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Exclusive Australian Immigration News, Updates & Opportunities
November 2024
This bulletin is for members only, and provides our members with month to month updates on Australian immigration policy changes and consequential opportunities. Opportunities are found via federal and state government policy shifts for the demand and supply for certain occupations.
This bulletin will keep you up to date so that you do not have to employ expensive immigration lawyers to provide you with monthly research.
November 2024 has arrived,
and in this month’s bulletin we celebrate
Australian Citizenship’s 75th Anniversary
and have a look at where our newest citizens are from!
Australia’s Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 came into effect on 26 January 1949, and since then Australia has granted citizenship to over six million new citizens from more than 200 countries!
This year, as of 31st August, more than 115,000 migrants became Australian citizens!
Today, more than half of all Australians were born overseas or have a parent who was!
In This Month’s Federal News: Australia’s net migration target for the last financial year may exceed expectations by as much as 100,000! Additionally, the federal government is also likely to eclipse its targets for the current annual intake as ongoing strength in the domestic jobs market keeps workers in Australia and attracts overseas arrivals!
In other Federal News, following a comprehensive once-in-a-generation migration review, the Australian Government promises to get the right skills in the right places and ensure Australia meets its skills needs in the coming decades!
In This Month’s State News: Skilled workers residing offshore remain eligible to be considered for ALL State and Territory nominations! Please view the State Migration Section of this month’s bulletin for all State and Territory program updates and opportunities available!
In This Month’s Economic News: Recent data shows that Australia’s unemployment rate was 4.1 per cent in August, which well outstripped the OECD average of 5 per cent. In the EU, the key jobless measure was 6 per cent, while in China it was 5.2 per cent.
In other economic news, another Aussie trades person earning a six-figure salary said his industry was “screaming out” for more workers. He encourages other young workers to “give trades a go“!
Also in this month’s bulletin we discover the NSW coastal town of Eden, a small regional gem often overlooked. It offers a perfect warm-weather haven with hidden coves and Caribbean blue water!
In This Month’s Student News: We explore the post-study options available in Australia and how students can leverage their educational journey to achieve permanent residency!
Also in this month’s student news, we have a look at the best and worst paid jobs on offer, straight after students graduate: ‘From $94,400 to $55,500’.
All this and much more in the November issue of The Australian Immigration Bulletin! Let’s take a deeper look at what has happened so far and what is planned for the remainder of November 2024 in Australian Immigration, so that you can start planning!
All members now have FREE access to an online IELTS English Platform and course to practice, study and improve their English and IELTS score. The IELTS exam is one of the key recommended exams you will need to take in order to Apply for Skilled Migration to Australia and the better your results, the higher points you will get when submitting an expression of interest. The advanced English and IELTS platform will allow all members to practice Mock IELTS Exams, learn cutting edge tips and gain a greater understanding of how to achieve a Band 9+.
All members also have access to “ImmiConnect” which is now available in the member’s area. ImmiConnect is the Office of Immigration Australia’s Employer Sponsored program which allows overseas workers to receive job interview invitations from Australian employers, when job opportunities come available.
The program aims to bring globally mobile, highly-skilled and specialised individuals to Australia who can fill critical areas of need.
ImmiConnect is exclusive to active Australian Immigration Bulletin Members only. You must be a current Australian Immigration Bulletin Member to be eligible to receive job interview invitations.
So if you are interested in receiving these invitations, please sign up for FREE by Clicking “ImmiConnect” and adding your name and email address.
*2 WINNERS DRAWN EVERY MONTH:
Current Round: August 2024 – December 2024 (10 Winners/Prizes in total)
There is always a winner, and the next one could be you!
The winners of the November 2024 Immigration Prize Giveaway were drawn at 10am AEST on 1st November 2024.
Congratulations to the November 2024 winners! You have been sent a confirmation email with details on how to claim your prize!
The next 2 lucky winners will be drawn at 10am AEST on 1st December 2024.
As of 6th July 2022, people entering Australia do NOT need to provide evidence of Covid-19 vaccination status. Additionally, people leaving Australia will NOT be asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status. Unvaccinated visa holders do NOT need a travel exemption to travel to Australia. It is however important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.
Please see the list of vaccines that are recognised by the Australian government for travel purposes here.
Key Point: More than 115,000 migrants became Australian citizens this year, as of 31 August………..Read more
This Bulletin and its contents is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisors.
As legislation and travel requirements are constantly changing, we strongly recommend obtaining advice on your individual situation from a Registered Migration Agent.
Please click here to book a consultation with one of our Registered Australian Migration Agents, located in Australia.
Sydney, NSW
The Results of the August 2021 census were made public on 12th July 2022, and revealed that Australia has become a majority migrant nation, as the census data shows for the first time that more than 50 per cent of residents were born overseas or have an immigrant parent. Last year’s census counted nearly 25.5 million people, including 1 million new residents.
Australia’s 2023-24 Migration Program has been carefully designed to boost the social and economic outcomes that meet Australia’s needs. In fact, the migration programme was first launched in 1945 following the aftermath of World War 2. Given this long history, it is worth understanding how it works. The Australian Immigration Bulletin exists to help explain this in more detail.
As we’ve entered the 11th month of the year, join us for a look at the latest news and developments in the world of Australian Immigration!
