Living in a different country from your spouse or partner can be difficult, frustrating, and at times, very lonely.  So how can you reunite if one of you lives in Australia?

To minimize the COVID19 impact on visa holders, the Department of Home Affairs has been offering a number of concessions to visa applicants and visa holders to overcome the difficulties and challenges during the COVID19 crisis.  

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Highlights

• Concessions for certain family visa applicants affected by COVID19 travel restrictions
• The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) was updated to include Social Worker (272511)
• Concessions and changes from 19 September 2020

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Early in October 2020, the Federal Budget was announced, along with various changes to partner visas for the 2020-21 migration program year.

On 06 October 2020, Australian government has handed down the federal budget 2020 which is to recover the Australian economy.  2020/2021 migration planning level has also been released shortly after the federal budget announcement.  

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Highlights

• Australia’s net Migration remain the same
• Global Talent Independent Program (GTI) allocations have been tripled
• Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) allocations have been doubled

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Australian Migration Planning Level

In 2020 – 2021, the planning level for visas will remain at 160,000 places.

Global Talent Independent Program (GTI)

The Australian government will focus on attracting highly skilled professionals to work and live permanently in Australia in this calendar year. The Global Talent Independent program (GTI) has been allocated to 15,000 places for 2020-2021.

If you believe you are eligible to apply for a GTI, take only 5 minutes to complete our free online GTI assessment form. Our lawyers and registered migration agents will assess your eligibility and get back to you soon.

Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP)

Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) has increased to 13,500 places.

In 2019 - 2020, the number of BIIP was 6862.  It has increased by 6638 places in this calendar year, which has been almost doubled in comparison with the allocations in the past year.  

Business Innovation and Investment program includes:

• Subclass 188 Business Innovation stream
• Subclass 188 Investor stream
• Subclass 188 Significant Investor stream
• Subclass 188 Premium Investor stream
• Subclass 188 Entrepreneur stream
• Subclass 132 Significant Business History stream
• Subclass 132 Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream

Business innovation and Investment Program will also be targeted at Australian venture capitals and emerging small and medium size businesses to support the economic recovery. 

Try our free online business visa assessment tool to determine your business visa options:

https://businessvisacompare.com.au/ 

Family Stream & Partner Stream

The Family stream planning level has been allocated to 77,300 places in which 72,300 places are allocated for partner category which occupies 93.53% of the family stream allocations.

This leaves 5000 places for parent child and other family migration.  

General Skilled Migration - 189, 190 and 491

It is disappointing news for those that are looking to do 189, 190 and 491 visas or Employer Sponsored Permanent residency visas.

With increases to GTI, Family and Business, then there will be less places available for 189, 190 and 491 and also for employer sponsored 186. 

Australian government will increase places for above three categories Family & Partner stream, Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) & Global Talent Independent Program (GTI). This also means there are Skilled Migration Program will decrease around 30,000 places.  

We understand that a drop in GSM numbers will be very disappointing for many, who have gone to the expense and effort to get their English tested and skills assessments done. 

Migration planning level 2019/2020 Versus 2020/2021 

Visa Application Charge (VAC)

Certain visa holders who are unable to travel to Australia due to COVID 19 Pandemic, you may be eligible to:

• Refund VAC
• Waive VAC
• Extend visa period

Do you need help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having access to healthcare in Australia. If you require medical treatment, the out-of-pocket costs can put you under financial strain. If you reside in Australia and hold a valid visa, read more to find out if you are eligible for Medicare.