As of 1 July 2021, there will be some changes to Immigration. Significant changes apply to the Priority Migration Occupation List, working holiday maker visas and visa application fees.
Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Visas
In an effort to provide support to the tourism and hospitality industries still trying to recover from the impact of Covid-19, changes have been made to the working holiday maker visa program.
Changes will see WHM visa holders working in tourism and hospitality in the Northern, remote and very remote areas of Australia able to count this as specified work. This will make them eligible for a second or third WHM visa. This is available to working holiday makers who lodge their application from March 2022 and will take into account work undertaken in these areas from today.
Any working holiday maker visa holders offshore who were unable to come to Australia or had to leave early due to Covid-19 will be able to apply for a replacement visa at no charge from 1 July 2021. Current and former eligible working holiday makers will also be able to apply for a replacement WHM visa with no application charge.
Changes to the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)
The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List was first announced in September 2020. It was developed along with the National Skills Commission to ensure a small number of critical occupations are filled to aid Australia’s economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19.
The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke MP announced the addition of 22 occupations to this list bringing the total number of occupations on the PMSOL to 41.
Various occupations including accountants, engineers and software developers were added after the Morrison Government consulted with small, medium and large Australian employers, business leaders and industry bodies to determine business needs.
While existing skilled occupation lists still remain active and visas will still be processed, priority will be given to occupations on the PMSOL.
Visa Application Fee Increase
As part of the changes effective from 1 July 2021, some visas will see increases in their application fees. The main visas that will see a fee increase are:
– Temporary Work Short Stay Visa (Subclass 400)
– Temporary Skill Shortages Visa (Subclass 482)
– Partner Visas
Citizenship applications fees will also increase. The standard citizenship by conferral fee will increase from $285 to $490 and application fees for dependents will increase from $180 to $300. This is the first increase since 2016.
If you would like to learn more about the immigration changes taking place from 1 July 2021 or any other aspect of migration, contact Visa Solutions Australia on 1800 828 008.
Travel Exemptions
While Australian borders are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel exemptions may apply under the following circumstances:
– A traveller has a compassionate or compelling reason to visit Australia
– Overseas workers holding a Subclass 482 or 400 visa are required to undertake a job in Australia that cannot be filled by a local employee
Visa Solutions Australia has been successful in acquiring a broad range of exemptions, from critical workers to those needing to travel on compassionate grounds.