Kelly got her first job in her skill background, which was accounting, but without even an interview! How could she get it? Here is Kelly’s story.
“My story was not a typical one. Because my employer is my best friend’s ex-boyfriend. Well, I knew him for a long time when he was still with my friend. After they broke up, we still kept in touch.
2 years ago, he planned to open his own company in Tasmania and he was looking for an accountant. He searched all his friends who studied accounting and thought of me. I received his phone call asking: ‘would you want a job?’
I said ‘yes, why not?’
Then I was offered a job without preparing my CV or attending an interview. It happened just like a dream. At that time, I was still in my last year of Bachelor of accounting at the University of Tasmania.
“It is a start-up company and my job is a part-time accountant with 10-15 hours per week. Actually, I also work as the reception, administration and communicator. The job is quite challenging because I have no experience and have to learn everything by myself. I have learnt a lot from experience but am still worried for every task.”
After 2 years of working, now it comes to her first time of preparing a CV and cover letter. She is looking for a full-time job as an accountant and with a bigger company.
I now attend Career Coaching sessions. Before having my first session I had prepared a CV with 5-6 pages. But volunteer David helped me shorten it into 2 pages with more specific details in my area. I also learned some interview skills from this program. Now I am quite positive with my job hunting.”
Kelly’s advice for those who are still looking for a job:
“Networking is quite important. You never know whether your next employer could be your friend’s EX!”
Key Point:
Italian migrants topped the charts of people who became Australian citizens in 1949 — the first time a citizenship ceremony was held in Australia.
That year — four years after the end of World War Two — just under 2,500 migrants, primarily from European countries, became Australian citizens.
But in 2024 — the 75th anniversary of the introduction of Australian citizenship — it’s a different picture.
The top spot has been taken by migrants from New Zealand, followed very closely by India.
Indian migrants top citizenship charts
As of 31 August, migrants born in India ranked first in four of Australia’s eight states and territories when it came to acquiring citizenship by conferral in 2024.
Out of 115,300 migrants who became Australian citizens by conferral up to 31 August this year, more than 15,000 — 13.51 per cent of the total number — were born in India.
Migrants born in New Zealand have a slender lead over them, with just over 16,000 born in Australia’s neighbouring country, making 13.97 per cent of the total number of foreign nationals to acquire citizenship.
A decade ago, migrants from India ranked at the top of the citizenship-by-conferral chart.
More than 163,000 migrants from various countries became citizens of Australia in 2014, out of which nearly 28,000 were Indian-born.
This was closely followed by those born in the United Kingdom (nearly 26,000), the Philippines (more than 11,000), South Africa (more than 9,200) and a near-equal number from China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau).
Citizenship by conferral is a common way of becoming a citizen. People need to be a permanent resident and meet certain criteria before they can apply.
The history of Australian citizenship
Australia’s Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 came into effect on 26 January 1949.
Those who were British subjects immediately before that date and were born in Australia, were naturalised, or a resident for the five years immediately before, automatically became Australian citizens by operation of law.
Then-prime minister Ben Chifley automatically became a citizen on that day, along with all other eligible British subjects.
Reports at the time stated Chifley was presented with the first citizenship certificate at the start of the first ceremony, in what the then-immigration minister Arthur Calwell was reported as saying was “purely symbolical”.
The first ‘non-British subject’ to become an Australian citizen, was Jandura (Jan) Pucek, who migrated to Australia from Czechoslovakia in 1939.He worked at a eucalyptus distillery harvesting timber and settled in Tidbinbilla, now a nature reserve on the outskirts of Canberra.
In 1949, almost 2,493 migrants from more than 35 countries became Australian citizens. A majority of them were migrants from Italy, Poland, Greece, Germany and Yugoslavia.
Since then, Australia has granted citizenship to over six million new citizens from more than 200 countries.
Today, more than half of all Australians were born overseas or have a parent who was.
In last financial year, more than 187,000 people became Australian citizens.
Economists and immigration experts have said that the governement’s net migration target intake for the last financial year could surpass expectations by as much as 100,000.
Australia’s net migration target for the last financial year could surpass expectations by as much as 100,000, with the federal government also likely to eclipse its targets for the current annual intake as ongoing strength in the domestic jobs market keeps workers in Australia and attracts overseas arrivals.
Migration planning levels contained within this year’s budget projected the net overseas migration intake would fall to 395,000 in the 2023-24 financial year, down from 518,000 in the preceding 12 months.
However, immigration experts and economists say the net overseas migration (NOM) intake – which measures the difference between the number of international arrivals staying longer than 12 months, and the number of long-term and permanent departures – would likely be much higher.
Former immigration department deputy secretary Abul Rizvi predicted the net-migrant intake for 2023-24 would far outstrip Treasury’s projections and would reach around 450,000, and could be as high as 475,000, primarily because of the continued strength of the jobs market.
“That’s attracting people back, especially people in Europe and China and in Southeast Asia, where the labour market has weakened more quickly than in Australia,” Mr Rizvi said.
On its most recent measure, Australia’s unemployment rate was 4.1 per cent in August, well outstripped by the OECD average of 5 per cent. In the EU, the key jobless measure was 6 per cent, while in China it was 5.2 per cent.
Corinna Economic Advisory’s Saul Eslake, who expected the NOM intake for 2023-24 to be 495,000, “if not more”, said it was just as important to focus on the “quality” of the migration intake, rather than its quantity.
