To be granted a Resident Return (Subclass 155) Visa (RRV), applicants who have spent long periods of time away from Australia may need to demonstrate that they had “compelling reasons” for their absence. This requirement generally applies to applicants who have been absent for five years or more. Its application depends on one’s travel history and location when applying (whether... The post What are “compelling circumstances” for a Resident Return Visa? appeared first on Hannan Tew Immigration Lawyers ..read more

In May 2023 the Minister for Home Affairs (Hon Clare O’Neil) announced changes to the employer sponsored migration program (see here) which included, among other things, access to permanent residency for “short-term” Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) (TSS) visa holders. The most common employer sponsored visa for permanent residency is the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) (ENS) visa. Implementation date for... The post Implementation date for changes to the employer sponsored migration program appeared first on Hannan Tew Immigration Lawyers ..read more

In short, the Prospective Marriage visa (PMV) is for overseas nationals seeking entry to Australia: to marry, after their first entry to Australia and within the PMV period, their sponsor who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen; and with the intention to live together as spouses. The PMV allows the visa holder to travel... The post What happens when a couple marry before a Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) visa is granted? appeared first on Hannan Tew Immigration Lawyers ..read more

Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program consists of the Working Holiday (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas. These visas permit young people with certain passports to work and holiday in Australia. Given the dual purpose, the permitted work is generally limited by condition 8547. That is, “the [visa] holder must not be employed by any 1... The post Condition 8547 and seeking permission to work with an employer for more than 6 months appeared first on Hannan Tew Immigration Lawyers ..read more

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme has emerged as a way for Australia to both foster ties with neighbouring countries and address labour shortages. Broadly, the program is designed to facilitate the movement of workers from certain Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste to Australia to fill labour gaps in various sectors. This article will give you an understanding of... The post What is the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme? appeared first on Hannan Tew Immigration Lawyers ..read more

Australia is home to many international students due to its excellent higher education system. In order to study in Australia, prospective international students must apply for a Student (Subclass 500) visa. Fortunately, the Student visa includes provisions to include certain family members in an application. This allows applicants to study in Australia without having to separate from their immediate family.... The post Can I Add My Family to My Student (Subclass 500) Visa Application? appeared first on Hannan Tew Immigration Lawyers ..read more

As part of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) the Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP) provides new immigration opportunities for UK citizens looking to take their next career step in Australia. Further information about the program can be found here. Who can apply? The IECSEP offers two streams: Innovation stream – Allows an up to three... The post The Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP) appeared first on Hannan Tew Immigration Lawyers ..read more

The 2023-24 SA Skilled Occupation List has been published (see here). Broadly speaking, individuals with skills assessments in occupations in this list may submit Registrations of Interest (ROIs) against four nomination streams. What are the nomination streams? South Australia currently has four nomination streams (see here): What is being Registration of Interest? Potential applicants for South Australia’s general skilled migration... The post South Australia opens its 2023-24 General Skilled Migration (GSM) program appeared first on Hannan Tew Immigration Lawyers ..read more

The Visitor visa is a temporary visa that allows holders to visit Australia as a tourist, undertake business visitor activities, or to see family and friends. This visa does not contain work rights, and importantly, requires applicants to demonstrate that they have a genuine intention to remain in Australia temporarily. What are the various streams of a Visitor visa application?... The post Visitor (Subclass 600) visa checklist appeared first on Hannan Tew Immigration Lawyers ..read more

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) are formal agreements between the Australian Government and certain regional State or Territory authorities. It is not a visa in itself, but opens up a pathway for employers in these designated regional areas to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled workers, for positions that they are unable to fill with local workers. With current and growing labour shortages... The post Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) in a nutshell appeared first on Hannan Tew Immigration Lawyers ..read more