Australia is taking a significant step forward with introducing the Strengthening Employer Compliance Act, which is set to commence on 1 July 2024. This landmark legislation aims to bolster employer compliance and safeguard temporary migrant workers from exploitation, marking a pivotal moment in Australia’s commitment to fair and ethical employment practices. Key Features of the Act The Strengthening Employer Compliance Act introduces several critical measures to protect workers and ensure employers adhere to ethical hiring practices. These measures include: Criminalising Coercion: It is now a ..read more

At Aspire Australia, we pride ourselves on helping individuals and families navigate the often complex and daunting process of Australian migration. Our commitment to our clients extends far beyond the initial migration process, as evidenced by our recent experience with a former client, Smita, who first came to us in 2008. Now an Australian citizen, Smita reached out to us with a heartfelt request: she wanted to invite her brother from India to visit her in Australia. The dangers of DIY Visa applications Smita and her brother initially took on the application process independently. Unfortunat ..read more

The Australian Government has initiated a major shift in its migration policy as of 25th November. This change, focusing on the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), significantly enhances the pathway to permanent residence for employer-nominated skilled workers. This development is crucial for employees on 457 or 482 visas and their employers, reflecting Australia’s evolving economic and workforce requirements. Overview of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Changes Shift in Eligibility and Process Up until now, Australian businesses could nominate a wide range of occupations for subclass 457 an ..read more

A new era in Australian immigration has begun with the 25th November implementation of changes to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa. These changes to the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream opens up exciting new opportunities for 457 and 482 visa holders aiming for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia. Key Australian Visas: Understanding the Foundations of Employer Sponsored Migration Understanding the employer sponsored framework will help you understand the new changes and pathways available to you. Let’s dive in. The 457 visa was a temporary work visa allowing ..read more

At Aspire Australia, we actively guide individuals and employers through the dynamic immigration policy landscape. The Australian Government is set to implement crucial changes to its migration system to smooth the pathway to permanent residency (PR) for temporary skilled workers. Learn more about the proposed expanded Employer Sponsored Pathways to Permanent Residence for Skilled Workers in Australia, below. Streamlining the Path to PR From 25 November 2023*, the Department of Home Affairs will roll out key modifications to enhance the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa (TSS), as we ..read more

Embarking on the journey to secure a Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) or Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa is a significant step towards building a new life in Australia. As a Migration SuperHero, we guide and assist our clients through this process. A change in your relationship status from ‘Single’ to ‘De Facto’ or ‘Married’  – whilst likely to be a wonderful time for you – can have implications on the visa application process, particularly the GSM Visa process. Let’s shed light on what happens if such a change occurs, especially when the person you are now in a permanent relation ..read more

The Australian 408 COVID visa, also known as the Temporary Activity Visa, has been a lifeline for many individuals during the pandemic. As with all visas, there are specific requirements to be met for visa grant. On the 31st August 2023, the Minister for Home Affairs announced a series of changes to the 408 Covid Visa have drastically affected who can now apply for this visa, and for how long. With the impending closure of the Covid-19 Pandemic event visa on 1 February 2024, it is more essential than ever that prospective applicants confirm their eligibility prior to lodgement. Let’s look at t ..read more

As Father’s Day approaches, many of us are reminded of the deep and unbreakable bonds of family. For those with parents living overseas, this day can be bittersweet. Australia offers avenues to reunite with your loved ones, however, through the Parent Visa programme. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering helping your parents migrate to Australia. 1. Visa Options for Parents a. Parent Visa (Subclass 103) A permanent visa option that allows parents to live in Australia if the ‘balance of family’ test is met, that is, they have at least half their children living permanently and lawf ..read more

Post Covid-19, Australia is still suffering from a skills shortage. The Australian Government has developed a range of strategies to facilitate both extended temporary stay in Australia for international students, whilst also providing opportunities for migrants in key sectors to obtain permanent residence. From July 1 2023, several major changes will come into effect for Australian Visas.  Let’s delve into the changes in detail.  More Visas With more than 30 000 visas available for Australian migrants this coming year than two years ago, the Australian Government is allocating 70% o ..read more

New Zealand citizens, the welcome mat is out and you are invited to take a step over the threshold to Australian citizenship! From 1 July 2023, many Kiwis who have been calling Australia home – or would like to  –  can look forward to a new pathway to Australian citizenship. Here’s what you need to know. Aussie Citizenship – Residence Criteria There currently exist a number of pathways to Australian citizenship including: Citizenship by birth – for those born in Australia to Australian permanent residents or citizens Citizenship by birth – for those who have lived in Australia since ..read more