Currently everyone in the entire world is experiencing the effects of Corona Virus Pandemic in almost every
aspect of their lives. 

Australia as a nation is positively facing this crisis and the government is making every effort to assist those being affected by the process both Citizens and Non-Citizens alike.

The Australian immigration is continuing to process the visa applications although the time frame of processing may be extended depending on the workload of immigration authorities and individual circumstances of each case at hand.
The downturn in global economy is impacting everyone however, this is a perfect opportunity to secure your future in Australia by kick starting your immigration process.

Please read further to understand why you should proceed with your process now:

Safety Net

In many parts of the world people are employed on work visas however, not many countries offer a pathway to
permanent residency and do not offer the social security benefits like Australia does.

Benefits of being an Australian Permanent Resident and Australian Citizen are amongst the best in the world. Some of these benefits are even extended to Regional Work Visa Holders (491) which include access to free education to children of visa holders and access to Medicare (Australian Government Funded Health Care System). 

While job losses are now occurring globally, Australian government has announced social security payments of up to $1500 per fortnight for those who were stood down or lost their job due to the slowing down of businesses as a result of Corona Virus pandemic.

The government has recently announced that Australian employers will get access to $130 Billion stimulus package which basically ensures that employers continue the employment of people rather than standing them down or making their jobs redundant.

Residents are also able to withdraw an amount of upto $20,000 from their pension schemes which is generally
locked away under a government regulated mandatory system of Super Annuation.

Recent legislative amendments have also seen stopping of tenant evictions by landlords for a period of 6
months.

Such level of government planning is amongst the most generous and progressive in the world.

Skills Assessment

Skills assessments forms a mandatory part of the Australian visa application process as it determines the applicant’s suitability to proceed with the migration process.

We urge applicants to start their Skills Assessments during this period of time as many Skills Assessing Bodies
are currently offering to carry out the 2^nd stage of the assessment (technical interviews) directly via skype instead of requiring the applicant to physically go to an assessment centre. 

This scheme saves both time and money for applicants and is available for limited time only and may be discontinued by skills assessing authorities when the situation reverts to normal.

Visa Processing

All visa types can still be lodged and immigration is continuing to process both new and previously lodged applications although the processing times have been extended considering the current situation.

There is no freeze on visa applications and prospective applicants are encouraged to continue with their Australian Migration plans.

Entry Exemptions
Australian Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents and their immediate dependants are allowed to enter
Australia at this point in time provided that they quarantine themselves for 14 days upon entering Australia.       

All other types of visa holders including Regional Work Visa holders 491 can apply for an exemption to Commission of Australian Border Force (ABF) and upon approval they will be allowed entry to Australia.

Exit Exemptions
As of 25^th March 2020, all visa holders can leave Australia freely however, Australians and Permanent Residents are restricted from travelling overseas. 

How Can We Assist You ?
During the current situation of Covid-19 pandemic, we have plans in place to ensure that the work is consistently carried out for our current and prospective clients. Our team can work remotely, access client files, emails and lodge applications without any delays.

While the current climate is that of uncertainty for many, we strongly urge prospective applicants to think about
their future and spend some time to plan for their migration process.

It is important to understand that many countries offer work permits however, very few provide the security
and stability that comes with holding Regional Work Visas (491), Permanent Residence Visas and Citizenship of Australia.

We are here to evaluate your prospects for migration to Australia, answer your questions, prepare and lodge your
Skills assessment and visa application.

Contact us or book a consultation today with our Registered Migration Consultant Sunny Soni.