By Howard Johnson
Key Points:
Skilled workers are in such short supply in Australia the federal government is offering qualified migrants permanent residency.
A total of 17 occupations have been identified on the federal government’s priority migration skilled occupation list to help Australia recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Immigration authorities will prioritise workers in the healthcare, construction and information technology industries. The list includes nurses, doctors, midwives, psychiatrists, software engineers, computer programmers and mechanical engineers.
Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the changes would strike the right balance for Australia’s economic recovery. “Our priority is getting Australians back into work but we also need key health workers to help fight the virus and skilled migrants who are going to be job multipliers, to help the economy recover” Mr Tudge said.
The occupations were selected out of more than 200 on the Department of Home Affairs Skills List granting residency under the Skilled Migration Scheme. The skilled migration program is offering 79,600 places for 2020-2021. The scheme falls under the 189 Skilled Independent Visa and allows workers to apply for permanent residency after three years. The skilled stream is considered the most desirable way to gain immigration to Australia.
Alternative pathways to migration involve gaining sponsorship from an employer or government authorities. The skilled work regional visa, known as the subclass 491 visa, offers a short term stay for migrants willing to work in regional Australia. They must remain in the area for up to five years, but may apply for permanent residency after three years if they have met the income requirements. Migrants can also gain permanent residency through the 186, 482 and 494 visas which require sponsorship through an employer.
The federal government also offers highly talented specialists a chance to gain permanent residency through the Global Talent Independent Program. The program targets specialists across seven industries: ag-tech, med-tech, space, fin-tech, energy and mining technology, cyber security, and data science. The scheme is the fastest way to gain permanent residency in Australia. Migrants applying through this program must show they area capable of earning a salary above the income threshold of $153,600 each year. They must also have their application supported by an Australian specialist working in their field.
The 17 Priority Occupations For 2020 – 2021 are:
The following 17 occupations were identified as priorities to help bolster the nation’s economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic:
We recommend you position yourself early for the opportunities that will avail themselves as we come out of these unprecedented times so Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.
By Howard Johnson
So far this year we have witnessed significant immigration policy changes enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Impacted cohorts include skilled migrants, international students, partners and aged parents seeking to visit or to permanently migrate.
As we move forward in this state of uncertainty and into the new financial year, further major changes to be introduced that are likely to impact both existing and prospective visa holders include:
So here is the situation:
Here is a State by State snapshot:
Victoria:
New South Wales:
South Australia:
Western Australia:
Queensland:
Northern Territory:
Australian Capital Territory:
Tasmania:
In-demand occupations:
Onshore vs offshore:
Impact on international students:
Processing times:
Net overseas migration trends:
Visa fees and charges:
Certainty embedded into the Uncertainties:
Although we are in uncertain times and this is likely to continue into the future, there are certainties embedded into what is occurring. The longer the uncertainty continues:
So where to from here:
Right now is a great time to assess your own situation and we suggest you consider a new life adventure in Australia. If you consider that is for you, or someone you know, then now is a great time for forward looking individuals to position themselves for first mover advantage for when the certainty kicks in and the opportunities abound.
In the first instance Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.
By Howard Johnson
With the current COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world, many of us are adjusting to what is, as opposed to our perception of what could have been if nothing had occurred.
From our own experiences with our amazing candidates, we understand the current tensions and anxieties people are feeling as a result of looking forward to potentially starting a new life adventure in a new country, to now being either excluded from society in lockdown or performing at the front line as an essential worker to help manage and overcome the pandemic, and the uncertainty these situations bring.
I have been searching for a message to share to help refocus our attention and intention and to make the most of the current circumstances, as we are certain on the other side of this there are going to be boundless opportunities. That message was delivered to me via an email I believe encapsulates the very message I wanted to share, which I believe will be valuable to you and your loved ones.
