January at Nomos
The first month of 2024 has proven to be exceptionally busy, and our whole team is very grateful we managed to get some down time in over the festive season so we can continue to kick goals for our clients in the new year. We are fully expecting a big year, what with all the changes we know are in store. Here are some of the major highlights of the month:
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- January saw grants of TSS, ENS and Permanent Partner visas to our clients. We also had a successful Ministerial intervention outcome (under s417) for a client who has been waiting since 2016 for his visa. A great start to the year for all concerned!
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- The Department of Home Affairs (‘DHA’) has, after consultation with many Pacific leaders, announced that it will introduce a new visa to help address the calls for easier movement throughout the region for some of our nearest neighbours. The Pacific Engagement (subclass 192) visa will be launched in 2024 and will aim to provide up to 3,000 permanent places each year for citizens of Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor) – this will be in addition to Australia’s current permanent migration program and stated intake expectations. It is the Government’s hope that the new visa will help strengthen the links and promote cultural, business and educational exchange opportunities for the ‘Pacific Family’.
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- The media is reporting that the Government intends to change the ‘genuine temporary entrant’ requirements for international students from March 2024 onwards, giving student visa-holders a clearer pathway to permanent residence. The existing requirements will be replaced by what is being labelled a ‘genuine student test’, which will aim to filter out migrants who wish to come to Australia on a Student visa but who really intend to seek work. This is in line with the Migration Strategy released earlier this year, but is as yet still to be confirmed. Follow our LinkedIn page for legislative changes as they come to hand.
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- Every year on Australia Day (26 January), our country welcomes its newest batch of citizens via more than 400 ceremonies conducted nationwide. This year, we are privileged to welcome more than 22,000 new citizens hailing from over 150 different countries as citizens of our great nation. For many, becoming a citizen of one’s adopted nation represents the final steppingstone for an often lengthy and sometimes grueling migration journey. Every new citizen we have welcomed into the ever-expanding Australian family has a unique story – some are exciting, others tragic, and many are inspiring. Becoming a new citizen empowers people in a unique way and allows them to feel truly apart of the national Australian community, which unites us all. To any new Australian citizens reading this, Nomos both welcomes and congratulates you! If citizenship still lies ahead on your migration journey or for someone you know, please get in touch to see how we can help.
That’s the Nomos wrap-up for January. See you next month!
*This is general information only, as at the date of publication, and should not be interpreted as legal advice. For an accurate and current assessment of your circumstances and visa options, please contact us to receive this advice.
