Australian Immigration Daily News

Update: Family Violence Provisions for Partner Visa Applicants

The Migration Amendment (Family Violence Provisions for Partner Visa Applicants) Regulations 2024 introduces significant changes to support partner visa applicants experiencing family violence. Key updates include:

• Expanded Access: Current and certain former Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) visa holders can now apply for a Partner (Subclass 820/801) visa under the relationship cessation provisions without the requirement of marrying the sponsor.
• Location Flexibility: Applicants are no longer required to be in Australia at the time of decision for the Partner (Subclass 309) visa under relationship cessation provisions.
• Modernized Definitions: Terminology relating to family violence has been updated to be more inclusive and reflective of current standards.
• Alignment Across Visa Programs: The amendment simplifies and aligns the criteria for different partner visa subclasses, streamlining the process for applicants.

These changes aim to provide better protection and support for visa applicants experiencing family violence, ensuring they are not compelled to stay in abusive relationships to maintain their visa status.

Important Update: Changes to Visa Conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 Starting 1 July 2024! 

The Australian Government is making significant changes to visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 to enhance worker rights and productivity. Here's what you need to know:

Effective Date: 1 July 2024

Education Provider Update: Schedule 1 Changes - June 2024

The Australian Government is implementing significant reforms to the international education system to maintain integrity and support genuine international students. These changes are part of the Migration Strategy announced in December 2023.

Key Changes Effective from 1 July 2024:

Direction No. 110 by Minister Andrew Giles

Minister Andrew Giles has introduced Direction No. 110 under Section 499 of the Migration Act 1958, focusing on visa refusal and cancellation under Section 501, as well as the revocation of mandatory visa cancellations under Section 501CA. Effective from June 21, 2024, this Direction replaces the previous Direction No. 99.

Key Elements of Direction No. 110:

Migration Update: New Exemptions for UK Citizens on Working Holiday Visas

The Australian Government has issued the Migration (Specified Subclass 417 Work Exemption) Instrument (LIN 24/039) 2024, effective from 1 July 2024. This instrument exempts UK passport holders from the work requirements for second and third Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) visas, aligning with the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA). This change allows eligible UK citizens to participate in the Working Holiday Maker program without meeting the previous specified work requirements.

Source: LIN24039_20240607-070707_1.pdf and LIN24039-Explanatory-Statement_20240607-070721_1.pdf