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South Australia – still open for business

South Australia – still open for business

We have been fielding many enquiries regarding the closure of state nomination applications for 188/132 visas in South Australia. Many clients and prospective clients seem to think that SA will no longer accept state nomination applications. This is not true. This is a temporary closure due to applications exceeding the quota set by the Department… Continue reading South Australia – still open for business

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Citizenship Changes

Get Ready – new Citizenship laws coming in July

On 20 April 2017, the government announced changes to the citizenship criteria to be made effect immediately despite not getting the bill passed through Senate. This caused great controversy among politicians and community members and embarrassingly, the bill was struck down by the Senate on 18 October 2017. But we have a persistent Immigration Minster… Continue reading Get Ready – new Citizenship laws coming in July

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Sponsored Skilled Visa Program

EMPLOYER SPONSORED REFORMS – MARCH IS COMING

As most readers would be aware, the Turnbull government announced in April 2017 sweeping changes to the current 457 program, soon to be abolished and replaced by the TSS visa in March. The changes saw many occupations on the previous occupation list totally removed, leaving many applicants in limbo and many other occupations with additional… Continue reading EMPLOYER SPONSORED REFORMS – MARCH IS COMING

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Australia’s skilled visa programs

Changes To The Lists Of Eligible Skilled Occupations

The Department of Immigration & Border Protection, now part of the government’s Home Affairs portfolio, has announced today changes to the skilled occupation lists as per the following department website link: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list

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Data Matching Program

Notice of ATO Data Matching Program – Are you currently on a Visa in Australia??

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has already announced that they will commence the collection of Tax File Number for 457 visa holders (and other employer sponsored migrants) along with the 457-visa change announcement in April 2017. The ATO will also acquire information on visa holders for the 2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 financial years… Continue reading Notice of ATO Data Matching Program – Are you currently on a Visa in Australia??

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Short Term Skilled Occupation List

Flagged occupations on STSOL for January 2018

The Department of Employment is responsible for undertaking a regular review of the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). They have recently published a draft bulletin for public comment on proposed changes to the skilled occupations lists from January 2018. A “Traffic Light” system is being used, which… Continue reading Flagged occupations on STSOL for January 2018

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Public Interest Criterion

PIC 4020 – 12 months changed to 10 Years – NO LONGER IN FORCE

*Another back and forth confusing changes from DIBP* On 02 November 2017, legislation instrument amendment was made to the PIC 4020. The change read as follow: The previous PIC 4020 read: (1) There is no evidence before the Minister that the applicant has given, or caused to be given, to the Minister, an officer, the… Continue reading PIC 4020 – 12 months changed to 10 Years – NO LONGER IN FORCE

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Tech Industry

Technology Industry Crisis – 457 temporary work visa

Australia missing an enormous opportunity to improve technology industry. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton is in the final stages of preparing the government’s response to a review of visas, which is expected to involve major changes to the Migration Act. In April 2017, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP and Peter Dutton jointly announced that Australian 457… Continue reading Technology Industry Crisis – 457 temporary work visa

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Update Subclass 132

Update Subclass 132 – Property Development business activities

Victoria state has developed a new property development criteria for Subclass 132 visas, which has been introduced and applies to all proposed business activities that relate to property development. The business Talent (Permanent) visa (Subclass 132) Significant Business History stream is a specialist visa designed for high net worth individuals with outstanding commercial background. Eligibility… Continue reading Update Subclass 132 – Property Development business activities

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Google Reviews

Customer’s Experience With Us

Google-review
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I got my partner visa recently thanks to Kathy and her coworkers. Very trust worthy company with professional experience. I have also recommended it to my friends and some of them already got their 190 nominations within a few days! Very impressive and highly recommended.

D. Wu
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Kathy and her team are amazing! Kathy is very friendly and supportive. If you want quick and accurate answers, just give southern stone a call or email them and have a smooth migration experience. I highly recommend!

Abdul Khan
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Kathy helped me with the application for the return to Australia Visa. She was efficient courteous and kind. I would definetely refer Kathys company to anyone who would need her services. Thank you again Kathy. Rita Iacono

Savina Lacono
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I recently had the privilege of working with Southern Stone Immigration Agency and specifically, Kathy, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the experience. From start to finish, Southern Stone and Kathy provided exceptional service and demonstrated an unparalleled level of expertise in immigration matters. What sets Southern Stone Immigration Agency apart is their genuine care...

Lin Gan
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I found Southern stone through the internet and seen all the great reviews and thought they would have to be good. I got in contact with Kathy and she was so responsive and clear with all her swift responses throughout my time working with her. I had a 461 partner visa declined due to immigration receiving my visa application late as it’s a paper application. She argued with every...

Mark Nalty
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It is so refreshing to speak to a migration agency who is willing to listen to you and readily provide you with useful information for a simple question without even discussing fees. What great customer service! We will be definitely engaging with Southern Stone for our future application.

Sarah Coherny
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Thank you Gloria for helping me with my inquiries. I would recommend your services to all my friends and relatives.

Swapnil Patel
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