Last week’s major good news, beyond the border reopening, includedthe Subclass 485 visa, with three-year postgraduate Subclass 485 visas already being granted, yet the new replacement visa for Subclass 485 holders stranded overseas won’t be available until 1 July 2022 — the first happening so quickly,and the second dragging on so long — it’s genuinely puzzling.
Senator Urgently Writes to Immigration Minister: Why Was the Overseas Subclass 485 Compensation Policy Implemented So Late?
We weren’t the only ones puzzled — Senator Nick McKim, who has been closely following the compensation timeline for temporary visa holders stranded overseas, immediately wrote to the Immigration Minister this week,questioning the rationale behind setting the date at 1 July 2022. The letter, roughly translated, reads:
“The fact that Subclass 485 holders stranded overseas would not have to wait much longer is something everyone would welcome — but what concerns him is the start date for applications. Subclass 485 holders have already lost so much time, energy, and money, having waited more than 20 months — what is the rationale for making them continue to endure uncertainty, anxiety, and separation?
Please explain why the application start date was set at 1 July 2022, and why these individuals were not prioritised as a group to return to Australia.”
Yes, this is exactly the question on our minds as well,we’re awaiting the Immigration Minister’s response — hopefully one that is substantive —and we will keep you informed as soon as there are any updates.
In addition, following last week’s confirmation of the three-year postgraduate Subclass 485 grant, the Department of Home Affairs website has now updated its policy on certain Subclass 485 visas:
— Clarifying that the Post-Study Work (PSW) stream for coursework postgraduate holders will be extended to three years
— The Graduate Work stream (the older TR stream) will also be extended to two years, effective 1 December 2021 (primarily benefiting VET graduates)
— Regarding overseas approvals (a special COVID-era policy whereby Subclass 485 visas may be granted while the applicant is offshore),previously, an offshore-granted Subclass 485 allowed entry within one year, with the visa commencing on arrival — under the new policy, offshore-granted Subclass 485 visas will now be issued with a three-year validity from the outset (two years for bachelor’s graduates),though the visa will still only commence upon arrival in Australia.
As yet, there is no specific legislative provision for the renewal of offshore Subclass 485, 489, and 491 visas affected by COVID.
It appears that the slightdelay in reopening the border to temporary visa holders has not affected the Subclass 485 new policy,though we still need toawait the legislation for the Subclass 485 new policy before we canconfirmfurther details.On the subject of the borderbeing delayed until 15 Decemberto reopen for Subclass 500, 485, and othertemporary visa holders, there is some new information.
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The Treasurer said today:
Australia Has No Plans for Long-Term International Border Controls
The Treasurer, who today presented the latest round of economic figures, reiterated that Australia’s pause on entry for visa holders and nationals from eight African countriesis merely a temporary pause, and the government has no intention of imposing long-term international border controls.Moreover, some early signals are actually quite positive and encouraging,with the current measures taken purely out of caution.
The Prime Minister also indicated yesterday that the current plan remains 15 December, but did not rule out an earlier reopening. Stay tuned!
Prime Minister Urges States and Territories:
Stick to the Reopening Plan — Don’t Resort to Lockdowns to Solve Problems
In Tuesday afternoon’s National Cabinet meeting, Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly told state and territory leadersthat it would take up to two weeks to gather sufficient information to clearly characterise the threat posed by the new variant,but that despite needing more information on the new variant, Australia would remain committed to the path towards reopening by Christmas,and that there is currently no evidence that vaccine effectiveness is diminished by the variant.The Prime Minister accordingly urged state and territory leaders to maintain their reopening plans and not to resort casually to lockdowns as a solution — New South Wales has already indicated it will not enter lockdown again.
The national economy contracted by 1.9% in the last quarter,with spending falling across 11 of 17 consumption categories, including transport services, hotels, cafés, restaurants, clothing, and footwear.The economy of New South Wales, which was under lockdown, contracted by 6.4%, while Canberra’s economy shrank by 1.6% and Victoria’s by 1.4%.All three jurisdictions were in lockdown throughout September, while the other five states and territories recorded growth of 1.6%.
The Treasurer said this was the result of the lockdowns — the overall decline was unsurprising and not as bad as expected.
With the lockdowns now over, the economy is staging a strong recovery — consumer spending in particular has risen sharply,with retail trade up 4.9% in October, retailers reporting strong demand, and Black Friday sales exceeding $5 billion, up 50% on the previous year.
New South Wales, Victoria, and Canberra
Not Planning to Further Tighten Overseas Arrival Quarantine
These three states — which had previously been quarantine-free for overseas arrivals — last weekend announced emergency requirements for all international arrivals to provide a negative PCR test and undergo 72 hours of self-isolation at home, while travellers arriving from South Africa and seven other African countries must complete 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine.
After consulting with the Chief Medical Officer, all three states agreed not to increase quarantine requirements and to maintain the current measures.
However, New South Wales has announced increased penalties —individuals who fail to comply with quarantine or testing requirements will face fines rising from $1,000 to $5,000,while companies found in breach will face fines of up to $10,000.
All in all, the news is trending positively — stay tuned, and we hope to see you in Australia soon!
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Australia Will Continue to Open — 15 December Still Planned for Temporary Visa Holders! New NSW Subclass 190 Invitations for QS/Teachers
Australia Will Continue to Open — 15 December Still Planned for Temporary Visa Holders! New NSW Subclass 190 Invitations for QS/Teachers
High Employment Rates + Generous Scholarships + 3-Year Postgraduate Subclass 485 + Migration “Advantage”!
Major Subclass 485 Good News! Overseas-Stranded Holders Can Reapply! Coursework Postgraduate Students Can Apply for 3 Years!
Overseas Subclass 489/491 Also Extended — 20,000 People May Regain a PR Pathway
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NSW Subclass 190/491 Invitations Issued Frequently — Understand Your Real Chances!Click “Original Link”to watch the video for a detailed explanation!
