Dear Partners & Clients,
As we’re heading into February 2024, it’s better late than never to say farewell to a wonderful year that has passed and to welcome an even better year to come.
2023 finished off on a wonderful note for the VEVS Global family with the establishment of our overseas branches both in Thimphu, Bhutan and Ortigas City, Philippines; and the addition of amazing talent across our group. As we steadily make our way into the new year, we would like to express our thanks and gratitude to our loyal and supportive partners, clients and stakeholders. Without your unwavering support, we cannot continue doing what we do and expanding our reach into new and existing territories to assist clients and their families to migrate, settle and find their feet in Australia.
So thank you for standing by us and continuing to support what we do. New year comes with new opportunities (and challenges!) and we look forward to kicking goals and achieving successes with all of you 💙
Warm regards,
The VEVS Global Family.
“The time for action is now. It’s never too late to do something.”
– Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
DOHA released its Migration Strategy on the 11th of December 2023 (in time for Christmas!) and boy did it (and continue to) stir feelings of uncertainty and apprehension amongst all temporary visa holders.
Despite significant changes to certain subclasses, we always believe that within every challenge, lies an opportunity for success. As an established Migration agency, we understand the complexities of Australia’s immigration system and have the ability to navigate, assess alternative solutions and continue to guide our clients through challenging times as such.
Through our experience of having assisted countless clients throughout their migration journey; it’s difficult times like these which sets us apart from our competitors. Our point-of-difference lies in the ability to navigate, assess alternative solutions and continue to guide our clients through challenging times as such.
There are 8 key actions to DOHA’s Migration Strategy, all with the intent of returning migration back to pre-pandemic levels within the next financial year, to ensure that the migration program is aligned and “fit for purpose” with the current economic climate and future-focused.
The areas causing the most impact:
- Temporary skilled migration via replacement of the SC 482 visa with a Skills in Demand visa program.
- Permanent skilled migration via a new points test.
- International Students
1. Higher English-language requirements
2. Greater scrutiny of high-risk student visa applications via a newly established Student Visa Integrity unit within DOHA.
3. Restrictions on onshore “visa-hopping” via course swapping that promotes permanent temporariness. - International Graduates
1. Reduction in stay periods:
1. Bachelor degrees or Masters by coursework – 2 years
2. Masters by research or PhD – 3 years
2. Restrictions on onshore “visa-hopping” (i.e. applying for another Student Visa) that promotes permanent temporariness.
3. Reduction in eligibility age from 50 to 35 years old.
4. Higher English-language requirements. - Tailoring Regional visas and Working Holiday making programs to better support regional Australia.
- Promoting a simplified migration system for migrants and employers through streamlined visa settings and reduced visa subclasses.
While the strategy has been announced, the effective date has yet to be determined by the Government. What we would recommend is for all clients (who are holding visas which may be affected by the changes) to contact our office and book an appointment with our Visa Team to start discussing your visa pathways and exploring feasible solutions.
The WA government recognises the need for WA businesses to attract and retain overseas skilled workers. As such, the State has introduced a Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP) that supports WA construction businesses to fill the demand for a skilled workforce.
The program provides grant payments of up to $10,000 to support skilled migration visa pathways for workers and assist in the offsetting of migration agent fees, visa application fees and relocation costs which are primarily absorbed by the local Australian businesses.
The CVSP is eligible for the following:
- WA Employers via the subclasses 482, 494, and 186
- Independent Skilled Migrants via the subclass 190 or 491
○ The sponsoring employer must be headquartered in and undertaking building and construction work in WA.
○ The skilled worker must be working in an eligible occupation.
Eligible funding is claimed across two to three milestone payments and a Registered Migration Agent such as VEVS Global can assist throughout the entire visa application process. For more information, please refer to the Government of Western Australia’s Department of Training and Workforce Development’s website.
Welcoming the New Year with optimism, we are excited to share promising developments in Australia’s approach to international education and migration. The Australian government is gearing up to enhance the education visa process, bringing about significant changes that are set to positively impact the international student and migrant community.
