The Australian Government has announced the Federal Budget 2021-2022 and for the migration industry, the new budget has relatively small changes for the year ahead. Read our summary of changes which focus mainly on onshore visa applicants due to international borders remaining closed for at least 12 months.

The Australian Government is increasing support for Australia’s tourism and hospitality industry by classifying it as a critical work sector and providing more visa flexibility for student visa holders employed in the sector.

Permanent or provisional family visa holders who want to travel to Australia but their Initial Entry Date has passed or will pass within the next 3 months, may still be able to enter Australia by completing a Travel Facilitation Letter.

The New Zealand Government has announced some changes to Temporary Work visas. The developments include the introduction of a new employer accreditation, a single temporary work visa, and a new employer-led system.

On 18 April 2021, the corridor between Australia and New Zealand officially opened.

The New Zealand Government has announced the introduction of border exceptions for families of some temporary visa holders. From 30 April 2021, partners and children, who are currently outside New Zealand, may be eligible to travel to the country under this border exception.