country, though also acknowledged the small likelihood of this. For the full article:

20.01.2022 BREAKING PM Scott Morrison has announced new visa arrangements for Hong Kong citizens as a response to the new security laws imposed by China, which includes pathways to PR. This makes Australia the second country in the world to offer a safe haven for Hong Kongers looking to leave the Chinese territory. Director of Migration Services, Kathy Liu, has published her comments on the latest visa scheme and how this could affect Hong Kong residents. FULL UPDATE HERE: https://www.southernstone.com.au/visa-extensions-for-hong-/

19.01.2022 If you haven’t yet heard, every month we create a dedicated visual guide spotlighting a certain visa type. Last month we looked at the Partner Visa (subclass 820/801 & subclass 309/100). Did you know that the Partner Visa makes up approximately 40% of Australia’s migration outcomes? This and many more must-know facts are included in our latest blog post! To get the first look at our Visa in Focus instalments make sure to SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter, Southern Stone Monthl...y, to keep up-to-date on all the latest immigration and visa news directly to your inbox before anyone else. Visit our homepage and fill-in the form to stay plugged in. All you need to get started on the Partner Visa here: https://www.southernstone.com.au/the-partner-visa-at-a-gla/

19.01.2022 If you havent yet heard, every month we create a dedicated visual guide spotlighting a certain visa type. Last month we looked at the Partner Visa (subclass 820/801 & subclass 309/100). Did you know that the Partner Visa makes up approximately 40% of Australias migration outcomes? This and many more must-know facts are included in our latest blog post! To get the first look at our Visa in Focus instalments make sure to SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter, Southern Stone Monthl...y, to keep up-to-date on all the latest immigration and visa news directly to your inbox before anyone else. Visit our homepage and fill-in the form to stay plugged in. All you need to get started on the Partner Visa here: https://www.southernstone.com.au/the-partner-visa-at-a-gla/

19.01.2022 Southern Stone has a monthly newsletter and were inviting you to read our first issue follow the link below! Every month we will bring you: The latest visa and migration news from across the country... Updates from our blog A dedicated Visa in Focus section where we give a graphical overview of the most looked into visa types launching it off with the Partner Visa Skilled migration stats and summaries Southern Stone announcements from the team and more! Read our first issue here and dont forget to subscribe to get all the latest migration news straight to your inbox :

19.01.2022 So you've made Australia home and want your parents to also experience the lucky country. The Parent Visa is your ticket Get started on the Parent Visa basics through our one-of-a-kind infographic here: https://www.southernstone.com.au/the-parent-visa-at-a-glan/

19.01.2022 Disruptions have been experienced throughout all industries as a result of COVID-19, in particular within migration this has meant that many are wondering where they stand in terms of their visa status. We've written a new blog that details these changes and the steps needed to take to ensure your lawful stay in Australia. Click on the link below to keep up-to-date on the latest information for visa holders and for urgent inquiries please get in contact with our office on (03) 9981 9559. READ OUR LATEST BLOG HERE: https://buff.ly/3bBolFz

18.01.2022 The latest update from the Department in regards to the 2020-21 Migration Program is featured in our blog, which includes information on: Impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of the Migration Program Impact of COVID-19 on Net Overseas Migration What the Government is doing to ensure the visa system supports the COVID-19 response and economic recovery... And much more. Read the full post now: https://buff.ly/2OwDu1f

18.01.2022 NEW Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) Visa holders, who have been sponsored by an Australia business in a PMSOL occupation can request an exemption from Australias travel restrictions, but will be subject to a strict 14 days quarantine on arrival at their own expense. Read more about the occupations included in the PMSOL list:https://www.southernstone.com.au/new-priority-migration-sk/... #southernstone #pmsol

17.01.2022 485 UPDATE - FLEXIBILITY ON ENGLISH EVIDENCE DoHA will be accepting sc485 visa application without English evidence and process once English result is provided. Those with student visa coming to expiry and unable to obtain English result are encouraged to apply with the view of providing English result ASAP. Contact Southern Stone today on 1300 188 999 for a confidential discussion regarding your visa matter.

17.01.2022 BREAKING Tasmanian Government will roll out a $3m package for temporary visa holders in the state Premier Peter Gutwein has unveiled a four-step financial support system for temporary visa holders in Tasmania who have been hit hard by the coronavirus lockdowns. Visa holders who can demonstrate immediate financial hardship will be eligible for $250 for individuals and $1000 for families. Additionally, workers who can go back to their home countries will receive monetary ass...istance from the government, while NGOs will also be eligible for emergency relief funds aimed at temporary visa holders. The four stages outlined are: Stage 1 Payments directly to temporary visa holders Stage 2 Emergency relief funds for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that target temporary visa holders Stage 3 Financial support and travel advice for workers who can return to their home countries Stage 4 Assistance for employers to retain their workers if they cannot leave the state "It's important we support these people who've been working in our community earning an income and this package will take the steps necessary to do that, Mr Gutwein said. For the full article: https://www.abc.net.au//financial-hardship-packag/12171546

