4 reasons why the post-covid period may benefit you
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Australia had one of the world’s strictest border closures, with even citizens struggling to enter the country. Borders have finally opened up and now Australia is allowing mostly unrestricted travel in and out for fully vaccinated citizens and visa holders. Those who are not fully vaccinated can apply for travel exemptions, but should await the outcome before booking flights. Whilst laws can change at short notice, as we have come to expect over the past two years, for now Australia is ready and raring to welcome new migrants!
So, is the post-COVID period a good time to migrate? We say yes, and we have four reasons why.
With migrants, Australia’s gears keep turning
Australia is a large, isolated country with a small population. That means there is a lot to do, and not many people to do it. Since colonisation, Australia has relied on immigrants to make up a bulk of the workforce. Migrants work in a range of positions throughout the country, from seasonal work, to low-skilled jobs, to highly skilled professions. Australia has always been lacking workers in one industry or another, and then… COVID.
The pandemic affected Australian migration two-fold. Firstly, over 500,000 temporary visa holders left Australia at the start of the pandemic and secondly, there was a 97% drop in arrivals compared to 2019. This meant that not only were there fewer people coming in to fill the shortages in the workforce, but even more shortages were created by migrants departing.
So where does that leave us? With a whole lot of jobs, and no-one to fill them, that’s where. There has never been such a high demand for workers as there is now. With fewer people in the workforce, fewer businesses can operate and the worse the economy fares. In addition to the plummeting economy, Australia’s population growth also relies on immigration. All in all, immigrants are wanted and they are wanted immediately. Now is your chance!
With shortages, occupation lists keep growing
Not only are there more jobs available for student visa holders, but there are more occupations on the Skilled Visa lists, opening up opportunities for migrants from a range of professional backgrounds.
Everyone with the goal of permanent migration wants to be on a list. Having experience and qualifications in a profession on a Skilled Visa list is one of the most popular ways to become a resident, but with only 17 occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupations List (PMSOL) in 2020, you can understand why not many people were eligible. As the pandemic progressed, the number of occupations on the PMSOL more than doubled to 44! This opens up the doors to numerous more migrants who are looking for a golden ticket. If your occupation is not on the PMSOL, don’t be dismayed; there are other lists to choose from. Visa pathways are available for occupations on four other lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL, RSMS) and they are extremely diverse. Not to mention all the different states and territories lists. So whether you’re an actor, an accountant or an anaesthetist, you have a chance of being on a list.
With needs, immigrant incentives keep flowing
If the laid-back Australian lifestyle isn’t enough to convince you to migrate, the Australian government post-COVID incentives may be. In order to attract more migrants and to make their journeys easier, the government has made a number of temporary changes to visa laws. Whilst it is unknown whether current changes will be extended, or whether new incentives will be offered, it is a good place to keep an eye on.
Some of the incentives so far have been refunded application fees and relaxed limits on work hours. As soon as the borders reopened, student visa holders could apply to have their visa application fees refunded and could work full-time instead of only 40 hours per fortnight. In addition, several visas have been extended allowing those who were unable to travel during Covid to fulfil their visas now. Although nothing is set in stone and all exemptions are made on a temporary basis, it is likely the government will maintain flexibility until its migration needs are satisfied once more.
With discounts, students keep learning
Australia is famous for its education. It is one of the most highly-sought locations to study in the world with huge numbers of international students coming each year to set themselves apart from the competition. For students planning to study English in Australia it is no secret that courses can be more expensive than other English-speaking countries. However, as the industry works on a supply and demand basis, language schools all over the country are currently offering discounted rates. With the cessation of incoming immigrants, the education industry has been severely impacted, and is keen to get back on its feet. This means that it is not only English language schools, but also VET courses and some tertiary level courses that are offering discounts, application fee waivers or material fee waivers to encourage more students to apply. Now might be your best chance to bag a bargain for upcoming courses.
With 4Migration, visa approvals keep coming!
Migrating in the post-COVID period has a number of benefits never seen before that we encourage you to take advantage of. Due to so many temporary changes however, there is an increased chance of misinterpreting conditions. Our team at 4Migration are kept up-to-date on changes to immigration laws for those already in Australia and those soon to arrive. We understand what the government wants, and make decisions and suggestions to our clients based on each individual’s goals. We build strategies to give you the best chance of reaching your migration goals, no matter what challenges the world throws at us! If you are ready to make the change of a lifetime, book a consultation with us. Australia is waiting for you!