Australian Immigration Daily News

The "Migration (Credit Card Surcharge) Instrument (LIN 24/024) 2024" outlines the regulatory framework for applying credit card surcharges to specific immigration-related payments in Australia. This legislative instrument, issued by the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, repeals and replaces the previous regulation (IMMI 14/053) to include visa pre-application process fees as chargeable by credit card surcharge.

Key Aspects of the Instrument:

1. Purpose and Commencement: The instrument, effective the day after registration, specifies that a credit card surcharge will apply to fees and charges related to nomination applications, sponsorship applications, visa evidence, visa applications, and visa pre-application processes when paid by credit card.

   ...

The "Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) Visa) Instrument (LIN 24/023) 2024" provides a comprehensive overview of the English language test requirements for applicants of the Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) Visa, effective from the day after its registration.

Key Points of the Instrument:

1. Purpose: The instrument, under the authority of clause 192.214 of the Migration Regulations 1994, specifies English language test requirements for applicants or their spouses/de facto partners if making a combined application. This is integral to ensuring at least one applicant demonstrates sufficient English proficiency or potential to acquire it, enhancing their ability to engage effectively in the Australian community.

   ...

The "Migration (Subclass 192 Pacific Engagement) Visa Pre-application Process Determination (LIN 24/011) 2024" document outlines a new legislative framework aimed at streamlining the pre-application process for the Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) visa. Issued under the authority of the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, this instrument is effective the day after its registration and falls under the legislative purview of the Legislation Act 2003.

Purpose and Background: The purpose of this determination is to establish a random selection process by ballot for registered participants from Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste, who will then be eligible to apply for the Subclass 192 Visa, aimed at enabling permanent residence in Australia. This initiative is part of the Australian government's commitment to strengthen ties with Pacific nations and Timor-Leste and increase their nationals' access to permanent residency in Australia.

Key Features:

RMA, Karl Konrad contacted us today to let us know that a "Draft CSOL" (not to be confused with the Home Affairs' CSOL) was released on 20 March 2024, which RMAs should be aware of:

Jobs and Skills Australia welcomes feedback on the draft CSOL. The survey is open until Friday 10 May 2024, and submissions can be lodged until 5:00pm AEST on Friday 31 May 2024.

Stakeholders can provide information through any of the following options.

The document, "Migration (Class of Persons for Nil VAC – CCAMLR) Instrument (LIN 24/036) 2024," issued by the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, provides an explanatory statement for a legislative instrument that facilitates visa application processes for individuals involved with the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).

Key Points of the Instrument:

• Effective Date: The instrument took effect the day after its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation.
• Purpose: To exempt specified classes of persons from the visa application charge (VAC) when applying for visas to enter Australia for official business related to CCAMLR. This includes representatives of a Party, their family members, CCAMLR staff, experts, consultants, and observers.
• Visa Classes Covered: Subclass 400 (Temporary Work Short Stay Specialist), Subclass 600 (Visitor Visa for Business and Tourist streams), and Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity Visa).
• Background: The implementation aligns with the Headquarters Agreement between CCAMLR and the Australian Government and is intended to streamline visa processes for CCAMLR applicants, enhancing their access to Australia in support of their roles.
• Consultation: Input was received from various governmental bodies, including the Attorney-General’s Department, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Antarctic Division, which supported the policy.
• Regulatory Impact: The Office of Impact Analysis confirmed that no detailed impact analysis was necessary due to the minimal number of applications affected.

This instrument underscores Australia's commitment to supporting international cooperation in the conservation of Antarctic marine resources by simplifying legal and administrative procedures for those involved with CCAMLR.