15.01.2022 The Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Education, Skills and Employment are investigating a potential security breach involving the personal details of 774,000 migrants aspiring to immigrate to Australia. The details from the governments SkillSelect app include AdUserIDs, the apps unique identifiers for those applying for skilled visas, of which could be used in searches to reveal other personal information pertaining to applicants. A spokesperson for the Offi...ce of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) said, under the scheme, if an agency or organisation forms a belief that there has been an eligible data breach, they must notify affected individuals if there has been unauthorised access to, loss, or disclosure of personal information that is likely to result in serious harm. They must also notify the OAIC. For the full article:

15.01.2022 NSW COVID-19 EMERGENCY GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN Vulnerable temporary visa holders and specialist migrant and settlement NGOs in metropolitan and regional NSW may be eligible to the states $4m emergency relief grant. Applications close 4PM Monday 27 July 2020. ... For full details on the program, eligibility and how to apply follow the link: https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/grants-temporary-visa-hold

14.01.2022 Some promising news for Victorian international students: Melbourne City Council has pledged financial support for overseas students, the first government of any level to do so. Cr Jackie Watts says, Contrary to reports from other levels of government, not only do we welcome international students to our city, but we hope that they remain here with us in our comparatively safe country during these dangerous times.... While a figure is still in the works, this could mean a very welcome relief for the 200,000 students who live and study in Melbourne, many of whom have lost their jobs due to the pandemic. For the full article:

13.01.2022 States and Territories have now received a very small allocation of places for SC 491/190 and business visa nominations, albeit under very strict conditions. The Government of South Australia is the first to announce their limited number of interim allocations for the 2021 financial year which will be prioritised to support South Australias economic and public health recovery. To read more about the applications for the interim allocation priorities, visit our blog:https://www.southernstone.com.au/state-territory-nominatio/

13.01.2022 Despite restrictions easing across the country, there have been calls for a solution to Australias waning economic state as a result of border closures due to the global coronavirus crisis. Political leaders are looking to alternative measures for migrants to re-enter the country. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is lobbying to allow international students to return to keep the education sector moving, with overseas students contributing to A$13 billion to the economy in NSW a...lone. With three decades of continuous economic growth, the halt in immigration will effectively mean that such progress will experience an immediate decline with Australia facing its first recession since the early 1990s. For the full article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com//australia-immigration-cov

11.01.2022 Applications are open for the International Student Emergency Relief Fund. If you are an international student in Victoria facing financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic you may be eligible. Follow the Study Melbourne link for more information and how to apply: https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au//international-stude

11.01.2022 COVID-19 & AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION BY THE NUMBERS | Invitations for the subclass 491 visa Have you read our latest blog? In it we detail the role of migrants in Australias economy and how experts predict a prolonged recovery period as the immigration program is put on an indefinite pause. Read it here: https://www.southernstone.com.au/migration-halted-covid-19/

08.01.2022 According to UNSWs Professor of Economics Richard Holden, there are six key areas the government need to focus on in order to kickstart the economy post-coronavirus. Of the six, Holden lists skilled immigration as one of them. He writes, taking highly skilled immigrants into Australia who are looking to be in a functioning economy and get out of ones that are suffering. For the full article:

08.01.2022 A couples PR application could be in jeopardy after Su-Lyn Cardenas travelled to Mexico to visit family when borders closed due to COVID-19. This resulted in her not being able to return to Australia. Her husband, Jose Celada, stayed back in Warragul where the couple have been living since 2017 on skilled migrant visas. The application now hangs in the balance as Ms Cardenas has to be in the country in order for her visa to move onto a bridging visa. For the full article:

08.01.2022 There has been a push from state governments to allow international students to return for semester two, which generally begins around end of July to the start of August, if state borders open. PM Scott Morrison addressed the media and stated this will only happen under a pilot program, which will look at giving priority to students who are part-way through an existing degree and already hold a student visa. Via SBS News:

08.01.2022 https://buff.ly/3fN3HFO Great news for applicants of the certain categories of the family visa program which requires applicants to be offshore at the time of visa grant. The Department of Home Affairs will implement changes in early 2021 to allow applicants to be onshore at the time of grant. Whilst ideally these amendments should be in effect asap given the almost impossible task of flying in and out these days, it is a welcoming relief nevertheless. The subclasses that w...ill benefit from this temporary relief are: - Child (subclass 101) visa - Adoption (subclass 102) visa - Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa - Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa - Partner (subclass 309) visa

08.01.2022 So youve made Australia home and want your parents to also experience the lucky country. The Parent Visa is your ticket Get started on the Parent Visa basics through our one-of-a-kind infographic here: https://www.southernstone.com.au/the-parent-visa-at-a-glan/

07.01.2022 Go for broke is the message from public servants on skilled migration, as government looks towards resetting the economy and reshaping the permanent migration program. In particular, acting Minister for Immigration Alan Tudge wants to fast-track permanent visas for the super skilled through the Global Talent Independent program. The program targets industries such as agricultural, financial mining and medical technology, cyber security and advance manufacturing. There have ...also been discussions regarding family reunion support for migrants who have already made Australia home. For the full article:

07.01.2022 With net migration expected to fall a staggering 85 per cent, the plans to reopen borders in January next year comes with great anticipation. However as Treasurer Josh Frydenberg cautions, "In terms of the borders, the assumptions are that it very gradually starts to come back that the quarantine is applied, that you start bringing in some international students that is work that we have been undertaking... Of course, the environment with respect to coronavirus is very fluid... These are Treasury's forecasts and as you can understand, it's a very dynamic environment. Via SBS news: https://buff.ly/3fZ3sGX

07.01.2022 COVID-19 & AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION BY THE NUMBERS | Migrant numbers fall during the coronavirus outbreak Read our blog on the Australian economy and the role of temporary visa holders: https://www.southernstone.com.au/migration-halted-covid-19/

07.01.2022 The question of Australias assessment criteria for PR will be examined in SBS new documentary series, Who Gets to Stay in Australia? The upcoming documentary features the Lunds family who, after years of living in Sydney, were told that due to their son Ciarans Down syndrome disability meant that their application was refused and that they had to leave the country within 35 days. The series highlights the issues arising from the one fails, all fail policy under migrat...ion health requirements and the speculative nature of how health assessments are carried out. The Lunds have made an appeal for the review of the decision and will expect a hearing date from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal soon. For the full article:

05.01.2022 The loss of jobs around the country as a result of the health crisis have raised pointed questions at the government as to Australias moral obligations to temporary visa holders. While in recent weeks state governments have initiated relief packages aimed at migrants, the pool of resources outside of these specific programs remain inaccessible to temporary visa holders, such as the JobKeeper and JobSeeker schemes. Many migrants believe there is much more that needs to be do...ne to safeguard their livelihoods in times as uncertain and presumably ongoing as these. Global migration expert Anna Boucher says that the government needs to step-up and create a more supportive environment for migrants who have demonstrated considerable contributions to the economy and Australian society at large. Joo-Cheong Tham, deputy chair of the Migrant Worker Centre in Melbourne says, "We have temporary visa holders, some of whom would have lived here for a significant period of time, who have contributed to our society ... they should be accorded the same rights and entitlements as other members of Australian society. Via ABC News: https://buff.ly/2BA6phX

04.01.2022 New Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) has been announced. Visa holders, who have been sponsored by an Australia business in a PMSOL occupation can request an exemption from Australias travel restrictions, but will be subject to a strict 14 days quarantine on arrival at their own expense.

04.01.2022 The highly anticipated 2020-2021 Federal Budget has been released with some surprises in the management of Australia's Migration Program. Please read our blog for further insights on the news and announcements regarding Australia's visa programs. https://buff.ly/3da6Myy #migration #australiamigration #australianvisa #visas #migrationagent #australianmigrationagent #federalbudget #visachanges #visaassistance #registeredmigrationagent #studyinaustralia #southernstone #studentvisas #partnervisas #australiamigrationprogram

03.01.2022 Some good news for Victorian international students, the Andrews Government have announced a $45m emergency support fund for those suffering from financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. Students who have lost their jobs or have experienced a reduction in working hours are expected to receive up to A$1,100. This is in conjunction with other existing relief programs offered by Victoria's education providers. For more details, eligibility and how to apply follow the link to our latest blog: https://www.southernstone.com.au/coronavirus-covid-19-reli/

02.01.2022 Recently, Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services & Multicultural Affairs, Alan Tudge issued a media release concerning temporary visa holders as a response to COVID-19. Our Director of Migration Services, Kathy Liu, created a summary of this announcement and expressed her thoughts on next steps for visa holders. Learn about your options and how these arrangements may affect your situation, including eligibility for government assistance, extension criteria, and alternative courses of action as a result of the outbreak. Read the full statement here: https://buff.ly/3aUKu1S

02.01.2022 BREAKING five major changes have been announced for student visa holders in response to COVID-19. Some exciting news for international students, the federal government has introduced significant changes to support students who have been negatively impacted by the global health pandemic. Swipe right to read all five changes ... Full details in our latest blog: https://www.southernstone.com.au/support-for-international/

01.01.2022 An online petition with over 12,000 signatures is calling for the federal government to help temporary visa holders who have been stranded overseas to return to Australia. Despite lives been effectively turned on its head for skilled workers and international students to name a few, acting Minister of Immigration Alan Tudge said that for the foreseeable future borders will remain closed to everyone other than Australian citizens and permanent residents. Many of those strande...d overseas have lived and worked in Australia for a number of years, considering the country home. Greens deputy leader Nick McKim tabled the parliamentary petition in the Senate and said, at a minimum people with families and jobs and homes in this country should be allowed back in. However with the current travel bans and the world still racing to find a vaccine, the future for temporary visa holders remain uncertain. Mr Tudge encourages those with exceptional circumstances contact the immigration department. Via SBS News:

01.01.2022 So, those who have found love with an overseas national may be excluded from applying to live with their spouse in Australia based on theirs and their partner's English level. My goodness, Australia has really lost its way. It would be against everything Australians are proud of - our acceptance and tolerance to others, our multiculturalism and it is a huge a violation of our freedom to choose whom we want to be with. What a disgrace!