Australian Immigration Daily News

The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs has announced the enactment of the Migration (Visa Pre-application Process) Charge Act 2023 and the accompanying Migration (Visa Pre-application Process) Charge Regulations 2024. These legislative instruments introduce a registration charge for individuals participating in the visa pre-application process, with a specific focus on the new Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) Visa. The charge, set at AUD25, is intended to ensure that participants are genuinely interested in pursuing migration, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the visa application process.

This legislative development heralds the introduction of the Subclass 192 Pacific Engagement Visa, which incorporates a novel ballot system for visa applications. This initiative aims to bolster Pacific permanent migration, emphasizing Australia's commitment to deepening its engagement with Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste. Scheduled to take effect on March 29, 2024, this strategy aims to maintain a balance between making the visa application process accessible and preserving the integrity of the system, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the annual visa program targets.

This approach reflects Australia's progressive stance on immigration, highlighting the significance of authentic engagement and providing equitable opportunities for all applicants. It signifies a step towards strengthening relationships and fostering multicultural exchanges within the Pacific region and beyond.

Source: Migration-Visa-Pre-application-Process-Charge-Regulations-2024.pdf and

Migration-Visa-Pre-application-Process-Charge-Regulations-2024-Explanatory-Statement.pdf