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Sponsored Skilled Visa Program

EMPLOYER SPONSORED REFORMS – MARCH IS COMING

As most readers would be aware, the Turnbull government announced in April 2017 sweeping changes to the current 457 program, soon to be abolished and replaced by the TSS visa in March. The changes saw many occupations on the previous occupation list totally removed, leaving many applicants in limbo and many other occupations with additional… Continue reading EMPLOYER SPONSORED REFORMS – MARCH IS COMING

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Australia’s skilled visa programs

Changes To The Lists Of Eligible Skilled Occupations

The Department of Immigration & Border Protection, now part of the government’s Home Affairs portfolio, has announced today changes to the skilled occupation lists as per the following department website link: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list

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Data Matching Program

Notice of ATO Data Matching Program – Are you currently on a Visa in Australia??

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has already announced that they will commence the collection of Tax File Number for 457 visa holders (and other employer sponsored migrants) along with the 457-visa change announcement in April 2017. The ATO will also acquire information on visa holders for the 2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 financial years… Continue reading Notice of ATO Data Matching Program – Are you currently on a Visa in Australia??

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Short Term Skilled Occupation List

Flagged occupations on STSOL for January 2018

The Department of Employment is responsible for undertaking a regular review of the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). They have recently published a draft bulletin for public comment on proposed changes to the skilled occupations lists from January 2018. A “Traffic Light” system is being used, which… Continue reading Flagged occupations on STSOL for January 2018

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Public Interest Criterion

PIC 4020 – 12 months changed to 10 Years – NO LONGER IN FORCE

*Another back and forth confusing changes from DIBP* On 02 November 2017, legislation instrument amendment was made to the PIC 4020. The change read as follow: The previous PIC 4020 read: (1) There is no evidence before the Minister that the applicant has given, or caused to be given, to the Minister, an officer, the… Continue reading PIC 4020 – 12 months changed to 10 Years – NO LONGER IN FORCE

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Tech Industry

Technology Industry Crisis – 457 temporary work visa

Australia missing an enormous opportunity to improve technology industry. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton is in the final stages of preparing the government’s response to a review of visas, which is expected to involve major changes to the Migration Act. In April 2017, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP and Peter Dutton jointly announced that Australian 457… Continue reading Technology Industry Crisis – 457 temporary work visa

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Update Subclass 132

Update Subclass 132 – Property Development business activities

Victoria state has developed a new property development criteria for Subclass 132 visas, which has been introduced and applies to all proposed business activities that relate to property development. The business Talent (Permanent) visa (Subclass 132) Significant Business History stream is a specialist visa designed for high net worth individuals with outstanding commercial background. Eligibility… Continue reading Update Subclass 132 – Property Development business activities

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Immigration Change Summary

Immigration Change Summary

On 18 April 2017, the Government announced that the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457 visa) will be abolished and replaced with the completely new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in March 2018. A number of changes has been made since and these changes form part of a package of reforms to the subclass 457… Continue reading Immigration Change Summary

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Australian Citizenship

Australian Citizenship Saga May Not Be Over

On 20 April 2017, the Australian Government’s proposed legislation to strengthen the requirements for citizenship – the proposal has now been killed off in the Senate on 18 October 2017. As a result, Citizenship applications submitted before, on or after 20 April 2017 are now being assessed against the current requirements for residence. However, changes… Continue reading Australian Citizenship Saga May Not Be Over

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Google Reviews

Customer’s Experience With Us

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I recently had the privilege of working with Southern Stone Immigration Agency and specifically, Kathy, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the experience. From start to finish, Southern Stone and Kathy provided exceptional service and demonstrated an unparalleled level of expertise in immigration matters. What sets Southern Stone Immigration Agency apart is their genuine care...

Lin Gan
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I found Southern stone through the internet and seen all the great reviews and thought they would have to be good. I got in contact with Kathy and she was so responsive and clear with all her swift responses throughout my time working with her. I had a 461 partner visa declined due to immigration receiving my visa application late as it’s a paper application. She argued with every...

Mark Nalty
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It is so refreshing to speak to a migration agency who is willing to listen to you and readily provide you with useful information for a simple question without even discussing fees. What great customer service! We will be definitely engaging with Southern Stone for our future application.

Sarah Coherny
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Thank you Gloria for helping me with my inquiries. I would recommend your services to all my friends and relatives.

Swapnil Patel
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