“The Coalition’s right to say there should be more construction trades in the net overseas migration intake, (but) it’s the composition of the intake that matters as much as the absolute number,” he said.
KPMG chief economist Brendan Rynne predicted the NOM intake would reach between 480,000 and 490,000 for 2023-24. “In the two years before Covid, departures averaged around 80,000 per quarter. Over the past two years, this has dropped to 53,000,” Dr Rynne said.
“Had we experienced the average number of departures in 2023-24, the NOM (intake) would have been close to the 395,000 budget outlook figure.”
Jim Chalmers conceded in September that Treasury’s migration planning levels would be missed after the NOM intake reached 388,000 in the first nine months of the 2023-24 financial year.
In the years preceding the coronavirus pandemic, Australia’s net overseas migration intake was almost half of current levels, averaging approximately 216,000 a year in the decade to 2019.
Following comprehensive ‘once-in-a-generation’ migration reviews undertaken in 2022 and 2023, the Government promised to ‘get the right skills in the right places’ and ensure Australia meets its skills needs in coming decades.
Recently at the 2024 WA HR Leadership Summit, Sheila Woods, Managing Director of Interstaff, explored the challenges of developing sustainable global talent strategies while the Government continues to navigate complexities to ‘get the right skills in the right places’. Here are some of the insights.
Why are we yet to see skilled visa reforms that have been promised for some time?
It seems the Department of Home Affairs’ focus has been on establishing recommended ‘guardrails’ to develop ‘integrity’ mechanisms in the migration program including:
What has already changed?
Below is a recap of priorities established 2 years ago at the Jobs and Skills Forum that have already been implemented.
The Joint Standing Committee on Migration has released its long-awaited final report, “Migration, Pathway to Nation Building.”
The report has been ongoing for nearly two years and plays a significant role in the administration of employer sponsored migration in Australia and will likely shape the Governments immigration policies moving forward.
The report has developed by building on earlier reviews, and has presented a range of recommendations including:
Removing Current Labour Market Testing Requirements
Phasing out the current Labour Market Testing requirements in favour of a data-driven approach based on information from Jobs and Skills Australia.
Addressing Regional Migration Pathways
For employers in regional areas, the report emphasizes tailored migration strategies such as reassessing the definitions of regional Australia and increased incentives to regional settlement and recommending improvements to the Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) and labour agreements to address critical skill gaps in regional industries.
Information Transparency & Simplifying Visa Processes
The report has recommended reducing the complexities in the current visa application system to facilitate faster processing times, streamlined data and biometric collection and ongoing, regular and transparent updates as to visa processing.
When are the changes coming into effect?
The report is part of a broader migration strategy, with reforms expected to begin in November 2024 and will gradually be rolled out and implemented by the Department of Home Affairs.
The targeted recruitment of skilled workers has always been a central part of Australian immigration policy and post-war Germany was an important source of so-called ‘skilled migrants. ‘ Karin Schmaedeke and her husband belong to this group of immigrants. The couple with a child came in 1980. Karin Schmaedeke says that she has never regretted the decision to move to Australia.
If you are interested in applying for a general skilled migration visa to Australia, it is important to have a good understanding of the skilled visa options and how the migration points test works, so that you can maximise your chances of being eligible to apply for a skilled visa.
A general skilled migration visa is an option available to skilled workers who are seeking to qualify for a skilled visa independently, or under a state or family sponsorship. It is an alternative to an employer sponsored visa.
One of the key criteria to qualify for a general skilled migration visa is the points test (a criterion that does not apply to employer sponsored visas). This is often the most challenging aspect for prospective skilled visa applicants to overcome when seeking an invitation to apply for the relevant skilled visa.
If you are considering applying for a general skilled migration program visa, an important concept to understand is the Expression Of Interest (EOI).
If you are considering applying for a general skilled migration visa, it is important to be aware that for certain visas in this visa class, you will first be required to lodge an EOI with the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) through SkillSelect. The EOI is not a visa application, but rather, it is the process by which you can express your interest in applying for the relevant skilled visa (It’s important to note, that there is NO fee to submit an EOI).
This requirement applies to the following skilled visa subclasses:
Let’s take a brief look at each of these visas below:
The ‘subclass 189’ is a federal sponsored visa that grants automatic permanent residence in Australia. It is subject to nil visa conditions or obligations. For this reason, it is often considered to be the most flexible of the skilled visa options available.
A subclass 189 points-based visa allows you to live and work in any state or territory permanently.
The ‘subclass 190’ is a state/ territory sponsored permanent residence visa. It is another points-based visa for which invitations are issued throughout each month by individual states and territories. One of the benefits of applying for state nomination is that you will be granted an additional 5 points.
An important aspect to consider, which does not apply to the subclass 189 visa is that there is an added step in the application process. In this case, you must also apply for nomination approval to a state or territory government. Only upon receipt of an invitation from the relevant state or territory to which you apply can you then apply to the Department for the visa itself.
Your obligations as a subclass 190 visa holder are that you must commit to your nominating jurisdiction’s obligations and commit to residing in your nominating State or Territory for two years from visa grant.
The ‘subclass 491’ is also a points-based state/ territory (or family) sponsored visa. It is a regional visa with a term of five years. The Department issues invitations for family sponsored EOI applications only (in invitation rounds). Invitations for state sponsorship are issued by individual states and territories throughout each month. This will grant you an additional 15 points for the nomination.
