Australia's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has introduced new guidelines to prioritize skilled visa applications and reduce backlogs. As of October 28, 2022, the health and education sectors will receive the highest priority for expedited visa processing. The DHA will assess skilled visa applications in order of lodgement date, but the priority order for skilled visa applications is as follows: health and education professions, visas sponsored by employers, occupations in selected regional areas, and all other visa applications. The PMSOL, which identified critical skills needs during the pandemic, has been modified to focus on prioritizing health and education professionals. Since June 1, 2022, over 43,000 temporary skilled visas and 47,000 permanent skilled visas have been approved. The DHA has increased its staffing levels, resulting in a 120% increase in temporary skilled visa approvals for 2022-23 compared to the same period last year.

Excited to win Australia’s new lottery? A new law has been proposed that will allow 3000 foreign workers to the country. This law was inspired by the green card system in the United States in which winners are given a pathway to citizenship.

Getting a visa can be a lengthy and consuming process and for a task that has the importance to be life-changing, why not guarantee that it is done right the first time?

Australia’s reputation is at stake. What was once a beloved destination for international students to study and work has now become a pillar of uncertainty. This is certainly the case for Tanushree Nath and Mohammadhossein Esmaeli, two international students who have been waiting for 18 months to see any sort of change in their student visa status.

Australia’s reputation is at stake. What was once a beloved destination for international students to study and work has now become a pillar of uncertainty. This is certainly the case for Tanushree Nath and Mohammadhossein Esmaeli, two international students who have been waiting for 18 months to see any sort of change in their student visa status.

Andrew Giles, the new Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural affairs is a spark of hope for those who have waited years to become Australian citizens. He is committed to bringing all Australians together to benefit from Australia’s multicultural diversity. He has criticised the former Morrison government for neglecting immigration functions.

For the first time in 21 years, there is a real glimmer of hope on the pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders who have lived in Australia for most of their lives. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have signalled progress toward resolving what has become a key sore point over Australia’s treatment of New Zealand citizens. By Anzac Day next year, New Zealanders may benefit from voting rights, a faster pathway to citizenship, and increased protections against deportation.