In recent years, the Australian government has undertaken a significant overhaul of its visa system, resulting in the repeal of several visa subclasses. These changes have been aimed at streamlining and simplifying the visa application process and ensuring that the country's immigration system is aligned with its economic needs.
One of the most significant changes was the repeal of the 457 visa subclass in 2018, which was replaced by the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. The 457 visa had been the primary visa option for skilled workers seeking to work in Australia on a temporary basis, but it was criticized for allowing companies to exploit foreign workers and hire them on lower wages than Australian workers. The TSS visa was introduced with stricter eligibility requirements and a stronger emphasis on addressing genuine skill shortages in the Australian labor market.
Other visa subclasses that have been repealed include the Subclass 175 Skilled Independent Visa and the Subclass 476 Skilled—Recognized Graduate Visa. These visas were replaced by the General Skilled Migration program, which includes the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). The General Skilled Migration program is designed to attract highly skilled workers to Australia and address skill shortages in key industries.
In addition to the repeal of specific visa subclasses, the Australian government has also introduced changes to the broader visa system, including the introduction of the Global Talent Visa program. This program is designed to attract highly skilled and talented individuals from around the world to work in Australia's tech industry, with a focus on boosting innovation and economic growth.
While these changes have been aimed at improving the visa system and ensuring that it aligns with Australia's economic needs, they have also led to concerns about the impact on migrants and their families. The repeal of certain visa subclasses has meant that some individuals who were eligible to apply for those visas in the past are no longer able to do so, and there have been concerns about the impact on families and communities.
Overall, the changes to the visa system in Australia have been significant, and they reflect the government's desire to ensure that the country's immigration policies are aligned with its economic needs. While there have been concerns about the impact on migrants, the government has emphasized its commitment to ensuring that the visa system remains fair and equitable, while also supporting economic growth and development.
Australia has repealed several types of visas over the years. Some examples of repealed visas include:-
Assuming that you are interested in applying for a visa to Australia, here are some general steps you can follow:
It's important to note that the application process can be complex and time-consuming, so you may want to consider seeking professional advice or assistance from a migration agent or lawyer.
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is a list of occupations that are in high demand in Australia. To be eligible for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), your occupation must be on the SOL.
The points test is used to assess your eligibility for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), or a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications. You must score a minimum number of points to be eligible for these visas.
A skills assessment is a process of verifying that your qualifications, skills, and experience meet the standards required for your nominated occupation in Australia. A positive skills assessment is required for Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), and some employer-sponsored visas.
A temporary visa allows you to live and work in Australia for a limited period of time, while a permanent visa allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Temporary visas include the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482), while permanent visas include the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), and the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186).
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application. However, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship and meet the health and character requirements for each family member.