In April 2019, a new visa was introduced which allows parents of migrants in Australia to visit on a temporary basis for a period of up to 10 years.   more ...

Newly re-elected Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently promised to further reduce the number of migrants granted visas if he won the election. His government intends to cap permanent migration at 160,000 (down from the 190,000 maximum allowed last year) for the next four years. This move will be implemented alongside the advent of a new skilled-worker visa that will see expats having to reside for three years outside of major cities as a pre-condition of permanent residency. The objective of the plan is to encourage skilled migrants to settle in country towns and so ease congestion in highly populated cities.   more ...

Australia has long been a popular choice for expats, particularly the British, given the long-shared history with our former colony, which is still part of the Commonwealth. Thanks to its sunny climate and high standard of living, Australia is top of the list for many expats wanting to make a new life.   more ...

Australia has long had a strict immigration policy, with most expats applying for visas based on their special skills. Unfortunately for the country, this has so far meant that expats flock to the cities with the most opportunity and highest standard of living, settling largely in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. A new class of visa, however, looks set to change all that.   more ...

There is a plethora of benefits to moving to Australia from the UK, from the better weather and considerably higher quality of living, to the more spacious property available and the excellent healthcare system. Life in Australia is low risk in terms of crime and political unrest, and so is generally considered a safe place to settle down.   more ...

Australia increased the pass-mark for its points-based visa test this summer. The department of immigration raised the previous mark of 60 points to 65 points from the first of July 2018. While this may not seem like a big jump, it has ramifications for non-skilled workers applying for visas. Previously, some of these applications have been reliant on a five-point ‘bonus’ via sponsorship of the visa application from a territory or state government. With the rise, non-skilled workers may struggle to meet the pass mark.   more ...

Until it was officially abolished on 18 March 2018, the 457 visa was the most common way for approved Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill the critical vacancies they were unable to fill with local workers.

The Temporary Work (Skilled) 457 visa was attractive for expats because holders were able to bring eligible family members to Australia with unrestricted work and study rights. This four-year visa also provided a fast path to permanent Australian residency.   more ...

You might be planning to make a move Down Under alone, with family, with work, or with friends for a fresh start or change of scenery. Our currency partner FC Exchange has highlighted some of the interesting things you might not know about Australia ahead of your move Down Under.

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Here in the UK, the Brexit beast is still grumbling about immigration controls, with both sides of the debate arguing their case for firmer or fairer systems.

Existing EU rules mean that citizens of the jurisdiction have the right to roam freely through member nations, living, studying and working where they please. Wherever you decide to hang your hat, you can call home and enjoy the same rights as the permanent residents of that country.   more ...

Ah, April… The month when spring starts to feel properly sprung. Gardens shake off the winter blues and come back to life, and lambs gambol around in the dew-strewn paddocks.

At least that’s the storybook version; the grown-ups in the real world are often too busy stressing about tax returns to appreciate the wonders of nature!   more ...