Although the skilled and business innovation and investment streams were cut to 1,900 when the permanent migration program was announced in May, permanent employer sponsored visa allocations increased by 1,825 to 36,825.

Several business advocacy groups called on the government earlier in the year to increase migration levels to as many as 220,000 places to match the country’s population growth and the treasury expected net overseas migration – which includes students and working holidaymakers – to be as high as 400,000.

Australia has long been suffering from acute skills shortages across many industries. The aged care, child care and teaching industries are still struggling to find workers, and many skilled jobs including carpentry are crying out for qualified tradespeople.

The family stream allocation remained unchanged from the previous financial year at 52,500 places. Some 40,500 partner visas, 8,500 parent visas and 3,000 child visas were planned for but the department says this number is subject to demand and a limit has not been set on how many permanent family visas are issued.

Permanent visa places for migrants to regional areas were reduced by 1,700 places to 32,300 and the number of state nominated visas the government planned to allow fell by 600 places to 30,400.

The Department of Home Affairs said the changes were aimed at increasing the number of working age people allowed to migrate to Australia.

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese has previously outlined his intention to move the country towards more permanent forms of migration and the slight reduction in migration allayed concerns the government would lower the permanent intake.

There has never been a better time for migrants to contemplate moving to Australia and Easy Migrate has the experience and knowledge needed to provide you with visa advice, help finding a job or help sponsoring an overseas worker.

The post How many visa places there are to migrate to Australia this year appeared first on Easy Migrate.

He made the comments at the Australian Financial Review Business Summit on Tuesday 9th March where he spoke about bringing the economy out of recession. 

“Rather than taking Australian’s jobs, we need to instead appreciate how filling critical workforce shortages with temporary visa holders can actually create jobs elsewhere in the economy and, in particular, sustain growth and services in our regional economies. I can assure you this won’t go away when the pandemic ends.”

The federal budget estimates a loss of 72,000 migrants from the migration intake for the 2020-21 financial year with net migration levels not expected to hit positive numbers until 2022-23.

The Prime Minister indicated the government would keep an open mind about reviewing visa classes for temporary worker reliant industries such as agriculture and hospitality, “When Australians won’t do the jobs, the jobs still need to be done,” Mr Morrison said.

Australia has not had migration levels this low since World War Two and will need to return to a higher level for the economy to continue to grow with Australia seeing unprecedented skills shortages.

Mr Morrison said visas with a regional condition are a better option for improving migration over the next few years.

“Conditionality is one of the great advantages of the temporary visa program. You can’t put conditions on permanent visas,” he said.

Explore your visa options with EasyMigrate, our expert agents and lawyers will improve your chances of securing a visa for you and your loved ones to Australia.

There has never been a better time, don’t miss your opportunity!

The post Australia’s Immigration Overhaul: Temporary Visa Holders Will be Key Priority appeared first on Easy Migrate.

Migrants looking to apply for NSW under subclass 491 will have to wait longer

The new 491 Visa has been delayed by New South Wales (NSW). The 491 is a Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa program launched in November 2019, however the most populated state in Australia NSW has not activated the program.

Migrants looking to apply for NSW under subclass 491 will have to wait a little longer. The Australian government launched new regional visa programs at the end of last year.

Dairy Cattle Farmer, Project Builder, Flying Instructor, Regional Education Manager, Nurses and Carpenters are all among workers eligible to come to Australia through new regional visa pathways.

The Australian government introduced this visa pathway to calm the population pressures on Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The paths will also be of enormous benefit to regional communities by boosting local populations and giving communities access to skilled workers, that they lack.

The NSW government have stated on their website

“There is currently a delay in the program opening in NSW. We will announce when NSW is open to applications shortly. We are unable to provide further guidance via phone or email at this time.”

There is a summary of the status of the new Visa Subclass 491 in all different states and territories on ANZSCO SEARCH. Please follow EasyMigrate Facebook page for all the latest Australian migration news.

The post 491 Visa delayed by NSW appeared first on Easy Migrate.

Words by Emma Gallagher and Victoria Cassey

Have you ever wanted to Migrate to Australia and live on the Gold Coast, but haven’t been able to because your occupation wasn’t on the required state list, or the Gold Coast wasn’t a specified regional area? Now is your chance.

Since the Gold Coast is now considered a regional area in Australia, you may be eligible to apply for an Australian Visa under the Subclass 190 or the new Subclass 491 Visa streams

Reasons why you should move to the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a coastal city in Queensland and a premier holiday destination for people from all over the world. The Gold Coast is approximately 70 km from Brisbane (the City Center).
The Gold Coast is a major tourist destination with its sunny subtropical climate and as a result, has become widely known for its stunning surfing beaches, high-rise dominated skyline, exciting nightlife, and even a rain-forest hinterland. The city is part of the nation’s entertainment industry and has been attracting Australian families for many decades as well as many international travelers wanting to explore the sun, surf and sand that our Gold Coast has to offer.

Apart from the stunning beaches on the Gold Coast, there are many theme parks to be visited as well for a fun-filled family day out. Some of these include Sea World, Warner Brothers Movie World, Dreamworld and Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World, to name a few.

There are also many multicultural events held every year, such as Harmony Day in March and Multiculturalism Month in August. The famous Chinatown also hosts street markets and cultural festivals regularly throughout the year.

Living on the Gold Coast is surprisingly affordable. As listed on realestate.com.au, you can find a rental for as little as $280 per week, while some shared houses are starting at as little as $165 per week.

The Gold Coast also has many schooling options available for your little ones, from Daycare to Kindy and Primary School, right through to High school and even beyond to go onto University.

Did you know that there is currently a shortage of skilled workers on the Gold Coast? The Australian Government introduced new provisional regional visas on November 2019 through the Department of Home Affairs. The new visas replaced the subclass 489. The new visas are

• Subclass 494 – Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa; and
• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa

Some of these shortages are for occupations such as Automotive Electricians, Bricklayers, Plumbers, Cooks and Chefs as well as Teachers and Nurses. Both visas have a transitional pathway to permanent residency. The old points system has now been changed, and people should have current points score revised. You can read more about the new points test here.  These changes and new sub-classes is a positive step for anyone looking to come work in Australia.

Check to see if your occupation is listed on either the Queensland onshore or the offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation lists?

Queensland Skilled Occupation ONSHORE List
Queensland Skilled Occupation OFFSHORE List

The Gold Coast is not the only part of Australia that allows valid applicants to apply, Perth, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Regional Victoria, Regional New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania all are open to immigration applications.

If you would like more information on getting started on your journey to migrate to Australia, please fill in our Initial Online Assessment form to see if you qualify.

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