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Since 2017, immigration has been the central topic of political discussion in Australia. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has indicated more than once that he is in favor of slashing the immigration intake level. At the same time, the country has taken certain strong steps to provide better opportunities for eligible immigrants for Australia immigration.
The Australian federal government has signed two special agreements with the Northern Territory and the Great Southern Coast of Victoria. These agreements called the Designated Area Migration Agreements offer an opportunity for semi-skilled migrants with limited English to obtain permanent residency. The federal government is planning to sign such agreements with more regions to for addressing the labor needs in these areas. Under these agreements, semi-skilled workers with low levels of skills, language proficiency and income can obtain Australia PR.
The other major changes in Australian visa rules that are likely to play decisive roles in 2019 are:
New parent visa
Australia has introduced a new temporary sponsored parent visa that will allow parents of migrants to stay in Australia for up to five years. This visa will be made available during the first half of 2019. The parents of migrants can either avail a three-year visa or a five-year visa, both of which can be renewed for a single time. The sponsoring children will have to ensure that the parents have health insurance coverage and do not incur any healthcare debt.
New framework for family sponsorship in Australia immigration
Sponsored family visas got a new sponsorship framework when the Australian Parliament passed the Migration Amendments (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2016. As per the law, applying for sponsorship is a two-step process in which the first step is assessment of the sponsors. Visa application can be lodged only if the sponsors are approved. This is meant to protect vulnerable family members from abusive sponsors. As a result of the new law, the application process will take it longer to complete.
Business visa that doesn’t require evidence of investment
Unlike most of the business and innovation visas, this Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) visa does not require any capital outlay. Visa holders and their families can stay in Australia for up to three years.
Slashing permanent immigration intake
Both the federal and provincial governments of Australia are likely to bring down the immigration levels this year. Some changes may also be introduced in Australian citizenship rules as per which the permanent residents will have to wait for four years and pass an English language test to obtain Australian citizenship.
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