Despite the drop in overseas migrants, the federal government plans to issue 160,000 permanent visas. To many migrants who are onshore and seeking employment to secure their visas, this is an immense opportunity.
Priority Skills
The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List was introduced last September and identifies 17 occupations which fill critical skills needs that support Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19. Registered nurses, IT professionals and mechanical engineers are some of the roles deemed essential among the occupation list.
Given the overseas arrivals cap and the issues with COVID-19, it is inevitable that those positions will have to be filled by people already in Australia.
According to the federal government, around two-thirds of permanent visas may be granted to those that are currently in Australia on their temporary visas. It should come as no suprise that there will be one million fewer people in Australia than was anticipated with population growth falling from 1.6 per cent to just 0.2 per cent this year.
English requirement for partner visas
Applicants pursuing the partner visa, along with their sponsors, will need to demonstrate English language skills or an attempt to learn from late 2021 as the government seeks to maximise employment in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
This decision was implemented by Acting Immigration Minister, Alan Tudge, who believed the new policy will help migrants improve their English skills and be able to become more successful in securing jobs.
Applicants will not be expected to pass the English test before arriving in Australia under a two-year provisional visa, but will need to demonstrate functional English or show they have made reasonable attempts to learn before applying for a permanent visa.
The cap on partner visas has been increased to 72,300 for the 2020-21 financial year, up from 47,000, with priority given to onshore applicants or their partners who live in designated regional areas.
Are you unsure about your current situation?
Do you want to apply for a partner visa?
Is your occupation on the Priority List?
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