2021 to see new changes in Australian immigration policies

Many of the changes in Australia immigration policies are slated to be implemented in 2021. The aftermath of COVID-19 has forced the country to make changes in its policies, which is going to impact many in the process. Those impacted will include international students, partners, and parents looking to visit Australia, those who want to become Australian PRs, and skilled immigrants who are willing to work in Australia.

Here are some of the important changes in immigration Australia will bring about in 2021:

Migration program changes

• The ceiling for the 2020-21 migration plan retained at 160,000 places
• Greater emphasis on the stream for family visas
• Spots for family stream visas raised from 47,732 to 77,300 on a “one-off” basis

Changed priorities

• Federal government to give priority to investors, innovators, and job creators
• Priority is given to Global Talent, BIIP, and visas sponsored by Australian employers, all within the Skill stream

Skilled visa nomination programs

• Skilled visa nomination programs to be reopened in early 2021
• A strong focus will be given on applicants who can be of assistance to the states or territories in recovering their economy from the COVID-induced economic crisis

Support to family visa applicants

• A temporary arrangement will allow select family visa applicants who have submitted visas offshore to avoid moving overseas to get their visas
• The temporary visa concession will be applicable to the family visa subclasses of:
  • Prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300)
  • Partner visa (Subclass 309)
  • Adoption visa (subclass 102)
  • Child visa (Subclass 101)
  • Dependent Child visa (Subclass 445)

New English language requirement

• PR sponsors in Australia applying for a partner visa must have functional-level English
• In case they don’t have it, they have to demonstrate that they are reasonably attempting to learn the language
• This requirement is applicable only when they are applying for a PR visa, which is the second stage in applying for a partner visa after applying for a provisional visa

New requirements for business migrants

• Business and investment visa stream categories reduced from 9 to 4
• The new 4 categories are:
  • Entrepreneur
  • Investor
  • Business Innovation
  • Significant Investor
• Holders of Business Innovation visa must now hold business assets to the tune of $1.25 million, and an annual turnover of $750,000
• The funding threshold for Entrepreneur visa will be scrapped from 2021
• The following visas will be closed to new applications from July 1, 2021:
  • Premium Investor visa
  • Venture Capital Entrepreneur visa
  • Significant Business History visa

Extension for international students in regional areas

• Holders of TGV having degrees from a regional educational institution and having lived in regional Australia on their first TGV are eligible for a second TGV

New rules for temporary visa holders

• Temporary visa holders who don’t declare “high-risk biosecurity goods” that they bring to Australia will have their visas canceled

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to Australia, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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Note:

PR – Permanent Resident

TGV – Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)