Latest Australian Immigration News

The latest news on Australian immigration, including changes to regulations, government policy announcements, and analysis of media releases affecting current and future applications.

Latest Australian immigration news

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Disclaimer: Any posted material is not intended to be immigration advice and does not purport to represent all requirements for a successful application or applications. No person should act on the basis of the material contained in any post without obtaining advice relevant to their situation, and without considering and taking professional advice where necessary. All opinion expressed is that of the author and nobody else.

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October 09, 2020

2020-21 Planning levels: GSM visas down more than 55 per cent, “Bespoke” occupation list uncovered

October 09, 2020/ Alex Petrakos

The 2020-21 planning levels have been released. The full allocation and their differences compared to last year are assessed. GSM visas take a nosedive with 189 visa places down more than 60 per cent. The “bespoke” occupation list for the targeted invitation rounds of May and June 2020 has been uncovered. The acting Minister has also clarified partner visa English requirements.

September 17, 2020

2019-20: 88 per cent of Australia’s migration planning levels reached, 140,366 visas granted

September 17, 2020/ Alex Petrakos

There were 140,366 permanent visas granted, which is 88 per cent of a total of 160,000 visas set aside for the 2019-20 migration program year. This distribution was not even as some visa programs and subclasses met their targets while others missed their mark.

July 12, 2020

Australia’s permanent migration places remain at 160,000 for 2020-21…for now

July 12, 2020/ Alex Petrakos

The Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) has released an FAQ to confirm among other things that the number of permanent migration places allocated for this program year (2020-21) is the same as for the last program year. This is not set in stone and is likely to change when the Federal Budget is handed down in October.

December 18, 2019

Bridging visa creep: 49 per cent increase in bridging visa holders in 2 years to over 205,000

December 18, 2019/ Alex Petrakos

A recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request shows that the number of bridging visa holders in Australia has increased by 49 per cent in two years. This may have important implications to any claims made of restraining permanent visa grant numbers, however, this is not as straightforward as it may appear.