The email I received was from world renowned Human Behavioral Specialist, Educator and Author Dr. John Demartini, whom I consider to be the smartest guy on the planet. For some time now I have subscribed to his teachings and technology and can only highly recommend him to you. You can find him at www.DrDemartini.com as well as a new facebook group titled “COVID-19 – Stay Inspired with Dr. Demartini”, a page dedicated to keeping you objective and inspired during this time. The email I received is reproduced below.
The world is certainly undergoing transformation. With change often comes anxieties, the fear of loss of that which we seek and the fear of gain of that which we desire to avoid. The more centred, objective and neutral we are, the more resilient, adaptable and malleable we become to this temporary transformation. That is why sticking to high priority actions is wisdom.
One of the many questions I am currently receiving is what can I do today to reduce the potentially avoidable challenges associated with the Coronavirus?
Anything that enhances or optimizes your immune system would be warranted and wise.
It is the challenges in life that often initiate great innovations, creative solutions and ingenious actions.
During this period of collective social challenge, it is possibly a time for even more determined action, a time for renewal, or a time for a new direction.
There is no crisis without a blessing, no challenge without an opportunity, no set back without a step forward and no experience that can’t initiate greater meaning.
It is not what happens to us that matters as much as how we respond to it.
We have control over our perceptions, decisions and actions – but not all of the many events or so-called circumstances around us. It is wise to continue to ask yourself what the highest priority action is that you can take in each moment.
It is wise to see how everything around us is ultimately on the way more than in the way.
Do not let so-called outer circumstances dictate your final outcomes.
Let the voice and the vision on the inside become greater than all opinions on the outside and you will become a master of your destiny more than a victim of your history.
Masters have foresight and create contingency plans while the masses often have hindsight and remain clueless with reaction.
Love and wisdom,
John
Dr. John Demartini
Human Behavioral Specialist, Educator and Author
www.DrDemartini.com
So in this time we recommend staying centered, objective and neutral, sticking to high priority actions and refocusing on what is and has been important to you. Take this time to proactively go after what you have desired, secure in the knowledge it is a temporary set back and on the other side there are going to be boundless opportunities for you and your loved ones to pursue.
Now is a time to get ahead of the curve and take action to position yourself and gain first mover advantage for the boundless opportunities that will present themselves. We are here to assist where we can, and look forward to the opportunity to help you on your new life adventure. Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.
Please feel free to share this with anyone you believe could benefit from it at this time. Good luck and stay safe.
By Howard Johnson
An annual index, ranking countries and cities on their ability to grow talent, has placed both Melbourne and Australia in the top tier.
When it comes to attracting global talent, Australia makes the top 10 and Melbourne is Australia’s second most competitive city, according to the latest 2020 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GCTI).
The index ranks locations on their ability to grow, attract and retain international talent. This year Australia ranks 10th, rising from 12th in 2019. Switzerland holds first place. Melbourne is the fifth most competitive city for global talent in the Asia-Pacific region.
The 2020 GCTI focuses on global talent in the age of artificial intelligence. Cities that dominate the top rankings demonstrate a future readiness to undertake activities in fields such as AI and advanced technologies. The report notes that AI talent is scarce, and cities are striving to become AI hubs and attract relevant talent.
The index also more broadly identifies talent competitiveness in other areas including innovation and leadership, such as availability of academic researchers, scientists and engineers.
The Victorian Government provides visa nomination to select migrants with skills and qualifications in areas of demand, including ICT occupations as well as health, engineering and construction and other key sectors.
Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.
By Howard Johnson
Australian wages are growing barely above the cost of inflation but while every other industry suffers one has risen ahead – healthcare. Wages in the healthcare industry rose from an average of 3.0 per cent to 3.2 per cent and despite how minimal this increase may look, it is in fact the strongest growth in the country. Meanwhile, the rest of Australia has a below average growth and even industries above the average haven’t grown over the decade.
Wage growth has softened to 2.2 per cent and remains below its average over the past decade in every industry except healthcare. The growth in wages in the healthcare sector could be the driving force behind the demand for certain healthcare professionals. Last year job adverts for pharmacists rose by 179.2 per cent on the year prior, followed closely by pharmacists assistants which had 170 per cent growth.
