Australian Immigration Daily News

The following information was sent via email to Migration Alliance today:

Please read the following information carefully as it may affect you. 

The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) is developing a new website, which will link to a new secure portal for registered migration agents (RMAs) and continuing professional development (CPD) providers. 

The purpose of the instrument is to update the following requirements in relation to applications for Work and Holiday (Temporary) (Class US) visas (Class US visas): the list of countries where an applicant is exempt from providing evidence of home government support; the education requirements for applicants from various countries; and the place and manner for making an application.

Source: LIN21019.pdf

and 

The purpose of the instrument is to specify that certain former Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa (Subclass 600 visa) holders can apply for a new Subclass 600 visa with a nil visa application charge (VAC) where their travel to or stay in Australia (or both) has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under subparagraph 1236(2)(a)(iv) of Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations, the Minister may specify a class of persons who are applicants with a nil VAC amount for Visitor (Class FA) visas, which includes Subclass 600 visas. The instrument specifies that nil VAC is payable for applicants for a Subclass 600 visa in the Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor and Approved Destination streams, where those applicants meet criteria specified in the instrument. Applicants in the Frequent Traveller stream are excluded from this measure. This is because an application in the Frequent Traveller stream is excluded under paragraph 1236(2)(a) of Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations, which provides the instrument making power.

Source: LIN21021.pdf

and

Following cases of migration fraud committed by people posing as migration agents, Govt urging consumers who require immigration assistance to check agent is registered

In the last month, a 52–year-old man was charged with 23 migration fraud related offences in Queensland, and a 38-year-old Western Australian woman was sentenced to six and a half years jail for extensive migration fraud.

Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs the Hon Jason Wood, said anyone requiring immigration assistance should be extremely careful to avoid unlawful operators pretending to be registered migration agents.

“Only registered migration agents can legally give immigration assistance in Australia," Assistant Minister Wood said.

“Consumers seeking advice from those not listed with the OMARA risk being provided incorrect information, or being charged thousands of dollars for a fake service and no visa outcome."

Source: Migration-Fraud.pdf