The Australian federal government has announced it has begun to fast-track visa applications lodged by residents of Hong Kong.
The order of priority has been updated and applies to all future and in-progress skilled migration visa applications, applying for temporary and permanent skilled visas. This applies to both Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) (BNO) passport holders.
Hong Kong and BNO passport holders applying for temporary and permanent skilled visas will be eligible to apply for permanent residency after five years. For those who choose to live, work and study exclusively in regional Australia, the pathway to apply for permanent residency would be available after three years.
It is understood processing times of visa applications have been reduced dramatically and experts have seen visas turn around as quickly as six months, from waiting periods of more than two years.
To discuss your situation and find out more about the Australian Skilled Visa, contact our expert team.