COVID-19: Temporary workers to access super early; WHMs to self-isolate and register before regional work; 457/482 workers to be allowed to work part-time for sponsor

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COVID-19: Temporary workers to access super early; WHMs to self-isolate and register before regional work; 457/482 workers to be allowed to work part-time for sponsor

Major temporary changes were announced yesterday to a raft of visa programs to support critical industries that may be affected during the coronavirus pandemic and temporary visa holders in Australia. This includes early access to superannuation for all temporary visa holders, exemptions to the 6-month work limitation for working holiday makers in some sectors and the possibility of renewal should their visa expire in the next six months, and the ability for sponsored workers to work part-time.

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Occupation list changes for 2020: massage therapist, hairdressers, and gardeners set for the axe

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Occupation list changes for 2020: massage therapist, hairdressers, and gardeners set for the axe

The Traffic Light Bulletin, which is a list of proposed changes to the various skilled occupation lists in 2020 has been released by the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business. Their recommendations include removing massage therapist, hairdressers, and gardeners, and adding three personal care workers. These changes, if implemented, will have serious implications for prospective skilled migrants. All proposed changes are listed.

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494/491 visas: Regional postcodes and certifying bodies registered

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494/491 visas: Regional postcodes and certifying bodies registered

The legislative instrument that consolidates what is defined as a regional area and designated regional area has been registered. This affects a number of visas, but perhaps affect the Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa and Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visas most. The list of Regional Certifying Bodies (RCBs) for 494 nominations have also been registered.

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494 visas: Occupation list, age and skill exemptions; 186 TRT English exemption disappears; 491 pass mark at 65 points

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494 visas: Occupation list, age and skill exemptions; 186 TRT English exemption disappears; 491 pass mark at 65 points

A number of instruments were registered yesterday, primarily in preparation for the new Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, including the occupation list, and age, skill, and English exemptions. These may turn into a Halloween curse for many as skill assessments will be required for all nominated occupations unless the visa applicant is one of the exempted few. Another concern is that alternative requirements for evidence of English language for Subclass 186 – Employer Sponsored visas under the Temporary Residence Transition stream will be spookily removed. What did not shock was that the minimum number of points for a Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa will be set to 65.

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