August 2020 Australian Migration Updates – Travel Exemptions & State/Territory Nomination Allocations

Travel Restrictions

The Department of Home Affairs have recently changed the application process for travel exemptions both to enter Australia and to exit. The new portal they have set up tracks the progress of your application so you can see when its being considered and as soon as they have made a decision on your application.

The processing time has also been updated with the Department suggesting you apply with at least two weeks until your planned travel instead of the original four weeks.

If you are in need of a travel exemption earlier than two weeks due to personal circumstances, these will be processed with a priority.

The Department has also changed their instructions regarding documentary evidence needed for people who have been exempt from the travel restrictions, you are now required to take proof of your granted exemption to leave or enter Australia to the airport with you.

If you are looking at applying for a travel exemption, we are more than capable of submitting one on your behalf. We have gained a sound understanding of what the Department of Home Affairs is looking for in terms of evidence for these exemptions over the past four months, and can put together a written submission in addition to the evidence required to support you substantiating the criteria for the travel exemption.

If you are in need of help with a travel exemption, please contact our office on 1300 083 843 or [email protected].

Critical Skills and Sectors Update

The Department has made updates to their website regarding travel exemptions into Australia and the documents required when applying under the criteria of holding critical skills or working in a critical sector.

This information can be found here.

State and Territory Nomination Allocation Update

The Australian States and Territories have received a very small allocation of places for subclass 491 and subclass 190 visas. This allocation is significantly smaller than normal as the full allocation is likely waiting to be made when the federal Budget is handed down at the start of October.

Currently, States and Territories can approve applications under these visa subclasses for applicants who hold occupations that are critical to the COVID economic recovery.

You can find a list of these occupations here.

As always, it is business is as usual for Ethos Migration Lawyers. Our entire team of administration, support staff and immigration lawyers & registered migration agents are on call to assist via telephone and video conferencing with consultations, emails and calls all being attended to as usual.

If you have any queries regarding your migration pathway or options for your employees, please contact our office on 1800 083 843 or at [email protected].