Australian Immigration Daily News

The purpose of the instrument is to specify circumstances under these provisions to allow refunds of the first instalment of visa application charge. Refunds are being made available in respect of visa holders and former visa holders who have been impacted due to COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions introduced on 20 March 2020 and hold, or have held, the following visas:
- Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage (Temporary) visa (section 5 to the instrument);
- Subclass 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) visa in the Pacific Labour Scheme stream (PLS visas) (section 6);
- Subclass 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) visa in the Seasonal Worker Program stream (SWP visas) (section 7);
- Subclass 417 Working Holiday (Temporary) visa (section 8); and
- Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visa (section 9).

 Source: LIN21007.pdf

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A person may be eligible for the grant of a Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) visa (a Subclass 408 visa) where one of the primary criteria set out in Subdivision 408.2 of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations applies. One of the primary criteria is that the person seeks to enter or remain in Australia to work directly with an ‘Australian Government endorsed event’ (see clause 408.229). Such an event must be specified by legislative instrument, and an applicant for a Subclass 408 visa pursuant to this clause must be in a class of persons specified in that instrument in relation to the event (see paragraphs 408.229(b) and (c)).

The purpose of the instrument is to specify an Australian Government endorsed event and a class of persons in relation to that event for the purpose of clause 408.229 of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations.

Source: LIN21008.pdf

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

Former holders of a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa (Subclass 482 visa) or Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa (Subclass 457 visa) will be able to apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage (Class GK) visa (Class GK visa) with a nil visa application charge (VAC) where they are within the circumstances specified in the instrument.

The instrument follows changes to the Migration Regulations by the Migration Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2021 (the Amendment Regulations). The Amendment Regulations relevantly insert subparagraph 1240(2)(a)(iii) into Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations, providing that a nil VAC is payable where the visa applicant is in a class of persons specified in an instrument made by the Minister for that purpose under subregulation 2.07(5). The instrument specifies a class of persons for this purpose.

Source: LIN21006.pdf  

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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

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