Being a provisional visa, this means it provides a pathway to permanent residence in Australia with the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, subject to meeting specified requirements.
Be mindful that as a subclass 491 visa holder, you must abide by visa condition 8579, which requires you to live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia. For migration purposes, most locations of Australia outside of major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, etc.) are classed as regional areas.
If your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa, as specified in the invitation letter. This then enables you to proceed with lodgement of your visa application (provided you meet all other visa lodgement and visa grant requirements).
Please note, the below State and Territory program updates is a general overview only. It does not take into account any of your personal circumstances. You must check the State/Territory information carefully to ensure you can meet all the requirements for nomination.
Australia is currently facing a shortage of skilled migrants to fill workforce demands. In response, states and territories have been easing the conditions of their visa programs to help attract skilled workers from overseas.
Below is the monthly update for some of the State and Territory opportunities available.
Program Status Update
UPDATE: Northern Territory General Skilled Migration (GSM) nomination applications for 2024-25
Please note Migration NT is continuing to receive and assess onshore applications for nomination. Offshore applications will be reopened on Wednesday 14 August 2024 but only for the NT Family Stream and Job Offer Stream. Due to the significant volume of applications received to date, the Priority Occupations Stream will remain suspended for the time being. Existing offshore applications made under the Priority Occupations Stream will continue to be assessed. However, please note that there are likely to be significant delays in assessing these applications.
Once the above mentioned temporary suspension is lifted, you may be able to proceed with the NT’s usual skilled migration program. Program details below:
People residing offshore are eligible to be considered for Northern Territory (NT) nomination. Invitations to apply for Northern Territory nomination will be via the ranking system.
The ‘Northern Territory Offshore Migration Occupation List’ identifies the occupations in current demand in the Northern Territory. This List is important if you want to apply for Northern Territory nomination for either a:
The ‘Northern Territory Offshore Migration Occupation List’ is only applicable for those applying for NT nomination from outside Australia, under the Priority Occupation stream.
Please note: The Northern Territory government has advised that offshore applicants will generally only be offered a Northern Territory nomination for a subclass 491 visa. Subclass 190 nominations will only be offered in exceptional circumstances, such as cases where the applicant has strong connections to the NT.
The NT advises eligible applicants to apply as soon as they meet the eligibility criteria. To receive a nomination from the NT Government, you must:
Before submitting an EOI for The Northern Territory, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Northern Territory Government website.
Program Status Update
To manage Queensland’s COVID recovery response, applicants currently residing offshore are now able to apply.
Depending on your occupation and situation, there are two state nomination options available for skilled migrants through Queensland.
For Queensland state nomination, prospective applicants must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements, state-specific occupation requirements and have skills in an occupation that is available on the Queensland Skilled Occupation List.
You may undertake employment once onshore in Queensland through:
Offshore applicants meeting the minimum published requirements are eligible to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect and then a Registration of Interest (ROI) on the Migration Queensland portal.
Migration Queensland has opened the 2024-25 State Nominated Migration Program. For more information, please see here.
NOTE: To be eligible for Queensland’s 2024-25 program, your EOI must be submitted on or after 13 September 2024.
Migration Queensland criteria requires you to:
The 2024-25 Skilled Migration Program is open to both onshore and offshore applicants and provides pathways for skilled workers, graduates, and small business owners.
Before submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI) for Queensland, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
Note: In the EOI, select ‘Queensland’ as the only state of interest in the EOI, if you wish to be considered for an invitation to apply for Queensland nomination.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Queensland Government website.
Program Status Update
Open to offshore applicants, the program provides skilled migrants with a pathway to permanent residency in Victoria. The skills that successful applicants bring to Victoria benefits employers and the broader Victorian economy.
The program provides two visa pathways:
As with previous years, applicants will first need to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) and then be selected on competitive merit to apply for visa nomination.
To be invited to apply for Victorian skilled visa nomination, you must firstly make or update an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Australian Government’s SkillSelect and then submit a Registration of Interest (ROI).
NOTE: If you previously submitted a ROI and wish to be considered for invitation in the 2024-25 program, you must submit a new ROI.
Both onshore and offshore applicants are eligible to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) for both the subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas.
Your ROI will remain in the system for selection until it is withdrawn, selected or the program year ends.
Before submitting an ROI for Victoria, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Victoria Government website.
Program Status Update
People residing offshore are eligible to be considered for Western Australia (WA) State nomination. Invitations to apply for WA State nomination will be via the ranking system.
The Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List identifies the occupations in current demand in Western Australia. This List is important if you want to apply for Western Australia nomination for either a:
Please note that to be eligible for an invitation in the WA State Nominated Migration Program, you must meet both:
Before starting your application, you will need to check whether your occupation is available on either the WA Skilled migration occupation list (WASMOL) Schedule 1 or 2, or the Graduate occupation list. You can search for your occupation here. (The occupation list search bar is located under the heading ‘Eligible Occupations’.)
Features of the WA 2024-25 State Nominated Migration Program:
Before submitting an EOI for Western Australia, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Western Australia Government website.
