The Department of Home Affairs have released information on 30 October 2020 under Freedom of Information request (FOI) providing statistics on partner visa applications, including Partner (subclass 309) visa, Partner (subclass 100) visa, Partner (subclass 820) visa and Partner (subclass 801) visa applications onhand as on 30 September 2020. According to the information, the following number of partner visa applications are onhand as on the above date: Visa Subclass Visa Applications Onhand Subclass 309 29,811 Subclass 100 46,636 Subclass 820 62,440 Subclass 801 84,644 Total 223,531 The statistics include figures for both primary applicants and secondary applicants.
Canberra is undertaking integrity check of continued residence of nominees in Canberra, for whom ACT nominations for skilled migration were approved in December 2019 and January 2020. As part of the process, the nominees must provide evidence of their continuing residence in ACT to ensure that their nomination is not withdrawn by the Territory. ACT is allocated a fixed number of nominations each year under the Territory Migration Agreement. To be nominated for Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa by the ACT Government, applicants must lodge their EOI in SkillSelect before submitting an Expression Of Interest (EOI) in ACT.
Recently, the Government has announced certain measures to protect Australians, securing the borders, and providing resources to recover from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic. Amongst other things, the plan focuses on immigration and social cohesion by supporting migrants to learn English language and enable them to have the best chance to make a life and succeed in Australia. Being Australia’s national language, the following approaches taken by the Government shed some light on the importance of English language in Australia. Partner Visa Changes Partner visas allow Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their married and de-facto partners through the partner visa and fiancés who are outside Australia through Prospective Marriage visa. There are different types of partner visas: Prospective Marriage visa – Subclass 300 Partner visa (Onshore) – Subclass 820 (Temporary) and Subclass 801 (Permanent) Partner visa (Offshore) – Subclass 309 (Temporary) and Subclass 100 (Permanent) Currently, none of the partner visas have the requirement of English language as an eligibility criteria. However, the Government has indicated introduction of a new requirement to learn English language for partner visa applicants and their sponsors from late 2021, to maximise job prospects in Australia, and enhance social cohesion. If legislative changes are made to this effect, new partner visa applicants and their sponsors will be required to meet functional English requirements or demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to learn English by various means, such as completing 500 hours of free English language classes through the Adult Migration English Program (AMEP). It is important to know that this requirement will apply at time of the permanent visa application stage only and not the provisional/temporary visa stage. The changes are aimed towards protecting partner visa applicants against family violence by enabling them to have an established support network in Australia, where they can know how and where to seek assistance if any such situations arise. Expanding Access to English Tuition Bill The Parliament has introduced a new bill, Immigration (Education) Amendment (Expanding Access to English Tuition) Bill 2020, which would amend the Immigration (Education) Act 1971 with an aim towards supporting migrants to learn English. The Bill proposes to expand eligibility for migrants to access English tuition to bridge the gap for migrants who have either exhausted their tuition hours without reaching the level of vocational English, or are ineligible for the program. The Bill proposes to amend the upper limit for eligibility to access English tuition to the higher level of vocational English, which is currently functional English, along with removal of 510 hours limit on person’s entitlement to English tuition under the AMEP. These reforms may be seen as one of the most significant reforms to the AMEP and is only the first step of the Government’s plan to make “English tuition more accessible, ensure better quality outcomes and encourage greater participation”. The AMEP is delivered nationally across 58 regions by Registered Training Organisations (RTO). English Language Requirements IELTS TOEFL PTE CAE OET Vocational English 5 for each of the 4 test components 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking 36 for each of the 4 test components 154 in each of the 4 test components B for each of the 4 test components Functional English 4.5 based on the 4 test components 32 based on the 4 test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening 30 for each of the 4 test components 147 in each of the 4 test components – You may be able to prove your level of English competency if you have undertaken your education or have completed a degree in English for certain number of years, or are a holder of valid passport issued by any of the specified countries. The changes discussed in this blog have not been formalized yet and thus, are not in effect currently. These are proposed changes that reflect the Government’s approach to strengthen the Australian community by upskilling the language ability. If you want to know more about English requirements or want to discuss any other migration issue, Contact Us or call us on (02) 4626 100 to speak to one of our Registered Migration Agents.
