New Feature: Import Paper-Based Parent Visa Applications into ImmiAccount

Starting 2 April 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has introduced a new online feature to assist Parent visa applicants.

Although applications must still be submitted using a paper form, acknowledged Parent visa applications can now be imported into ImmiAccount, offering the following benefits:

  • Upload additional documents

  • View correspondence from the Department

  • Update applicant details

  • Check the status of your application

This feature is available for both newly lodged and existing applications, regardless of submission date. However, please note that Parent (subclass 103) visa applications submitted before November 2018 cannot be imported into ImmiAccount.

To learn more about this process and for a detailed step-by-step guide on how to import applications, contact our staff on 02089960120 or via email info@thamesmigration.com 

Increased skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2025

From 1 July 2025, skilled visa income thresholds will be increased by 4.6%. This is in line with changes to the annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).

The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) will increase from AUD73,150 to AUD76,515. This will impact nomination applications for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).

The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase from AUD135,000 to AUD141,210. This will impact nomination applications for the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482).

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)  will increase from AUD73,150 to AUD76,515. This will impact nomination applications lodged for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187). This is in line with the CSIT and subject to approval of relevant legislation.

New nomination applications from 1 July 2025, must meet the new relevant income threshold or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. The increased skilled visa income thresholds will not apply to existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2025.

To learn more, contact Thames Migration in the United Kingdom on 02089960120 or in Australia on 1300 799 877 or via email at info@thamesmigration.com

Skills In Demand (SID) – Core Skills Occupation List Announced

Today, the Australian Government announced the release of the new Core Skills Occupation List (“CSOL”).

The newly minted CSOL is a single, consolidated list of roles. This list of occupations was the result of extensive labour market analysis and stakeholder consultations, carried out by Jobs and Skills Australia to replace the out-of-date occupation list under the temporary skilled visa program.

The government’s announcement of CSOL’s release has come just in time for the new Skills in Demand visa, which is set to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (or “Subclass 482”) visa on 7 December 2024. The occupations listed on the new CSOL will apply to the Core Skills stream of the new Skills in Demand visa and will also be applied to the Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nominated Scheme (”Subclass 186″) visa.

More details on other reform taking place on 7 December 2024, including the Skills in Demand visa and National Innovation visa, will be announced shortly.

Source https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1269

Festive season office closure

As the holiday season approaches, we’d like to inform you that our office will be closed from Friday 20th December 2024 to Monday 6th January 2025. We will reopen and resume regular business hours on Monday 6th January 2025.

During this period, our team will be taking a well-deserved break to celebrate the season with loved ones, and we look forward to returning refreshed and ready for an exciting new year ahead!

We wish you and yours a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!

 

 

Skills In Demand and National Innovation Visa (NIV) Update

An update from the Australian Department of Home Affairs has referred to the Skills in Demand (SID) visa and the National Innovation visa (NIV) and highlighted the following points:

Skills in Demand visa Subclass 482

  • Temporary skilled worker visa with up to 4 years validity
  • Clear pathway to permanent residence
  • Will have 3 streams – Specialist Skills, Core Skills and Labour Agreements
    • Specialist Skills stream: Will be for highly skilled migrants earning at least $135,000 in any occupation except trades workers, machinery operators, drivers and labourers
    • Core Skills stream: Will be for skilled employees and there will be a new Core Skills occupation List and a Core Skills Income Threshold
    • Labour Agreement stream: The TSS Labour Agreement stream will be renamed the Skills in Demand Labour Agreement stream
  • Work experience requirement reduced to one year
  • As the TSS visa will be replaced by the SID visa existing short-term and medium-term streams of the TSS visa will close to new applications.
  • The Department are currently working on this, and it will commence in 2024 before the end of the year.

National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)

  • Will replace the Global Talent visa but remain a Sc 858 visa
  • Will have a place for a broad range of high calibre talent with a diversity of backgrounds such as :
    • Global researchers and thought leader e.g. published in leading journals, high levels of publications and citations, recipients of top of field awards
    • Entrepreneurs both established and emerging with lessons taken from successful State and Territory led initiatives
    • Innovative Investors with a focus on the quality of investment, not simple thresholds
    • Athletes and creatives particularly those that represent Australia internationally
  •  Applications will be by invitation only and the EOI process will more closely reflect that of other invitation only visas.
  • The Department are currently working on this, and it will commence in 2024 before the end of the year.