Program Status Update
The ACT Critical Skills List identifies the occupations in current demand in the ACT. This List is important if you want to apply for ACT nomination for either a:
The ACT Government will update this list every four months to make sure that the ACT Skilled Migration Program adapts and responds to the evolving critical skills needs of the ACT economy.
The Canberra Matrix is weighted to ensure that applicants who will make a positive economic contribution to the Territory and/or have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the ACT are more likely to be ranked and invited to apply for ACT nomination.
*ACT nomination does not guarantee a migration outcome. You must still meet the Department of Home Affairs criteria.
Every month, a certain number of nomination invitations are available (prorated on the annual allocation) to those working in the highest ranked Matrix in each occupation.
You can view the ACT’s most in-demand skills for skilled migration by consulting the ACT Critical Skills List.
Before submitting an EOI for The Australian Capital Territory, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
Once you’ve submitted a valid Department of Home Affairs Skill Select EOI, follow the ACT Government Process to apply for ACT nomination.
For a further explanation, see the Resources page on the ACT Government website.
Program Status Update
To manage South Australia’s COVID recovery response, applicants currently residing offshore are able to apply.
Depending on your occupation and situation, there are two state nomination options available for skilled migrants through South Australia.
For South Australian state nomination, prospective applicants must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements, state-specific occupation requirements and have skills in an occupation that is available on the South Australian Skilled Occupation List. Offshore applicants meeting the minimum published requirements can now lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI).
There is an enormous range of occupations on South Australia’s Skilled Migration Occupation List in a range of industries – search for your occupation here.
South Australia will select offshore applicants to apply for state nomination from those who have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Offshore applicants will not need to lodge a Registration of Interest (ROI) for this year’s program. South Australia will be nominating offshore applicants from over 250 occupations on South Australia’s Skilled Migration Occupation List.
If you are currently residing offshore and seeking to move to South Australia, the first step is to create an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect ensuring you select South Australia as your first preferred State or Territory.
The South Australian Government can then review your EOI for consideration under the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491).
For most occupations, applicants must have a minimum of three years of skilled employment in their nominated or related occupation within the last 5 years to secure an invitation to apply for SA nomination.
South Australia will be assessing candidates on merit by the following factors:
For occupations in the construction trades (as listed here) applicants must have a minimum of one year of skilled employment in their nominated or related occupation within the last 3 years.
Applicants in the construction trades will be assessed on merit by the following factors:
Before submitting an EOI for South Australia, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the South Australia Government website.
Program Status Update
Working in Tasmania
The two state nomination options available for skilled migrants through Tasmania are:
The Tasmanian State Nomination Skilled Migration Program supports Tasmanian businesses and increases the state’s working age population. It does this by attracting and retaining migrants with skills genuinely in need by employers, or with the capacity to settle in Tasmania through skilled employment in the long-term, and business activities that will increase employment opportunities.
Tasmania’s skilled migration program is for people wanting to move to the state who have skills that Tasmania need. Skilled migrants are attracted to Tasmania because of the state’s enviable lifestyle, career opportunities, affordable housing, reputable schools and a globally recognised university.
The Migration Tasmania Application Gateway is now available for registrations of interest (ROI) and applications for skilled visa nomination from Tasmania.
Anyone seeking Tasmanian nomination for a Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa or Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa must first register in the Migration Tasmania Application Gateway .
Before submitting an ROI for Tasmania, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements for either;
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Tasmania Government website.
Program Status Update
The New South Wales government has invited applications from offshore migrants under the following nomination streams:
The NSW State Government announced that offshore applicants skilled in certain ANZSCO unit groups are eligible for NSW nomination.
*Please note: Invitation rounds occur frequently throughout the financial year with no set date.
NSW invites and nominates SkillSelect EOIs at the ANZSCO unit group level. To be eligible for NSW nomination (for either Subclass 190 or Subclass 491), your occupation must fall within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Skills List which reflects skills in high demand across the state, and be eligible for the visa.
Before submitting an EOI for New South Wales, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements for either;
For a further explanation of how the skills list works, see the Common questions about skilled visas page on the NSW Government website.
Australia is grappling with the consequences of an aging population. The government last month put forward a $4.3 billion home care package, which, from July 2025, will support hundreds of thousands of Australians with home-based care, whether nursing, occupational therapy, or support with everyday living. A significant proportion of the workers who will deliver this care are migrant workers, which currently comprise about 40% of the aged care workforce. And there are not enough.
Despite raising wages up to 28.5% across the sector, Australia’s workforce shortage in aged care will probably still reach 110,000 by 2030 according to some estimates. Migration will have to play a central role, something that the government appears to have recognised in proposing a new “Essential Skills” visa pathway (focussing on aged care and disability workers).
But Australia is also competing with other developed countries when it comes to safe migration of low-wage care workers in this sector. Their experience holds important lessons.
Historically, many care workers, particularly aged care workers, were considered “low skilled” and excluded from temporary labour migration programs in OECD countries. An exception, in Canada, was the Live-In Careworker scheme introduced in 1992 but mired in accusations of worker exploitation and discontinued in 2014. In most other countries, the sector attracted numerous low-wage migrant workers through back doors, employing workers already in the country whether refugees, migrant spouses or even international students, and often informally.
However, since the pandemic and rapid demographic changes, OECD countries are increasingly toying with dedicated migration channels for such workers.
