Preamble
The Australian government has recently implemented changes to its visa program reshaping the landscape for students, investors, foreign workers and employers alike.
Questions
1. Can you outline the current visa options for business owners and investors, following the recent termination of the $5-million Significant Investor Visa program. As I understand it a new National Innovation visa will replace the Business Innovation Investment Program, targeting innovative investments and highly skilled professionals in critical sectors. Specifically how will this affect those who have already commenced the application process and what will replace it? And is it possible for BIIP visa holders to still pursue permanent residency and extensions?
2. Since July 2024 changes have been made to employer sponsored visas for foreign workers, with further changes likely to arise over the coming 6-9 months. Can you expand this please?
3. How does the Migration Amendment Act 2024 strengthen protections for temporary migrant workers and hold employers accountable for exploitation in Australia?” How will these amendments impact labour market dynamics, employer obligations and workers mobility?
4. What is the most effective pathway to permanent residency (PR) for international students in Australia, and are there specific requirements or benefits associated with choosing approved degrees or universities? And what are the upfront costs?
5. What are the key implications of the realigned Temporary Graduate Visa streams, specifically the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, for international students and graduates, including eligibility criteria, age restrictions, and stay durations, and how do these changes impact their post-study work opportunities in Australia?”
6. What is the pathway to permanent residency for parents whose children are studying in Australia or have PR? Can you tell us the types of visas that parents can apply for, the cost of each visa, the waiting period, the restrictions if any and whether the parents are entitled to medical benefits and government benefits? And are there any additional factors that can influence the success of a permanent parent visa application, such as health, character, and income requirements.
