Country / Territory
On 7 December 2015, Australian Prime Minister the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP released Australia’s National Innovation and Science agenda which the PM promises will “help create a modern, dynamic, 21st century economy for Australia”.
Amongst key measures within the agenda was a proposal to support innovation through visas with the announcement of two new initiatives:
- A new Entrepreneur visa designed to attract more innovative talent from overseas; and
-
Enhanced permanent residence pathways for international postgraduate research students with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and information and communications technology (ICT) qualifications.
Postgraduate research graduates with STEM and ICT qualifications will also benefit whereby Australian doctorate level and master by research qualifications in STEM and specific ICT or related fields will qualify for additional points under the points tested General Skilled Migration program.
Why the focus on STEM and ICT qualifications?
In short, due to an expanding skills gap in these areas and recognition that STEM and ICT skills have become critical across a range of sectors. Research by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that between 2006 and 2011, STEM skills job grew at rate of 50% faster than other jobs. In term of ICT, a 2015 report by StartupAUS Crossroads found that the demand for ICT workers doubled between 1999 and 2012 at a time which applications for tertiary ICT courses experienced significant declined.
Likely implementation date
The Australian Government has indicated that the Entrepreneur visa will be introduced in November 2016 and the enhanced permanent visa pathway for STEM postgraduate research graduates will be implemented in December 2016.
Fragomen will continue to monitor the progress of both of these initiatives and provide further updates as new information is provided by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
Country / Territory
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés shares why Ireland needs a standardised visa system that’s faster and more consistent.
Blog post
This blog discusses Australia's Resident Return visa and its associated "compelling reasons" criteria.
Blog post
Senior Associate Sarah Melnick discusses the available immigration options for individuals not selected in this year's H-1B Cap Lottery.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha dados recentes sobre o aumento de vistos de trabalho para profissionais da produção de proteína halal.
Fragomen news
Silicon Valley Managing Partner Kristi Nevarez is recognized as an honoree in the Silicon Valley Business Journal's 2024 Latinx Business Leadership Awards.
Blog post
This blog discusses the complexities individuals face when navigating international travel while awaiting their residence permit in France.
Media mentions
Director Kathleen O’Donnell and Apprentice Immigration Paralegal Grace Harby share insights on the impact of the UK's five-point plan on Northern employers.
Media mentions
Partner Patrick Shen shares what HR professionals should be aware of to avoid discrimination with Form I-9.
Podcast
Boston Managing Partner Catherine Macris is joined by Libra Partners Partner Simon Stillwell to discuss how companies should approach expansion into the US market.
Podcast
Partner Christine Sullivan and Client Engagement Assistant Manager Soraya Driessen discuss the Netherlands' current political climate surrounding immigration and the impact of the country's election outcomes on the business community.
Media mentions
Europe Managing Partner George Koureas dives into Fragomen's ETA/ETIAS preparedness survey findings and how HR teams can prepare for new digital immigration changes.
Media mentions
Partner Axel Boysen bespricht, wie sich deutsche Unternehmer und Arbeitgeber auf eine Geschäftsreise ins Ausland vorbereiten können.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés shares why Ireland needs a standardised visa system that’s faster and more consistent.
Blog post
This blog discusses Australia's Resident Return visa and its associated "compelling reasons" criteria.
Blog post
Senior Associate Sarah Melnick discusses the available immigration options for individuals not selected in this year's H-1B Cap Lottery.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha dados recentes sobre o aumento de vistos de trabalho para profissionais da produção de proteína halal.
Fragomen news
Silicon Valley Managing Partner Kristi Nevarez is recognized as an honoree in the Silicon Valley Business Journal's 2024 Latinx Business Leadership Awards.
Blog post
This blog discusses the complexities individuals face when navigating international travel while awaiting their residence permit in France.
Media mentions
Director Kathleen O’Donnell and Apprentice Immigration Paralegal Grace Harby share insights on the impact of the UK's five-point plan on Northern employers.
Media mentions
Partner Patrick Shen shares what HR professionals should be aware of to avoid discrimination with Form I-9.
Podcast
Boston Managing Partner Catherine Macris is joined by Libra Partners Partner Simon Stillwell to discuss how companies should approach expansion into the US market.
Podcast
Partner Christine Sullivan and Client Engagement Assistant Manager Soraya Driessen discuss the Netherlands' current political climate surrounding immigration and the impact of the country's election outcomes on the business community.
Media mentions
Europe Managing Partner George Koureas dives into Fragomen's ETA/ETIAS preparedness survey findings and how HR teams can prepare for new digital immigration changes.
Media mentions
Partner Axel Boysen bespricht, wie sich deutsche Unternehmer und Arbeitgeber auf eine Geschäftsreise ins Ausland vorbereiten können.