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Managing the Global Mobility Function 2012: Now Available
Tag Archive
Australia: Government Overhauls Visitor Visa, Introduces New Short-Term Work Visa
Under a new visitor visa framework, foreign visitors are now strictly prohibited from engaging in work-related activities. A new short-term visa subclass has been created for specialized work and event attendance. The Australian government has introduced a new visitor visa framework that prohibits foreign visitors from engaging in any work-related activity or participating... »
Australia: Travelers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka Will No Longer Receive Visa Labels
Australia is no longer placing visa labels in the passports of travelers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka, effective October 1, 2012, as part of a label-free travel program that will eventually apply worldwide. Once their Australian visa is granted, travelers from these countries will receive an electronic visa grant letter... »
Australia: Increase Migration Quotas to Remedy Skills Shortages in Regional Australia
When the Australian government’s new budget takes effect on July 1, 2012, fewer foreign workers will qualify for fringe benefit tax exemptions, the number of employer-sponsored permanent migration visas will increase to 129,250 (up from 125,850), and two key permanent residence programs will be revamped to address skills shortages in regional Australia. The Australian... »
Australia: Government to Streamline Immigration Process for American Workers in Construction and Natural Resource Industries
American workers will be able to have their skills assessed against Australian requirements before entering the country so that they can begin work soon after arrival. In mid-April, Australia will streamline the immigration process for American workers seeking to work in the construction, mining, and oil and gas industries, according to an announcement from the... »
Australia: Fragomen New Partner Joins the Perth Office
Fragomen is very pleased to announce that Alex Paterson has moved from the firm’s London office to head up our Western Australian practice based in Perth. Alex has been with Fragomen for over eight years now and has more than 15 years’ experience in providing immigration legal advice and visa services to some of the... »
Australia: New Accreditation Program to Offer Priority Processing for Subclass 457 Applications
Starting November 1, 2011, qualifying employers will be able to apply for a new accredited sponsor status that will provide priority processing for subclass 457 nominations and visa applications. Employers will be able to apply to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for accreditation as an amendment to an existing sponsorship agreement or... »
Australia: Increases in Visa Application Charges Take Effect July 1
The Australian government will increase Visa Application Charges (VAC) beginning on July 1, 2011, including fees for many employer-sponsored applications. The new fees will apply to all applications received by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on or after that date. »
Australia: Several Changes to Subclass 457 and Subclass 442 Visas
The Australian government has made changes to the list of occupations that qualify for the Subclass 457 (Business Long Stay) and Subclass 442 (Occupational Trainee) visa categories, and has revised the list of occupations that qualify for an exemption from English language proficiency requirements for the Subclass 457 visa. »
Australia: Changes for Employer Nomination Scheme
The Australian government announced several changes to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), the standard employer-sponsored permanent residence program, applicable to applications submitted on or after December 5. The minimum base annual salary for foreign nationals seeking to qualify for the ENS by filling a highly paid position has been raised to AU$ 250,000 from... »
Australia: New Points Test for General Skilled Immigrants
Foreign nationals applying to migrate to Australia under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) category will be subject to a new set of criteria starting July 1, 2011 when a new points-based system takes effect. The new system will place a greater emphasis on educational qualifications and skill level than the current system and less... »