To learn more about these vis updates and your eligibility, contact Thames Migration today or complete our Free online eligibility assessment.

Thames Migration and the Government of South Australia – Upcoming UK Webinar

 

South Australia’s state nominated skilled migration program for 2024-2025 is now open and South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List is available to view.

If you are interested in hearing more about a potential move to South Australia, register your interest for our upcoming online webinar in collaboration with Thames Migration where you will learn more about:

  • changes for the 2024/25 program year
  • state nomination invitation rounds
  • priority occupations and industry sectors in South Australia
  • hints and tips about the migration process
  • working and thriving in one of the most liveable places on the planet

This webinar is suitable for all applicants seeking to emigrate to Australia. Learn how to make the move to South Australia (SA). Over the years, our clients have found these webinars and seminars to be useful and informative providing a true insight on how you can successfully relocate to Australia and provide you information on various Australian visa options. Learn about the pathways to permanent residency from the Australia visa experts in the UK.

This is also a unique opportunity to learn about the South Australian requirements for Australian emigration purposes.

 

October Webinar Details:

Date:           Wednesday, 23rd October 2024
Venue:        ONLINE
Time:          8pm (GMT)
Cost:           FREE

Register for this event

Unable to Attend:

Our MARA accredited agent namely Hannibal Khoury has been a guest speaker at many migration seminars and exhibitions for over 20 years.

Unable to attend this webinar? Thames Migration holds regular webinar and seminars throughout the United Kingdom and in central London with the support of and special guests speakers from Australian State and Territory Governments. Please register your interest for our upcoming seminars throughout the year and we will be in touch.

We urge you to attend and learn more about the process of emigration to Australia.

To book a place at the event please contact us on 0208 996 0120 or via our contact us form.

Contact Us

Breaking News: Changes to Visa conditions 8107, 8607 and 8608

Breaking News: Changes to Visa Conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 

The Migration Amendment (Work Related Visa Conditions) Regulations 2024 introduces significant changes to the Migration Regulations 1994, aimed at increasing mobility for Temporary Work (Subclass 457) visa holders, Temporary Skills Shortage (Subclass 482) visa holders, and Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 494) visa holders. 

Key Changes: 

  1. Extended Grace Period: 
  • New Period: Visa holders now have up to 180 consecutive days (previously 60 or 90 days) to cease working in accordance with their visa requirements. This extension is designed to allow them sufficient time to seek an alternative sponsoring employer or to depart Australia. 
  • Exclusions: Any period where the visa holder ceased employment before July 1, 2024, does not count towards the 180 consecutive days.

2.Employment Flexibility During Transition: 

  • Working While Seeking Sponsorship: During this 180-day period, visa holders are allowed to work while they pursue alternative sponsorship arrangements. This includes working for alternative employers and in occupations different from those for which their visa was initially granted. 
  • Option Not to Work: Visa holders can also choose not to work during this period.

3.Overall Maximum Period: 

  • Total Period Limit: The total period a visa holder can cease work during their visa validity period is capped at 365 days after the commencement of the instrument on July 1, 2024. 
  • Exclusions: Any periods where the visa holder ceased employment before July 1, 2024, are not counted towards the 365-day maximum. 

These changes are intended to provide more flexibility and support for visa holders navigating employment transitions, making it easier for them to remain compliant with visa requirements while seeking new opportunities. 

 To learn more and map out a strategic pathway to gaining permanent residency, contact our office in the UK on 02089960120 or in Australia on 1300799877. 

Republic of Philippines Work and Holiday (Sc 462) visa

Republic of Philippines passport holder eligible to apply for a Work and Holiday (Sc 462) visa

The amendments made by this instrument enable applicants who hold a valid passport issued by the Republic of the Philippines to apply for a Work and Holiday (Sc 462) visa.

Starting from July 1, 2024, holders of a valid passport issued by the Republic of the Philippines will be eligible to apply for the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa for Australia. This amendment allows Filipino passport holders to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Work and Holiday visa, enabling them to work and holiday in Australia for up to one year.

This visa generally aims to foster cultural exchange and closer ties between Australia and eligible countries, offering a platform for young adults to experience Australian life while supporting themselves through short-term work.