Countries including Italy have announced plans to recruit more care workers (10,000 workers in 2025). Other OECD countries have taken a more heavily-regulated approach. In 2019, the Canadian government launched pilot schemes which allowed migrants to be issued an “occupation-restricted open work permit” to work in the sector. Capped at 1,650 applications, increasing to 2,750 per year, it nonetheless faced major issues including the major delays to transition workers to permanent residence despite their eligibility.
Japan, while often seen as having a very restrictive migration system, has also recognised aged care as a shortage sector, launching a new visa category in 2019 that covers 14 industries including nursing and aged care. Migrant workers, recruited largely from Southeast Asia, can stay up to five years, with the right to change employers and an opportunity to transition to permanent residency. Employers have a large range of obligations in recruiting and supporting migrant workers, including their integration. After a slow start, around 27,000 nursing workers had been granted the visa by end of 2023 with discussions underway to open the pathway to home-based care workers.
The Australian government has taken a different route to recruiting migrant workers, in 2023 introducing the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement and the aged care stream of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Over a year into implementation, the take-up by industry has been lower than expected.
There were expectations that the Labour Industry Agreements, signed between industry unions and individual employers and currently numbering around 66 agreements, would result in more than 22,000 aged care migrant workers being sponsored towards permanent residency over five years. One year in, just 84 migrant workers were recruited from abroad under all the agreements combined (out of a total of 418 visas total, majority already in Australia). Some in the industry blamed low employer demand due to the perceived role of unions in the agreements. If so, then this is a worrying perception – in reality, unions scarcely have new powers under the agreements that could present a “threat” to employers.
The Gold Coast man said you didn’t need to go to university to have a good career.
An Aussie tradie earning a six-figure salary said his industry was “screaming out” for more workers. He encouraged other young workers to “give trades a go”.
The Gold Coast man was stopped on the street and revealed he was earning $178,000 a year as an instrumentation electrician in the oil and gas industry. Instrumental electricians are responsible for installing and maintaining equipment and repairing faults.
The tradie shared he started off doing an electrical apprenticeship before getting further qualifications.
“I started off just as a normal sparky and then after that got my instrumentation ticket license,” he told jobs platform GetAhead.
The Gold Coast man said you could get a Certificate III or Certificate IV to get into the job, depending on “how far you wanna go with it”. He said there were “heaps” of jobs available.
“They’re always screaming out for instrumentation electricians,” he said.
The man said if he wasn’t working as an instrumental electrician, he would still be working in another trade. For young people working out what to do after school, he said it was worth considering a trade.
“I would say for myself, give trades a go. I think there’s definitely money to be made in trades and you don’t necessarily have to go to university or anything like that to make a good career,” he said.
Workers can earn ‘much more’
The average salary for instrumentation technician jobs is $109,600, according to Talent. Entry-level positions can start at $93,500 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $159,019 per year.
Meanwhile, the average electrician salary is $93,862 per year, with entry-level positions starting off at $78,968 per year and more experienced workers raking in $134,816 per year on average.
Some Aussies said in their experience instrumentation electricians could make “much more” than the Gold Coast man’s $178,000 wage.
“My husband does the same job and could easily pull higher than this with overtime rates,” one wrote.
“Yeah oil and gas sparky on $178,000 seems low especially if it’s offshore,” another wrote.
“$300,000 easy for him with nightshift and overtime,” another claimed.
How do I become an instrumentation technician?
You need to become a licensed electrician to work as an instrumentation technician and this will usually require completing an apprenticeship.
According to SEEK, you’ll need to get your Certificate III in Electrotechnology to become a qualified electrician. This takes around four years and includes on-the-job training and theoretical learning.
You’ll then need to apply for your electrician’s license and consider completing a Certificate IV in Instrumentation and Control.
You would then need to get your construction induction card (white card) and other necessary licenses or tickets.
Customs brokers are an essential part of the Australian economy and there isn’t enough fresh blood coming through.
Here is another job sector that is crying out for more people to apply amid a dwindling supply of workers despite an incredibly attractive starting salary. Everything that flows into Australia has to first go past a customs broker and it appears the industry is in desperate need of fresh blood.
There are a little more than 1,600 brokers already employed across Australia, however, more than half are over 50 and it won’t be long before that cohort retires. Even though you can earn up to $120,000 per year when you first get into the role, there are not enough Aussies putting their hands up to join.
As a result, the sector has upped the ante to get more workers on the books.
Supply chain expert and customs broker Kelly Crossley has joined forces with International Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of Australia WA director Nicole Couper to target youth who are about to enter the workforce.
They’ve set up seminars at two Perth schools to get the word out about the lucrative job.
“Customs brokers are the nation’s gateway for the smooth flow of goods across borders, and they navigate complex customs regulations, ensure compliance and help businesses avoid costly delays and penalties,” Crossley explained to WA Today.
“Their expertise is crucial in maintaining the efficiency of our supply chains – the backbone of our economy.”
How do you become a customs broker?
But you can’t just walk onto the site and start earning your $120,000; you have to complete a Diploma of Customs Broking, which takes two years if you do it full-time.
Job site SEEK explains that you’ll be responsible for what comes in and what goes out of the country.
“They advise individuals and companies about international trade, entry procedures, valuation, classification and duties and taxes,” it said.
“Customs Brokers are skilled individuals who classify and lodge clearers for import and export shipments by liaising directly with customers.”
