Global Visa Services

17/12/2023

Are you travelling this festive season? ✈️🎅

To help you have a smooth journey aim to get to the airport with enough time to pass through security checkpoints safely and comfortably during this busy period.

Security screening at airports keeps everyone safe – from travellers, airline and airport staff.

Get more tips and advice to help you prepare for your journey and clear security checks quickly and easily: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/travelsecure

17/12/2023

The Pandemic Event visa is closing to new applicants who do not hold a Pandemic Event visa.

It was introduced in April 2020 during our border closures because of COVID-19 to help address labour shortages in critical sectors in the local economy.

If you hold a Pandemic Event visa you may be able to apply for a subsequent visa until the visa is fully closed on 1 February 2024.

For more information, visit: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1114

13/12/2023

12/12/2023

30/06/2023

From 1 July 2023 New Zealand citizens in Australia who hold a Special Category (subclass 444) visa will be considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes.

This will enable them to apply for Australian citizenship without needing to first hold a permanent visa.

Applications under this direct pathway will open from 12.30pm (AEST) on Saturday 1 July 2023, via the Department of Home Affairs website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1047

22/06/2023

From July 1 2023, the Australian Government will reinstate the requirement for Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa applications to include a skills assessment. We conduct skills assessments for students to submit with their Subclass 485 visa application – read more about the requirement and our process here vetassess.info/485

27/05/2023

Engineers are in high demand in Australia.

Meet Myles, a structural engineer from South Africa now working in Perth. He enjoys is a work-life balance that allows him to spend time outdoors.

If you know of anyone overseas who has the skills Australia needs, now is a great time for them to apply for a skilled visa. Go to: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia

Find out more about Myles and other visa recipients here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/why-australia/success-stories

12/12/2022

Our head office will close for the end-of-year break, with the last working day being December 21, and the office reopening on January 4, 2023.

You will still be able to lodge online Skills Assessment applications during the shutdown period but as our customer contact centre will be closed, we will not be able to respond to emails and phone calls and payments will be processed when our offices reopen.

Due to the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) summer shutdown, our last assessment outcomes for trade occupations for 2022 will be issued on December 21 and will resume from January 9, 2023.

06/09/2022

Home Affairs Minister O’Neil said the nation had a “big skills shortage” and that’s why migration rates were being lifted.

06/09/2022

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Proof of English now required as part of MQ skilled nomination applications. From 6 September 2022, you must upload evidence of your English test results to the document portal if you receive an invitation for the skilled program (190 or 491 visa).

For details on accepted English test results, READ HERE:
https://migration.qld.gov.au/news

02/09/2022

Australia will increase its permanent immigration numbers by 35,000 to 195,000 in the current financial year as it looks to shift its focus toward long-term migrants

02/09/2022

02/09/2022

The government has announced 36 outcomes including increasing migration and letting more aged pensioners work longer hours after the two-day jobs summit in Canberra.

02/09/2022

15/08/2022

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – Update on the Migration Queensland Program Opening for FY2022-23

The Migration Queensland (MQ) Program will open TOMORROW on 16 August 2022 with Queensland’s new nomination criteria and factsheets published on the MQ website (tomorrow 16 August 2022, not available until then): https://migration.qld.gov.au/

Skilled Migration Program:
Migration Queensland will only accept a brand new EOI submitted on Skillselect from the 16 August 2022, updating existing EOI’s submitted prior to the 16 August 2022 will not be invited. Please ensure you have carefully read and understood the new criteria relevant to your stream or pathway, and that you meet criteria before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

This 2022-23 financial year Skilled Migration Program will be open to both onshore and offshore applicants, and provide pathways for skilled workers, graduates, and small business owners.

Business Migration Program:
The business program will continue to be open to 188 – Business Innovation stream, the 188 – Investor stream and the 188 – Significant Investor stream. From tomorrow, 16 August 2022, the new 188 – Entrepreneur stream will also open.

We thank you for your interest in the Migration Queensland program and we look forward to receiving your application.

Please note: that Queensland State nomination is a highly competitive program and not everyone will be invited for nomination. Please ensure you consult with a Registered Migration Agent/Lawyer to explore all alternative migration options.

27/07/2022

It has never been easier to learn English!

The Adult Migrant English Program can help, with free classes available at levels from beginner until vocational English, with no limit on the hours you can study. Flexible study options mean you can study part-time or full-time, during the day, in the evenings or on weekends. You can also study face-to-face, online or through distance learning.

To check if you’re eligible and find a class near you: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/amep

20/07/2022

PROGRAM UPDATE: The Migration Queensland skilled program is currently closed. We are awaiting nomination allocation from the Department of Home Affairs, and final approval for criteria changes for the 2022-23 financial year. Once we have received further information regarding the opening date, we will notify you via our website and social media pages.

The Migration Queensland business program remains open, however, we are unable to nominate applicants until we have received nomination allocation from the Department of Home Affairs. Please note that the 188 -Entrepreneur stream criteria has not been released as yet.

06/07/2022

Have you applied, or are thinking of applying, for a New Zealand Citizen Family Relation (temporary) subclass 461 visa?

Changes to legislation on 1 July 2022 allow the subclass 461 visa to be granted regardless of your location. Please ensure your details are correct and up to date with the Department.

➡ For information about updating your details, click here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-in-situation

➡ For information on the changes to the subclass 461 visa, including where to lodge an application, click here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/new-zealand-citizen-family-relationship-temporary-461

03/07/2022

09/05/2022

As travel restrictions ease, permanent resident visa holders currently residing in Australia are reminded to check the validity of their travel facility prior to arranging travel overseas.

A travel facility allows a permanent visa holder re-enter Australia, typically within five years from the date your permanent visa was granted. After 5 years, your travel facility expires.

To see when your travel facility ends, please visit https://online.immi.gov.au/evo/firstParty?actionType=query

For further information, please visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/resident-return-visa-155-157

14/04/2022

02/03/2022

Australia has strict COVID-19 international travel requirements to keep travellers and the Australian community safe. Don’t risk having your visa cancelled on arrival – get the facts, make sure you meet all requirements and travel COVID-safe!

Visa holders travelling to Australia must satisfy Australia’s definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ for international travel purposes. Australia’s definition might be different to the one that applies in your country, so make sure you read and understand Australia’s requirements.

Learn more at https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au

17/02/2022

All travellers coming to Australia are required by law to provide critical information. The Australian Government collects this information to help keep international travellers and our community COVID-safe. Before boarding your flight to Australia, you must provide this critical information by submitting an online digital passenger declaration (DPD).

Submitting the DPD before you board your flight will ensure you don’t face the inconvenience of processing delays following your arrival. There is no fee for submitting a DPD.

For more information visit: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/digital-passenger-declaration

10/02/2022

From 21 February 2022, all fully vaccinated visa holders will be able to travel to Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption.
For information on vaccine requirements visit: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/vaccinated-travellers

Unvaccinated visa holders will still require a valid travel exemption to enter Australia, and all incoming travellers will still need to comply with any quarantine requirements of the state or territory of their arrival, and any other state or territory to which they plan to travel.
For more information on travel restrictions and exemptions visit: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/travel-restrictions

07/02/2022

Australia’s international borders will reopen on 21 February for travellers who are double vaccinated.

20/01/2022

International travel into and out of Queensland is about to get a lot easier from this weekend.