In September 2020, in response to COVID-19, the Government announced the creation of a new Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL). This contains a list of occupations which are considered critical for Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19. Employer sponsored nominations and visa applications with an occupation on PMSOL are given priority processing and are more likely to be granted exemptions from the current border closures. In light of these significant ad

From 1 July there is good news for New Zealand citizens seeking permanent residence in Australia. New Zealand citizens are able to apply for a subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa under the New Zealand stream. The current criteria for eligibility are that they: - Hold a sc444 Special Category visa - Have been living in Australia for at least the last 5 years, and - Have a taxable income at or above $53,900 for each of the 4 completed income years prior to lodging an applicat

From 1 July 2021 the compulsory superannuation guarantee will increase from 9.5% to 10%. Approved Standard Business Sponsors must be careful in how they respond to this change. Work sponsors are under a continuing obligation to pay the guaranteed earnings (or base salary) that was approved in the most recent nomination/position approval for the sponsored employee. When adjusting a sponsored employee’s salary or package for the change to the compulsory superannuation guarante