News

In January 2009, the Department of Immigration announced new priority processing for general skilled migration applications. 

The Minister for Immigration has announced that changes will be introduced to the Employer Sponsored Nomination Scheme and the General Skilled Migration Program as of 1 January 2009. 

Employers who sponsor foreign employees are likely to be affected by a Bill currently before the Federal Parliament.

Parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Contributory Parent Visa (“CPV”) or Parent Visa streams.

The Department of Immigration has announced new policy arrangements for overseas students who wish to work while studying in Australia.

Applicants for points tested skilled migration (visa subclasses 175, 176, 885, 886) may be eligible for 10 bonus points if they have worked in their nominated occupation, or a closely related skilled occupation, in Australia, for 12 months in the four years immediately before they apply.