Amidst the uncertainties, it is evident that the Australian government is focused on streamlining pathways for graduates in selected fields, paving the way for improved career and Permanent Residency (PR) opportunities through newly proposed work sponsorship visa categories. This marks a positive shift, especially for those pursuing career-focused programs in higher education.
There is a notable surge in interest among students, both current and prospective, in programs that align with these new visa pathways. While accessibility may vary for some international students, the enthusiasm surrounding these changes is palpable.
Key fields gaining traction include:
- Nursing
- Education
- Engineering
- MBA
- Agriculture
- Automotive
- Hospitality
This renewed focus on career-oriented programs is not only reshaping educational preferences but also creating a buzz within the international student community. We are eager to witness the positive impact of these changes on the future endeavours and aspirations of our students. As we embark on this journey in 2024, we look forward to keeping you informed about further developments and opportunities in the dynamic landscape of Australian education and migration.
Eligible students completing their studies in February can apply for the 485 visa. Please ensure that you have a valid IELTS score and health insurance (OVHC) for the application process.
Have you checked if you are eligible for the Post-Study Work Visa (2-year Extension) – not the regional one? Contact us to check your eligibility for free.
Perth Team
Nepal Team
Philippines Team
Bhutan Team
Get the Job, Get the PR
VEVS Connect is organizing an information seminar for international students and graduates to address the recent changes in migration policy and how they affect the options for permanent residency (PR). Learn how your 485 visa can be strategically utilized in creating a perfect PR strategy. The seminar will also provide career guidance and include a job fair. Join us to stay informed and explore opportunities for your future.
Key Features:
- Strategic utilization of short-term visas for building a robust PR profile.
– By Yunsheng Wu
MARN: 1791439 - Crafting a winning CV, honing effective application strategies, and mastering interview do’s and don’ts.
- Job Application Collection.
By Rianna Mannering
Senior Recruitment Consultant at people2people - Information and preparatory session on the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
By David Wang
Head Trainer of EZPTE - Special promotion on Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) extensions and Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
By BUPA
The event promises a comprehensive career guidance session featuring insights from the reputable recruitment agency People 2 People. Attendees will gain crucial knowledge on crafting a winning CV, honing effective application strategies, and mastering interview do’s and don’ts.
A key highlight of the seminar is the General Skilled Migration and 485 Visa session, conducted by a registered migration agent. Participants will learn exclusive insights into Australian PR pathways and discover how to strategically utilize short-term visas for building a robust PR profile. An interactive Q & A session will follow, allowing attendees to clarify their doubts.
As part of the language proficiency segment, EZ PTE will conduct an informative and preparatory session on the Pearson Test of English (PTE). Additionally, attendees can take advantage of special promotions by BUPA for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) extensions and Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).
Beyond the enriching sessions, participants can unwind and network at the free beer bar, accompanied by DJ music throughout the day. Engaging games with exciting gifts to win will add a fun element to the seminar, making it a holistic and impactful experience.
A unique feature of the event is the on-the-spot interview and data collection by People 2 People. This provides attendees with the opportunity to directly connect with the employment agency, potentially opening doors to exciting career prospects on the same day.
Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind seminar that combines invaluable career guidance, PR insights, language proficiency tips, and networking opportunities.
Secure your spot now for a day of knowledge, networking, and potential career breakthroughs.
Limited seats available; admission only through registrations. Register yourself today!
The recently published Migration Strategy by DOHA is set to have a significant impact on a wide range of temporary visa holders, including international students and skilled migrants, by updating the eligibility criteria.
Amidst these updates from the Government, WA has recently introduced the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP) which aims to promote the skilled migration visa program by offering a generous grant payment of up to $10,000.00 to cover the costs of recruiting overseas skilled workers. In addition to that, the Australian Government is working to simplify the pathways for graduates in certain fields which might lead to improved professional opportunities and the opportunity to obtain permanent residency.
Get ready for an exciting yet challenging year ahead! We invite you to join us on this journey and experience the quality and reliability that VEVS Global is known for. As the future unfolds, we are excited to see what lies ahead and how we can continue to assist you in the best way possible.
Contact us today to be a part of our success story and let us help you achieve your Australian dreams.