To learn more contact us today

Australian Migration Programme Announced 2024-25

The Australian Government has just announced the 2024–25 Migration Programme planning levels. The aim is to address evolving labour market needs. It also seeks to foster social cohesion through family reunification. Here is a quick overview:
Programme Overview:
Planning Levels: Set at 185,000 places to accommodate skilled workers and family migrants.
Objectives: Focus on filling skills gaps, prioritising regional development, and promoting social integration. 

Employer Sponsored Category:
-Increased Allocation: With planning levels raised to 44,000 visas, more opportunities are provided for skilled workers sponsored by Australian employers.
– Impact: Supports businesses in acquiring the talent they need while facilitating a smoother transition to permanent residency.

‍Skilled Independent Category:
– Adjustment: Allocation reduced to 16,900 places, reflecting a strategic balance in skilled independent migration.
-Focus: Prioritises individuals with high-demand skills and qualifications contributing to Australia’s economy.

State/Territory Nominated Category:
– Expanded Opportunities: Planning levels boosted to 33,000 visas, emphasising the importance of skilled migration to regional areas.
– Rationale: Enables states and territories to attract professionals to address specific economic and workforce needs.

Business Innovation and Investment Programme (BIIP):
– Reduction in Capacity: Planning level reduced to 1,000 visas, aligning with a shift in focus towards skilled migration.
– Transition: Phasing out BIIP in favour of the forthcoming National Innovation visa underscores the government’s commitment to innovation-driven immigration.

Global Talent Visa:
– Strategic Alignment: Planning level set at 4,000 visas, ensuring a smooth transition to the new National Innovation visa.
– Vision: Supports the attraction of top-tier global talent, reinforcing Australia’s position as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Family Stream:
– Steady Focus: Maintained size with emphasis on family reunification, reflecting Australia’s commitment to strong social ties.
– Balanced Approach: Balances family migration with skill-based programmes, ensuring a comprehensive immigration strategy.

Partner Visa:
– Efficiency Enhancement: Transition to demand-driven model enhances processing efficiency while prioritising family reunification.
– Flexibility: Allows for dynamic adjustments in response to changing demand, reducing processing times for applicants.

Child Visa:
– Consistent Allocation: Remains at 3,000 places for planning purposes, supporting family reunification and ensuring adherence to international obligations.

The 2024–25 Migration Programme reflects a strategic approach to immigration, aligning with Australia’s economic and social objectives. By prioritising skilled migration, regional development, and family reunification, the programme lays the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive society.

To learn more about your Australia visa options, please contact us or complete our Free online assessment.

Reference: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels

Permanent Residency Transitional Pathway for short-term 482 Visa Holders after 2 years 

As we draw closer to 1st July 2024, we note the significant change to the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) for UK passport holders regards to Work Requirement Waiver: Starting July 1, 2024, UK passport holders need NOT fulfill specified work criteria for their second or third visa applications. However, this may offer a unique opportunity for Working Holiday Visa applicants to apply for a Subclass 482 visa or even permanent residency.  

As per the Department of Home Affairs recent update, ALL 482 visa holders (including short-term) will have access to Permanent Residency after 2 years.

Permanent Residency pathways are available to short-term 482 visa holders through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination (subclass 186) visa.

Permanent Residency pathway for short-term 482 visa holders after 2 years

Permanent Residency pathways available to short-term 482 visa holders through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination (subclass 186) visa. This stream is open to ALL Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa holders whose employers wish to sponsor them and will no longer be restricted to 482 visa holders with occupations on the Medium and Long-term Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL). In addition to all 482 visa holders having access to permanent residency, the length of time in which an applicant will need to hold a 482 visa in order to access PR has also reduced.

NOTE: To prevent inefficiencies and additional costs, the department will consider 186 applications in the TRT stream where lodgement has occurred a few days prior to the applicant meeting the ‘Work Experience Requirement’.

These changes aim to expand pathways to permanent residence for temporary skilled sponsored workers, providing more equitable access and certainty to TSS visa holders and their employers. This a welcome update for employers as well as they will now have a wider range of occupations available for permanent employer-sponsored pathways, helping alleviate skills shortages.

The Government is also removing limit on the number of 482 visa applications in the short-term stream that a visa holder can make in Australia.

Much of our migration practise is about positioning; positioning is then about pathways.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.