Being one of the most popular migration destinations in the whole world, Australia is constantly improving its immigration system to provide a better experience for new arrivals. As always, this year will also see some alterations made to the system. Read on below to have a look at 5 such changes:
1. South Australia to welcome start-up entrepreneurs
The state of South Australia is set to introduce a new Business and Innovation visa aimed at encouraging start-up entrepreneurs. It waives the $200,000 funding requirement, and accepts an average band score of only 5 on the IELTS.
Any applicant with an original idea and business plan can submit their respective applications to the state.
2. New temporary sponsored parent visa to be introduced
Yet another new visa has been introduced which has been warmly accepted by Australians. The new temporary sponsored parent visa will allow Australian citizens and permanent residents to have their parents join them in Australia from overseas.
15,000 of these visas will be granted each year, which will have a validity period of either three or five years. Moreover, these visas are renewable, leading up to a combined validity period of 10 years.
3. Crackdown on companies underpaying employer-sponsored migrants
The Department of Home Affairs has entered a partnership with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in order to ensure that employer-sponsored migrants are not being paid any less than their nominated salaries.
The Department will start gathering tax file numbers of Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) and Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) holders and match them with existing tax records in order to eliminate any discrepancy between nominated and actual salaries of skilled migrants.
4. Increased processing times for partner visas
As a result of the Family Violence Bill being passed in the Senate last November, partner visa applications can only be lodged after sponsorships are approved, which will tighten the character and history assessment process for both sponsors and offshore applicants.
This will result in longer processing times for partner visas.
5. Show money for foreign students increased to more than $20,000
Foreign students will have to provide evidence of funds of around $20,290 in 2019. Moreover, any accompanying partner will have to bear an additional cost of $7,100, with a further $3,040 for each child included in the visa application.
There you have it – five new changes made to the immigration system in the New Year. For more details on these changes and how to prepare accordingly, contact us now.
