Australian Immigration Daily News

The document titled "Migration Visa Pre-Application Process Charge Amendment Work and Holiday Visa Regulations 2024 - Explanatory Statement" outlines amendments to the Migration (Visa Pre-application Process) Charge Regulations 2024. These amendments, issued under the authority of the Migration (Visa Pre-application Process) Charge Act 2023, specifically focus on the Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visa.

Key points include:

1. Charge Implementation: A charge of $25 is introduced for the registration of participants in a visa pre-application process (ballot) for the Subclass 462 visa. This charge is intended to ensure that only genuine applicants participate in the ballot, reducing the risk of disingenuous registrations that could undermine the process's integrity.

2. Legislative Framework: The Amendment Act and the Charge Act establish the legal framework for the visa pre-application process, which includes random selection (ballot) of registered participants eligible to apply for a visa.

3. Ballot Process: The ballot process is introduced to manage high demand for the Subclass 462 visa from specific countries. It ensures fair and equitable access to the visa program while maintaining alignment with the number of visas agreed upon in bilateral arrangements.

4. No Refunds or Exemptions: The $25 registration charge is non-refundable, and there are no provisions for remissions or exemptions. If the charge is not paid at the time of registration, the participant is not considered registered and is ineligible for selection.

5. Human Rights Consideration: The regulations are considered compatible with human rights, with the charge seen as reasonable, necessary, and proportionate to ensure the program's integrity.

The regulations come into effect on 16 September 2024, ensuring that all participants in the Subclass 462 visa ballot must adhere to the new registration charge requirements.

Source: Migration-Visa-Pre-Application-process-Charge-Amendment-Work-and-Holiday-Visa-Regulations-2024.pdf and 

Migration-Visa-Pre-Application-process-Charge-Amendment-Work-and-Holiday-Visa-Regulations-2024-Explanatory-Statemement.pdf