Whilst we welcome 2021 in Australia, we are still very much managing various lockdowns, border closures and what it all means for Immigration and visa processes.

Let’s take a look at some of the recent visa updates for 2021.

The Global Talent Independent program 

Masters and Bachelors with Honours graduates are not excluded from the Global Talent Independent program.

From 20 January 2021, Masters and Bachelor with Honours graduates are no longer eligible for invitation to the Global Talent Independent program solely on the basis of their qualifications.

This policy change affects all future EOI assessments and applies to EOI submissions made by candidates who have not yet received an invitation to the Global Talent program by 20 January 2021.

To be considered for an invitation to apply under the program, prospective applicants need to demonstrate that they are highly skilled in one of the target sectors and must also:

• • • prove they are internationally recognised with evidence of outstanding and exceptional achievements
    • still be prominent in their field of expertise
    • provide evidence that they would be an asset to Australia, in their field of expertise
    • have no difficulty obtaining employment in Australia or becoming established in their
      field
    • have a recognised organisation or individual in Australia endorse them as global talent,
      in the same field as the applicant.

Candidates must meet a high standard and show an exceptional track-record of professional and outstanding achievements. This may include senior roles, patents, professional awards, international publications, media articles and international memberships.

Candidates should have the ability to attract a salary at or above the Fair Work high-income threshold of AUD153,600. This figure is adjusted annually on 1 July.

In assessing this, the Department considers:

• • • current salary shown through payslips or a contract, or
    • future job offers outlining remuneration, or
    • recent PhD graduates and certain PhD students with relevant qualifications in the
      target sectors.

Find more information about the Global Talent Independent Program here.

Parent visa applicants to remain onshore during COVID-19

Minister Alex Hawke announced on Thursday 28 January 2021

“The Government is pursuing changes to allow certain Parent visa applicants who have applied for their visa outside Australia to be granted that visa while in Australia during the COVID-19 period,” Minister Hawke said.

“This temporary concession would apply to Parent visa subclasses and will allow eligible applicants who are in Australia and unable to travel offshore due to COVID-19 impacts to be granted that visa,” Minister Hawke said.

The changes would apply to:

• • • Parent (subclass 103) visa
    • Contributory Parent (subclass 173) visa
    • Contributory Parent (subclass 143) visa.

Find more information about parent visas here.

The Australian Priority Occupation list (PMSOL)

The Australian Priority Occupation list (PMSOL) and will receive an exemption from the travel bans to come to Australia from overseas. The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) identifies 18 occupations that fill critical skills needs to support Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19. The list is based on expert advice from the National Skills Commission and consultation with Commonwealth departments.

What does this mean if you are one of these priority occupations?

If you are one of the below 18 occupations (outside of Australia) and are successful with an Employer Sponsorship visa will be given priority processing. This means that you are eligible for an exemption from the travel bans and are able to come to Australia but will still need to quarantine.

The 18 occupations (ANZSCO code) are:

• • • Chief Executive or Managing Director (111111)
    • Construction Project Manager (133111)
    • Mechanical Engineer (233512)
    • General Practitioner (253111)
    • Resident Medical Officer (253112)
    • Psychiatrist (253411)
    • Medical Practitioner nec (253999)
    • Midwife (254111)
    • Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (254412)
    • Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) (254415)
    • Registered Nurse (Medical) (254418)
    • Registered Nurse (Mental Health) (254422)
    • Registered Nurse (Perioperative) (254423)
    • Registered Nurses nec (254499)
    • Developer Programmer (261312)
    • Software Engineer (261313)
    • Social Worker (272511)
    • Maintenance Planner (312911)

Find more information about Employer-Sponsored visas here.

If you have questions or in need of a professional migration specialist to advise you on accurate visa advice, strategies and support, you can contact the Four Corners Migration team here.