Other industry roles such as clinical nurse educator and mental health technician exceeded growth of 50 per cent while midwife and speech pathologists just slipped into the top 15 growth jobs with over 43 per cent growth.
We have fantastic opportunities in the healthcare sector within Australia so Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.
By Howard Johnson
The U.K. government has promised to end free movement by EU citizens. Immigration was a key issue during the Brexit referendum and Prime Minister Boris Johnson is proposing a points-based system that prioritizes higher-skilled workers. In a bid to ease concern that Brexit will close off Britain to top talent, Downing Street unveiled an immigration route for global talent. The so-called Global Talent route will fast-track applications for scientists, mathematicians and researchers from Feb. 20. The government said it would also invest as much as £300 million into advanced mathematics over the next five years.
The news was welcomed by the Royal Society, one of the four scientific bodies on the global talent route. “The Government has listened to the research community and this is an important first step in creating the visa system that we need for attracting global scientific talent,” said its president, Venki Ramakrishnan.
The Home Secretary Priti Patel has also warned U.K. businesses they would have to change their approach to recruitment after Brexit. “They have been far too reliant on low skills and, quite frankly, cheap labor from the EU and we want to end that.” She said she would accept the findings of a report by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), due to be published this week. The MAC is reviewing a proposed £30,000 minimum salary threshold for migrant workers that has alarmed businesses.
On Friday, a coalition of companies asked Patel for a say in shaping the post-Brexit immigration system. Having been used to decades of unfettered movement of staff between the U.K. and the continent, they are concerned by an increase in anti-immigrant rhetoric since the Brexit vote in 2016. Industries such as construction, hospitality and the National Health Service are especially at risk from a lack of skilled foreign workers.
There are going to be great opportunities in the UK so Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.
By Howard Johnson
Boris Johnson’s new post-Brexit immigration regime is likely to mean an end to the controversial £30,000 salary floor for skilled workers, government sources have confirmed. The independent migration advisory committee (MAC) is expected to report shortly on whether the threshold should be retained. Downing Street will then spell out more details of an “Australian-style points-based system” – of which salary is expected to form just one element. Government sources said it would be more “nuanced” than an across-the-board salary floor.
The £30,000 limit is currently applied to those seeking tier 2 visas – the main entry-route to the UK’s labour market for skilled workers from non-EU countries. A lower limit of £20,800 is applied to younger workers. “The £30,000 minimum salary threshold for tier 2 visas was unnecessarily and arbitrarily high. It would have strangled the pipeline of talented younger people at the start of their careers, especially in key economic sectors such as the NHS and the creative industries. Family visas only require a minimum salary threshold of £18,600 to be able to bring some family members to the UK.
The Conservative manifesto omitted the promise to cap net migration below 100,000 a year – a pledge that had shaped the party’s policy since it was adopted by David Cameron in 2010. Responding to news that the £30,000 limit was likely to be dropped, the shadow home secretary, Diane Abbott, said it showed that the UK economy needed a broad range of workers. “We always said their plans were unworkable, as many employers in the private and public sector need what the government insists on calling ‘low-skilled workers’. But all workers need decent pay, reasonable conditions, a right to a family life and trade union rights, wherever they are from. We will continue to fight for them,” she said.
The MAC was asked by the government last June to examine the question of salary thresholds and how a points-based system might work. In 2018, it recommended the retention of salary thresholds. The threshold is already waived in some sectors, including in the NHS.
Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.
By Howard Johnson
There is an abundance of opportunities with Australia’s suite of Regional Work Visas and “Regional” means anywhere in Australia other than the capital cities Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. What is left is some of the most beautiful and best places in the world to live, work and raise a family. Here is a breakdown of the visas available:
Skilled regional provisional visas
Temporary skilled visas
Permanent skilled visas
Working Holiday Maker visas
Pacific and seasonal work visas
We have some fantastic opportunities in regional areas so check out the jobs page on our website and Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.