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) are formal agreements between the Australian Government, represented by the Department of Home Affairs, and the State or Territory Governments, known as the Head Agreement, to supplement the workforce strategies of States, Territories and regions, to support employers in designated areas and help them adjust to changing economic conditions. DAMA is a two-tier framework and requires individual labour agreements with employers operating in designated areas upon the execution of the Head Agreement. DAMA focuses on providing flexibility to employers based on their specific economic and labour market conditions. Once executed, individual DAMAs are generally in effect for five years and allows employers to bring overseas skilled and semi-skilled workers to work for them. Currently, there are seven Head Agreements in place in defined regions of Northern Territory, The Goldfields WA, Great South Coast VIC, Adelaide City and Regional SA, Orana NSW and Far North Queensland. This blog is focusing on DAMAs in South Australia. South Australian Government, represented by the Department for Innovation and Skills, has two DAMAs with the Australian Government: Adelaide Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement – to fill skills shortage in metropolitan Adelaide’s high-tech growth industries including defense, space, technology and advanced manufacturing industries; and South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement – to fill skills shortage in South Australia’s regional high growth industries including agribusiness, forestry, health and social services, tourism and hospitality, construction and mining. Recent changes announced by Skilled & Business Migration in October 2020 After the annual review, the Commonwealth Government has agreed to certain significant changes in South Australia’s DAMA, including: Adding new occupations to focus on health care, manufacturing, high-tech sectors, agribusiness, and food production. South Australia’s DAMA Occupation List is provided below. Granting additional English language and age concessions to visa applicants, offering a pathway to permanent residency through the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 494) visa. Approving South Australian Government as a skills assessment authority for occupations that require a skills assessment and have no alternative skills assessment authority. DAMA Occupation List Metro Occupations Advancement Manager Advancement Professional Clinical Researcher Data and Analytics Manager Digital Artist Digital Producer Digital Production Manager Digital Supervisor Senior Digital Artist Chief Executive or Managing Director Corporate General Manager Public Relations Manager Corporate Services Manager Policy and Planning Manager Research and Development Manager Importer or Exporter Chief Information Officer Laboratory Manager Quality Assurance Manager Specialist Manager nec Dancer or Choreographer Actors, Dancers and Other Entertainers nec Artistic Director Film and Video Editor Training and Development Professional Mathematician Statistician Librarian Other Spatial Scientist Graphic Designer Illustrator Multimedia Designer Web Designer Naval Architect Chemist Environmental research Scientist Environmental Scientists nec Geophysicist Hydrogeologist Life Scientist (General) Biochemist Biotechnologist Botanist Marine Biologist Microbiologist Zoologist Life Scientists nec Meteorologist Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec Dance teacher (Private Tutor) Multimedia Specialist Web Developer Analyst Programmer Developer Programmer Medical Laboratory Technician Chemistry Technician Earth Science Technician Life Science Technician Regional Occupations Care Supervisor Cold Store Manager Cold Store Operator Cook (ethnic cuisine) Dairy Cattle Farm Operator Electrical Motor Repairer or Winder Irrigation Technician Poultry Farm Supervisor Poultry Stockperson Production Horticultural Supervisor Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker Senior Piggery Stockperson Skilled Horticultural Worker Vineyard Manager Vineyard Supervisor Welding Engineer Welding Inspector Welding Specialist Supervisor Welding Technologist Aquaculture Farmer Fruit or Nut Grower Grape Grower Mixed Crop Farmer Vegetable Grower Beef Cattle Farmer Dairy Cattle Farmer Mixed Livestock Farmer Pig Farmer Poultry Farmer Mixed crop and Livestock Farmer Sales and Marketing Manager Construction Project Manager Engineering Manager Manufacturer Production Manager (Forestry) Production Manager (Manufacturing) Production Manager (Mining) Supply and Distribution Manager Procurement Manager Child Care Centre Manager Facilities Manager Civil Engineer Structural Engineer Transport Engineer Electrical Engineer Electronics Engineer Industrial Engineer Mechanical Engineer Production or Plant Engineer Engineering Technologist Agricultural Consultant Agricultural Scientist Food Technologist Wine Maker Exercise Physiologist Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher Special Needs Teacher Teacher of the Hearing Impaired Teacher of the Sight Impaired Special Education Teachers nec Dietician Sonographer Optometrist Orthoptist Orthotist or Prosthetist Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals nec Chiropractor Osteopath Dental Specialist Dentist Occupational Therapist Physiotherapist Podiatrist Audiologist Speech Pathologist Registered Nurse (Aged Care) Registered Nurses nec Rehabilitation Counsellor Counsellors nec Clinical Psychologist Educational Psychologist Organizational Psychologist Psychotherapists Psychologists nec Interpreter Social Worker Welfare Worker Agricultural Technician Meat inspector Primary Products Inspectors nec Civil Engineering Draftsperson Electrical Engineering Draftsperson Electrical Engineering Technician Electronic Engineering Draftsperson Electronic Engineering Technician Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson Mechanical Engineering Technician Sheetmetal Trades Worker Metal Fabricator Pressure Welder Welder (First Class) Fitter (General) Fitter and Turner Fitter-Welder Metal Machinist (First Class) Metal Fitters and Machinists nec Vehicle Body Builder Vehicle Trimmer Vehicle Painter Stonemason Veterinary Nurse Nurseryperson Plastics Technician Dental Hygienist Dental technician Dental Therapist Diversional Therapist Enrolled Nurse Community Worker Disabilities Services Officer Family Support Worker Residential Care Officer Youth Worker Aged or Disabled Carer Dental Assistant Nursing Support Worker Personal Care Assistant Therapy Aide Driller Miner Shot Firer Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator Backhoe Operator Meat Boner and Slicer Slaughterer Fishing Hand If you want to know more DAMA occupations, skilled migration or are looking for other options to migrate to Australia, Contact Us or call us on (02) 4626 100 to speak to one of our Registered Migration Agents.
