Australian Immigration Daily News

Migration Alliance member and RMA, James Hall, has provided this useful information:

I just came across another issue that would be of interest to others that use skillselect. See if you agree though first if you want to post. This is not a big issue but any miscalculation of dates can be crucial for certain applicants.

My client just got the notice that I've attached. The English test (IELTS) in this case was done on 22nd April 2017. The period of 36 months is to 21st April 2020. The letter states that 22nd April is more than 36 months and that my client's application may be refused. (We're hoping the state will finalise the nomination on today 22nd April).

Since the global financial crisis we have been impressing on clients the need to have a diversified portfolio, both by assets class and geographically. It’s been a sound strategy as over the past decade it has become clear we are in an age of change, and it is driving volatility and making the wealthy ponder how to protect their wealth.

Events like the GFC, European sovereign crisis in 2011, Chinese stock market crash in 2016, trade wars last year and COVID-19 this year have made markets difficult to navigate, and increased reliance on Australian migration and immigration agents to provide avenues for investment guidance.

We have adopted the term VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, confusion and ambiguity) to describe this change, and it is being driven by technology, globalisation, rising lifespans and increasing wealth in developing nations, particularly China.

It’s well-known that moving to a foreign country can be extremely stressful. There’s the pressure of settling into a new home, job or school, adjusting to the culture and language, and being far away from usual family and friend networks.

It’s also natural to feel worried about the impact of COVID-19, and social distancing and self-isolation can make things particularly challenging.

Providing mental health and wellbeing support for your clients is a crucial element of the important job you do.

Do you think you have seen and heard it all?

Well, sometimes when you read through the decisions of the Federal Courts, you can find something that is amazingly, astonishingly, insanely bad.

Are you ready for this one?

A fast track decision is one where the Department of Home Affairs refused the application because of a discrete criterion that does not require a subjective assessment, and evidence has now been given to the Tribunal that unequivocally satisfies the objective criterion in dispute. For example, if a visa application was refused only because suitable evidence of an English test result was not given to the delegate, and evidence of that suitable test result is now given to the Tribunal, a fast track decision may be possible. 

A fast track decision cannot be made where a subjective assessment of criteria is required (eg. genuineness); or where the Tribunal must consider all relevant criteria in order to reach a favourable decision (eg. Employer nomination/sponsorship).  

A high number of unsuitable requests for fast track decisions slow down this important process and reduce the overall efficiency of Tribunal operations, particularly during this difficult time. Requests that cannot be fast-tracked as I have described above will receive a short statement to this effect and the application will be dealt with according to its order of lodgement without further consideration.