April Update

Welcome to our April Update! We've consolidated the latest migration changes, including updates to territorial nominations, alterations to student visa requirements, and much more, all in one convenient spot! Let's dive in!

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Migration Updates:?

• State and Territory nominations??

The Department's website has been updated with the number of nominations made by State and Territory governments for sc 190 and sc 491 for the month of February. Between 31 January 2024 and 29 February 2024, the number of nominations made by each State and Territory government are the following:??

Further information Department's website.?

• New ACS Migration Skills Assessment launches March 2024?

The new ACS Migration Skills Assessment aims to deliver:?

1. Faster processing times and decisions in as little as 15 days??
2. More options as you can apply for up to three ANZCO codes at once for one fixed price?
3. Greater clarity and guidance to increase the odds of a 'right first time' application??
4. Instant updates as you can track the application status on a new easy to use applicant dashboard.??

You can find further information on the ACS website.?

• ACS Navigating IT Migration in Australia report?

The ACS Skilled Journeys: Navigating IT Migration in Australia Report provides an invaluable basis of knowledge to better understand how the current skilled migration system functions and its outcomes, both for ICT skilled migrants and employers.?

Key findings from the report:??

1. ?Skilled ICT migrants have high employment rates in Australia, with over 90% finding jobs and 80% within the IT sector??
2. Regional Australia is benefiting from the changes to visa rules implemented in 2019: 36% said they were residing outside of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane up from only 18% in 2017??
3. ?83% said migrating to Australia was a good decision, 73% would encourage others to migrate??

The report can be downloaded from the ACS website.??

• The Australian Government has made changes to English Language Requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas.??

This change was announced as part of the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023 and applies to all Student and Temporary Graduate visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024.?

• Temporary Graduate visa (TGV)?

The minimum score required for a TGV from IELTS test score increases from 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component of the test (reading, writing, speaking and listening).?

The test validity window for a TGV decreases from 3 years to 1 year. TGV applicants now need to provide evidence that they have completed an English Language test within 1 year immediately before the date of the visa application.?

• Student visa?

The minimum score required for a student visa from an IELTS test score increases from 5.5 to 6 (or its equivalent).?

The minimum score required to undertake a packaged ELICOS from IELTS increases from 4.5 to 5.0.?

For students studying English only through ELICOS, there will be no change.?

The test score required for students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training will be IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).?

• From our CEO and Principal Migration Agent –Melanie Macfarlane??

Advocacy for International Students:?

Melanie MacFarlane is dedicated to championing the cause of international students. In recent weeks, she has been actively engaged in various initiatives. This includes presenting at prestigious events like the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA), interacting with international students at South Bank TAFE Academy (SBTA), and collaborating with the University of Wollongong (UOW). Melanie's endeavours are aimed at raising awareness about the hurdles confronted by international students and advocating for policies that enhance their well-being and success. Moreover, she offers crucial guidance to international students regarding different pathways to attain permanent residency.?

For further insights, don't miss these op-eds and interviews:?

• "Visa denials risk to economy" - Read more here--> link.
• Tune in to Sonshine FM to catch our CEO and Principal Migration Agent, Melanie MacFarlane, as she shares her expertise on the decline in international student visa grants here.
• ?Recruitment

If you have a current employee you're considering sponsoring, whether for a Training Visa (407) or a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (482) or a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (494), we're here to help kickstart their journey to permanent residency.

Additionally, if your company is interested in exploring labour agreements, we can guide you through the process seamlessly. Our expert team will ensure your employee's transition to permanent residency is smooth and successful, while also assisting in verifying your company's eligibility and facilitating the labour agreement application. Contact us now by sending us a message to get started and unlock new opportunities for your workforce!?