The Administrative appeals Tribunal (AAT) website and online lodgement may be unavailable on Saturday 31 October 2020 (AEDST) between 1:00am and 7:00am, due to a scheduled maintenance activity. All Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) are requested to take a note of this and arrange their work schedules accordingly.
Invitation Round: 28 October 2020 457 visa / 482 visa holders: 7 invitations ACT 190 nomination: 4 invitations ACT 491 nomination: nil Matrix nominating Critical Skill occupations: 66 invitations ACT 190 nomination: 66 invitations ACT 491 nomination: Nil invitations as interim allocation is met Invitations were not issued for an occupation if the monthly cap was met. The cap will reset in November. The next Canberra Matrix invitation round will be held on or before 10 November 2020.
Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Act 1997, as amended by Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Amendment (Rates of Charge) Act 2020, assented to 22 June 2020, regarding payment of adjusted charge for providing non-commercial immigration assistance by Registered Migration Agents (RMAs), was compiled and registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 22 October 2020. The amendment requires a Registered Migration Agent who has paid the non-commercial registration fee to pay commercial registration fee from the time they provide commercial immigration advice. The Act governs imposition of charge on registration applications to register as migration agents, and imposition of charge on basis of status of migration agent. The compilation is in effect from 15 October 2020 and thus, is currently in force. To access the full compilation, click here.
Migration Act 1954, as amended by Migration Amendment (Regulation of Migration Agents) Act 2020, assented to 22 June 2020, to remove unrestricted legal practitioners from the regulatory scheme that governs Registered Migration Agents (RMAs), was compiled and registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 27 October 2020. The amendment contains provisions regarding the Australian legal practitioners providing immigration assistance, including transitional arrangements, registration periods, redundant provisions, requirement for applicants to provide further information, fees and charges, and other related amendments. Accordingly, it is unlawful for the Australian legal practitioners with Unrestricted Practising Certificates to be registered as Registered Migration Agents with Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).The compilation is in effect from 15 October 2020 and thus, is currently in force. To access the full compilation, click here.
On 29 October 2020, Skilled & Business Migration (South Australia) has announced changes to two of its Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) with the Australian Government, namely, Adelaide Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement, and South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement. The Commonwealth Government has agreed to significant changes after the annual review, including: New occupations are added to focus on health care, manufacturing, high-tech sectors, agribusiness, and food production. Additional English language and age concessions are granted to visa applicants, offering a pathway to permanent residency through the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 494) visa. South Australian Government is approved as a skills assessment authority for occupations that require a skills assessment and have no alternative skills assessment authority. The South Australian DAMAs are formal agreements between the Department of Home Affairs, representing the Australian Government, and the Department for Innovation and Skills, representing the South Australian Government. To access the full DAMA Occupation List, click here.
Immigration (Education) Amendment (Expanding Access to English Tuition) Bill 2020 [“the Bill”] has been introduced in the House of Representatives on 29 October 2020 to amend the Immigration (Education) Act 1971, and to support migrants to learn Australia’s national language. The Bill proposes to expand eligibility for migrants to access English tuition to bridge the gap for migrants who have either exhausted their tuition hours without reaching the level of vocational English, or are ineligible for the program. The following changes are proposed by the Bill: 510 hours limit on person’s entitlement to English tuition be removed Upper limit for eligibility to access English tuition be amended to the higher level of vocational English, instead of functional English Statutory time limits for registering, commencing and completing English tuition be removed for specified persons English tuition to certain visa holders or prospective visa applicants be provided outside Australia The Bill is introduced in the Parliament for first reading. The provisions will not be in effect until the Bill receives the Royal Assent. The Hon Alan Tudge MP, Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs said, “The Immigration (Education) Amendment (Expanding Access to English Tuition) Bill 2020 will see one of the most significant reforms to the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) in the program's history. It is the first part of the Morrison Government's three-part plan to make English tuition more accessible, ensure better quality outcomes and encourage greater participation.” To access the full text of the Bill, click here.