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Details of the Replacement for the Skilled 139 Visa are Announced
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| Author: |
Alan Collett |
| Date: |
Monday, June 26, 2006 |
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As announced more than a year ago the Skilled - Designated Area Sponsored visa (subclass number 139) ceases to be a migration pathway from the end of June 2006.
Details of its replacement have been published today ...
- From the 1st of July 2006 skilled visa applicants who have a close family member living in a "Designated Area" will be able to obtain an Australian permanent residency visa in a two stage process.
- The initial application will be for a Skilled Designated Area Sponsored (Provisional) visa, subclass number 496.
- The 496 visa will not be points tested.
- To be eligible for the grant of a 496 visa an applicant for that visa will need to:
* be under 45 years of age;
* have good English skills;
* have recent skilled work experience;
* be sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia; and
* have skills and qualifications assessed by a relevant assessing authority as suitable for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (the SOL)
- Application for permanent residency will be made via the Skilled Designated Area Sponsored (Residence) visa, subclass number 883.
- To apply for the permanent 883 visa the applicant must:
* have held the provisional 496 visa for at least two years;
* be sponsored by an eligible relative;
* have lived in a designated area for two years;
* have worked full-time in a designated area for at least 12 months; and
* have good English skills.
It should be noted that applicants with close family living in Australia can still apply for the points tested Skilled Australian Sponsored visa (subclass number 138) - the 138 visa provides for permanent residency status upon visa grant and would therefore usually be a preferred visa pathway if there is a choice between the 138 visa and the new 496 visa.
Note - the new 496 visa will probably be categorised as a temporary residency visa and as such 496 visaholders may be able to make use of the new tax provisions commencing 1st July, 2006 affecting temporary residents, in which investment income and capital gains arising outside Australia will not be taxable in Australia.
If you would like to discuss your visa strategy and how Go Matilda might help please contact us.
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