If you’re thinking of moving down under to work, live or just to enjoy an extended vacation, it is important that you stay up-to-date with changes to Australian visas.
Here are the five most important Australian visa changes happening in 2019:
Proposed changes to the Family Violence Bill will result in longer processing times for Partner visas. The Sponsorship of the sponsoring partner must be approved separately and before the sponsoring partner and visa applicant can lodge their Partner visa application. Sponsorship applications are currently being processed with wait times of up to 18 months.
When these new changes come into effect, couples will have to wait substantially longer for their Partner visa to be processed.
- New visa for start-up entrepreneurs that does not require funding
In 2019, a new visa for entrepreneurs will be trialed in South Australia before it is rolled out nationally. This new visa will significantly reduce costs for the applicant and enable more entrepreneurs to flourish in Australia. Unlike the current entrepreneur (subclass 188) visa, this new arrangement does not require entrepreneurs to have a capital backing of at least $200,000.
The new visa also allows entrepreneurs to eventually apply for permanent residency in South Australia. Unfortunately, the new visa is more restrictive as innovative ideas, or entrepreneurial activities must be ‘underwritten’ by relevant state, or territory authorities and approved by the federal government.
In 2019, the temporary sponsored parent visa will be available for Australian migrants that wish to bring overseas parents into Australia. There will be 15,000 visas open to applicants each year, which will allow parents of migrants to live continuously in Australia for up to 10 years.
- New funding requirements for international students
International students will now be required to provide evidence of funding of $20,290. It is an additional $7,100 to bring a partner, and an additional $3,040 for each child.
In partnership with the ATO, the Department of Home Affairs will be investigating business sponsors to ensure they are complying with sponsorship obligations, including paying their employers the right amount of money. The Department are also seeking to expose skilled visa holders that are not complying with their visa conditions. Harsh consequences may apply to those that are found to be breaching their visa requirements and, or business sponsorship obligations.
If you want more information about Australian visa changes, or have any questions regarding your visa application, Results Migration are experts in the field and can provide you with the right advice and assistance. Give Results Migration a call on 1800 808 717 or email us on [email protected] and book your free consultation today!