There are three categories of customs brokers: corporate, sole trader and nominee.
You’ll need that diploma to explore any of those three areas and you’ll also have to rack up some custom broking experience to get your license.
Some organisations might also require you to sit a national exam, but that isn’t a mandatory requirement.
Your customs broking license lasts up to three years and you have to commit to continuing professional development each year to stay up to date on all the required knowledge.
Australia has always been a “migration nation.”
From the post-war influx of European migrants to the waves of Asian immigration in recent decades, we’ve relied heavily on newcomers to fuel our population growth and economic prosperity.
Today, about two-thirds of our population growth comes from overseas migration, with the remaining third due to natural increase-more babies being born than people dying.
However, even this natural increase is on shaky ground, as our birth rate has dropped to its lowest level ever, at just 1.6 babies per woman.
Without immigration, Australia’s population would age rapidly.
Migrants to Australia are predominantly young, falling within the 18 to 39 age bracket.
They bring with them energy, skills, and a readiness to contribute to the workforce.
Without them, the ratio of working-age Australians to retirees would plummet, placing enormous pressure on our already stretched healthcare and social security systems.
The consequences would be stark: a shrinking labour force, declining productivity, and a slowdown in economic growth.
Economic ramifications: more than just numbers
When we think about growing an economy, there are three primary methods:
Australia’s debt levels are already high, and while improving productivity is always desirable, it’s often a slow and uncertain process.
Expanding the market size through immigration, however, provides an immediate boost.
New migrants don’t just fill jobs-they also create demand for goods and services.
They need homes, and schools for their children, and they spend money on everything from groceries to entertainment, driving economic growth across multiple sectors.
Social cohesion and cultural enrichment: the hidden costs
Australia is one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world.
Nearly 40% of the population in cities like Sydney and Melbourne was born overseas.
This diversity has enriched our culture, cuisine, and way of life, making Australia a vibrant and dynamic place to live.
However, maintaining social cohesion in such a diverse society requires effort and intentional policies to ensure that new migrants are integrated into the community.
The benefits of immigration extend far beyond the economy-they include fostering innovation, bringing in new perspectives, and enriching our social and cultural life.
Immigrants have played a key role in shaping Australia’s identity, from the foods we eat to the sports we play.
They have brought with them new ideas, new businesses, and new ways of thinking that have helped Australia to thrive in an increasingly globalised world.
Australia has a long-term plan to grow its population to 40 million by the middle of this century.
Achieving this goal will require continued immigration.
Welcome to the small town of Eden, also known as the “Humpback Highway,” where you can enjoy beautiful beaches, national parks, crystal-clear rock pools, and incredible whale watching.
Around 478 kilometres south of Sydney sits the coastal town of Eden, a small town gem that is often overlooked for its more popular counterparts, but offers its fair share of character-rich attractions. Once a coastal fishing village, the enchanting spot has sprung back to life in recent years. Showcasing incredible scenery, hidden coves, sparkling blue waters, and some excellent coastal hiking trails, the town is a striking embodiment of its name. Despite all these offerings, it’s largely off the radar for tourists which is part of its charm. Throw in miles and miles of beautiful beaches and you’ve got yourself the perfect warm-weather haven. Natural landscapes are abundant here, as are the opportunities to explore them.
Eden is the answer to a quieter beach escape with stunning vistas all around, natural swimming spots, well-preserved buildings, the iconic Green Cape Lighthouse, and incredible whale-watching opportunities. The most southerly town in NSW, it is also set on one of the deepest natural harbours in the southern hemisphere. Aside from diverse outdoor attractions, it also has a flourishing food and beverage scene. Here are some of the best things to do in Eden:
Eden is enveloped by a national park so the views on land are just as picture-perfect as those of the water. The Beowa National Park, formerly Ben Boyd National Park, is located close to Eden and promises a day of superb recreational activities. Split by Twofold Bay, the park offers two distinct areas to explore. The Pambula-Haycock area has pristine lakes, and excellent surf beaches while the Green Cape area is perfect for those looking to plan a beachside camping trip. Twofold Bay also has plenty of secret coves you can get all to yourself. Pinnacles Loop walking track is another star attraction in the area. Stunning coastline views, excellent lookouts, native wildlife, and lush greenery are generously sprinkled throughout the national park.
Eden hasn’t earned the reputation of being one of the best whale-watching towns in NSW for nothing. The Killer Whale Trail is a self-drive day tour that leads to five historical sites around Eden, shedding light on the history of killer whales in the area and ample views of these majestic creatures.
These include the earlier mentioned Killer Whale Museum, the Rotary Lookout where you can get exceptional views of whales migrating along Twofold Bay, Seahorse Inn which also overlooks the bright blue waters of Twofold Bay, the Davidson Whaling Station which is now a residential property but was once the longest-operating shore-based whaling station in Australia and the fifth and final stop is the Boyds Tower which was once a lookout for local whalers to spot whales and remains an excellent spot to see passing humpback whales. This trail is packed with history and references to whaling and one of the best things to do in Eden.
When you need a break from adventure activities, head to Snug Cove, a popular spot where three wharves combine and offer some of the town’s best to travellers. This part of town is usually buzzing with activity and visitors can see boats come and go from the harbour, enjoy the dazzling seaside scenery, eat flavourful seafood at the waterfront restaurants, and watch fishing boats unload their daily catch. There is also a fish market in the vicinity that you can visit for fresh seafood and more. This is a great spot to take in the town’s lively atmosphere especially early in the day and soak in the Caribbean-like waters.
