Australian Immigration Daily News

1. New Arrangements for Working Holiday Visas

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that From 1 July 2019, WHM visa holders who carry out 6 months of specified work in regional areas while on their second Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa or Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa may be eligible to apply for a third visa. Eligible types of work and regional areas will correspond with the requirements for the second visa. 

The 6 months work must all be carried out on or after 1 July 2019, so a successful application cannot be lodged before January 2020. 

2. Immi account outage

A scheduled immi account outage will take place between 4am to 8am on Wednesday 17th April 2019.  Immi account outage appears to be aligned with the new sponsorship framework relating to family streamed visas.

In addition, the following services will not be available:

• ImmiAccount
• eLodgement (Online visa and citizenship applications)
• My Health Declarations (MHD) service
• eMedical
• Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO)
• LEGENDcom
• Australian Trusted Trader
• Employment Suitability Clearances
• Detention Visitor Application
• APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
• Humanitarian Entrants Management System (HEMS)
• Adult Migrant English Program Reporting and Management System (ARMS)
• Education Provider Report (eBIT)
• Visa Pricing Estimator
• Departmental websites

3. Telephone Trial Extended

The following statement has been issued by OMARA

Changes to OMARA telephone services

We refer to our earlier email of 28 December 2018 announcing a three-month trial reducing the contact hours for the OMARA telephone enquiry service. During this trial, the OMARA general enquiry line (1300 226 272) and the OMARA registered agents enquiry line (1300 660 026) operated from 9am to 12:30pm Sydney time on New South Wales business days. 

Following feedback received, we will be extending the trial for a further 3 month period commencing Monday 15 April 2019. The new telephone hours will operate from 10.00am to 1.00pm Sydney time on New South Wales business days to better accommodate the different time zones in operation within Australia. 

The service window will enable the OMARA to continue to provide telephone assistance to registered migration agents and clients, and allow for the diversion of resources as necessary.

We encourage you to use the “Contact Us” enquiry form on the OMARA website whenever possible, and to lodge repeat registration applications on time and in advance of your registration expiry date.

We will evaluate the outcome of the trial at its conclusion and will advise all agents on whether the telephone enquiry service will continue to operate on these reduced hours.

4. Government of Victoria to deliver grants to small businesses

The following information has been published on Victorian Government’s website:

Helping passionate, innovative small businesses realise their dreams and reach new markets is the primary aim of the small business grants program.

The program provides financial assistance to support market-ready products and services that enhance the City of Melbourne’s reputation for innovation and creativity, and contribute to a thriving, sustainable business culture.

There are two rounds for grant funding in 2019:

• Round one now open. Closes Tuesday 30 April 2019 
• Round two opens Monday 5 August 2019 and closes Monday 9 September 2019.

For further information, visit: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/news-events/news/2019/small-business-grants