woocommerce domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/indianav/migratetosunnyaustralia.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131There are currently 2.17 million people in Australia who hold temporary visas. Temporary visa holders are vital to the Australian economy and Australian way of life as they fill skills shortages and increase business revenues.
There are many different types of Australian temporary visas, we have listed some of these below:
– Regional Work Visas 491, 494 and 489
– 482 Work Visa
– Student and Graduate Work Visa
– Working Holiday Visa
– Visitor Visas
– Prospective Marriage Visa
During this Corona Virus Pandemic, people are unsettled and are still getting to grips with what they can do to alleviate their current situation. We have compiled below some of the major updates with regards to current entitlements of various types of temporary visa holders in Australia.
A few days back the Australian government announced various economic stimulus packages such as Jobseeker and Jobkeeper payments which has surpassed $130 billion in monetary value.
The Australian government also announced early tax free access to government regulated pension scheme of Superannuation upto the value of $10,000 per applicant and a further $10,000 in the following financial year which begins in July 2020.
This has somewhat softened the blow for Australians and Permanent Residents who have either lost their jobs or have been stood down due to the Corona Virus pandemic.
As of today, temporary visa holders will also be allowed to access their Superannuation upto the value of $10,000 for this financial year.
These changes have been brought about for temporary visa holders to remain in Australia and support key industries such as food processing, agriculture, health, aged and disability care as temporary visa holders can help ensure that critical services continue.
This clearly shows Australian Governments’ stance that temporary visa holders are extremely valuable to Australian economy and Australian way of life.
These visa holders have access to almost the same benefits as Australia Citizens and Permanent Residents such as Medicare, schooling for children in government funded schools etc. They will be able to access their Superannuation during this period of time.
Subject to passage of legislation which is currently put forward as a bill in the Australian parliament, the 491 and 494 Visa holders could be classed as Australian Residents for social security purposes which would give them access to social security benefits at an equal footing as Australian Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents.
There are nearly 139,000 Temporary Skilled Visa Holders (482 Work Visa Holders) who work in Australia to fill skills shortages.
Visa holders who have been stood down (on unpaid leave) but have not been laid off (either made redundant or their employment terminated) will be able to maintain their visa validity and businesses will have the opportunity to extend their visas as per normal arrangements.
Businesses will also be allowed to reduce the number of hours of visa holders without putting the visa holder in breach of visa conditions.
Should a temporary visa holder (holding a 4 year visa) be laid off but is subsequently able to secure employment through a new sponsor then the time that they have already spent in Australia will count towards meeting their permanent residency skilled work experience requirements.
482 Work Visa holders will also be able to access their Superannuation funds upto the value of $10,000 for this financial year.
Currently there are over .5 million international students in Australia. Students who have been in Australia for over 12 months will also be able to access their Superannuation. Many education providers are already providing discounted fees to international students as an immediate relief effort during this crisis.
The Australian government will also be flexible where the Covid-19 pandemic has prevented international students in meeting their visa conditions, such as not being able to attend classes.
International students working in major supermarkets, aged care are now able to extend their hours of work beyond the 40 hours per fortnight limit.
There are over 90,000 graduate work visa holders in Australia and should they need support during this situation, they will be allowed access to their savings under the superannuation scheme.
There are currently 118,000 Working Holiday Visa Holders in Australia.
Those working in critical sectors such as food processing, agriculture, childcare, health, aged and disability care will be exempt from six month work limitation with one employer and should their visa be expiring in next six months then they will be eligible for further visa to keep working in critical sectors.
The Australian government’s stance with regards to 203,000 international visitors currently in Australia is for them to return to their home country as soon as possible.
As of now prospective marriage visa holders will not be able to access any benefits.
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.