For a quieter, more relaxing activity, head to the popular North of Eden gin distillery. The small distillery has produced some stellar award-winning gins and also comes with lovely views of rolling hills and clear skies over the Bega Valley. Gin tastings, beers, cocktails, and other refreshing drinks are on offer and you can also take some home with you from the shop on-site or learn how to make your own bottle of gin with the North of Eden crew.
A trip to Eden would be incomplete without visiting the beaches. Aslings Beach is the most popular in the area and lies in the very heart of the town with its own picturesque rock pool at the southern end of the beach. Some of the best beaches in Eden that boast turquoise waters, surfing, and swimming opportunities, and unspoiled views include the Pinnacles and Long Beach at the Beowa National Park, the tranquil Cocora Beach that offers coastal walks and safe swimming, and Quarantine Bay and Rixons Beach which are a sheltered part of Twofold Bay. In the warmer months, you can also spot bioluminescence at some of the beaches.
Eden is a 5.5-hour drive from Sydney and a popular stopover on a Sydney to Melbourne road trip. You can also fly into Merimbula Airport if you’re short on time and hire a car to the town, which would take around 20 minutes.
Australia is a top destination for international students due to its top-ranked universities and promising pathways to permanent residency. Australia’s immigration policies are particularly attractive to students who wish to remain in the country after completing their studies.
For many students aspiring to study abroad, Australia has emerged as a top destination, not just for its universities that consistently rank among the best globally but also for the promising pathway it offers to permanent residency (PR).
Australia’s immigration policies are particularly attractive to students who wish to remain in the country after completing their studies. With a strong economy, high quality of life, and a multicultural society, Australia presents numerous opportunities for international students to build successful careers and secure their future in the country.
Here we explore the post-study options available in Australia and how students can leverage their educational journey to achieve permanent residency.
Popular PR Courses
Selecting a course that aligns with Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is crucial for those looking to stay on permanently.
The following fields are some of the most popular among students and have a high probability of leading to PR:
Engineering: Australia has a significant demand for skilled engineers, including civil, mechanical, electrical, mining, and software engineers. Engineering graduates can apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) after completing their studies.
Nursing and Healthcare: Australia’s ageing population has led to an increased demand for healthcare professionals. Nursing is a critical occupation on the SOL. Nursing graduates are eligible for PR through several skilled migration visas.
Accounting: Although the demand for accountants has fluctuated in recent years, it remains a viable pathway to PR, especially for those with expertise in areas like taxation, auditing, and financial analysis.
Teaching: Education professionals, particularly in early childhood and secondary education, are in demand. This makes teaching an attractive option for students looking to secure PR.
Trade Skills: Australia also has a high demand for skilled trade workers, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Vocational education and training (VET) courses in these fields can lead to PR.
Understanding the Points System
Australia’s skilled migration program is points-based, meaning that applicants need to score a certain number of points to be eligible for a PR visa. Points are awarded based on various factors, including age, English language proficiency, educational qualifications, work experience, and the field of study.
Age: Younger applicants (between 25-32 years) earn more points.
English Proficiency: High scores in English language tests such as IELTS or PTE can significantly boost your points.
Educational Qualifications: Completing a degree from an Australian institution adds to your points tally.
Work Experience: Relevant work experience, both in Australia and abroad, is also rewarded with points.
State Nomination: Some states offer additional points if you are nominated by a state or territory government.
Temporary Graduate Visa
Students who strategically plan their education and post-study work can maximise their points and improve their chances of securing PR. After completing their studies, students can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). This visa allows graduates to stay in Australia temporarily to gain work experience in their field of study. The work experience gained during this period can be a significant advantage when applying for PR.
There are two streams under the Temporary Graduate Visa:
Graduate Work Stream: For international students with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation on the SOL.
Post-Study Work Stream: For students who have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Australia, regardless of their field of study.
How much you can earn may dictate the career path you take and there can be a huge disparity straight out of graduation.
A successful career isn’t all about how much money you make, with more Australians leaving their jobs in the pursuit of happiness and purpose. However, if you’re undertaking a university degree it’s likely salary expectations have weighed into your decision.
Particularly as most graduates will leave tertiary education with a hefty HECS debt. Recent research from Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching found that median undergraduate salaries ranged between a high of $94,400 down to a low of $55,500, depending on what area you studied in.
So, which field netted the best income in the four to six months after graduation?
Dentistry was at the top of the list, while pharmacy ranked the lowest.
Interestingly, pharmacy was found to have the strongest wage growth three years after graduation, jumping 85.5 per cent.
To put it into context, the average Australian wage just tipped into six figures recently, at $1,923.40 per week or $100,016 per year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
This may seem like a lot and that’s partly because this average is skewed by high-earners.
The median wage, the middle value in a set of data, is $1,300 per week or $67,600 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the best and worst-paid jobs after graduation:
Top 10 best-paid careers right after graduation
Worst-paid careers right after graduation
The Penrith Panthers have won a fourth-straight NRL Premiership, beating Melbourne Storm 14-6 at Stadium Australia! Sydney, NSW, October 2024
This Bulletin and its contents is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisors.
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