System Message:

Australian Immigration Daily News

Breaking Australian immigration news brought to you by Migration Alliance and associated bloggers. Please email help@migrationalliance.com.au

  • Home
    Home This is where you can find all the blog posts throughout the site.
  • Categories
    Categories Displays a list of categories from this blog.
  • Tags
    Tags Displays a list of tags that have been used in the blog.
  • Bloggers
    Bloggers Search for your favorite blogger from this site.
  • Team Blogs
    Team Blogs Find your favorite team blogs here.
  • Login
    Login Login form
Recent blog posts

Posted by on in General

The Migration (Class of Persons for Nil VAC for Subclass 600 (Visitor) Visa Applications—Pacific Australia Card Holders) Specification 2025 (LIN 25/007) was issued under subparagraph 1236(2)(a)(iv) of Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations 1994. The instrument, which commences on 22 March 2025, specifies that holders of a valid Pacific Australia Card (PAC) who apply for a Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa in either the Tourist stream or Business Visitor stream while outside Australia will have a nil first instalment of the Visa Application Charge (VAC).

Purpose and Implementation

  • The PAC is issued by the Australian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) to key leaders from Pacific Island Forum countries and territories, excluding New Zealand.
  • The initiative aligns with Australia's migration strategy, aiming to strengthen people-to-people ties in the Indo-Pacific and facilitate travel for Pacific leaders.
  • PAC holders applying for a Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa outside Australia will be exempt from paying the standard VAC ($195) unless applying in the course of representing a foreign government.

Consultation and Regulatory Compliance

  • Whole-of-government consultation was undertaken, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Department of Finance, and Department of Treasury.
  • The instrument supports the Government’s Migration Strategy (December 2023), which emphasizes deeper regional connections.
  • The Office of Impact Analysis (OIA) determined that a detailed regulatory impact analysis was not required.
  • The instrument is exempt from disallowance under section 42 of the Legislation Act 2003, as per section 10 of the Legislation (Exemptions and Other Matters) Regulation 2015.

Key Provisions

  • Eligibility Criteria (Section 5): To qualify for the nil VAC, the applicant must:
    1. Hold a valid Pacific Australia Card.
    2. Apply for a Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa in the Tourist stream or Business Visitor stream.
    3. Be outside Australia at the time of application.
  • Applicants who do not meet these conditions must pay the relevant VAC under subitem 1236(2) of Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations 1994.

This initiative underscores the Australian Government's commitment to regional engagement and economic cooperation, promoting seamless travel arrangements for key Pacific stakeholders.

Source: Migration-Class-of-persons-for-NIL-VAC-for-sc600-visitor-visa-applications---pacific-Australia-Card-holders-Specification-2025.pdf 

...
Continue reading Last modified on
Hits: 879 0 Comments
Rate this blog entry:
0

Posted by on in General

The Australian Government has established the visa caps for Contributory Parent, Parent, and Other Family visas for the 2024-2025 financial year under the Migration (Granting of Contributory Parent Visas, Parent Visas, and Other Family Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/018). The allocations are as follows:

  • 6,800 Contributory Parent visas, including 112 Subclass 143 visas under the Retiree Pathway
  • 1,700 Parent visas, including 13 Subclass 103 visas under the Retiree Pathway
  • 500 Other Family visas

These limits are set under section 85(1)(b) of the Migration Act 1958 to manage demand, which significantly exceeds available places. The Government has used an annual capping process since 2011 to ensure equitable and efficient processing of applications.

Applications that exceed the allocated cap for this financial year will be carried over to the next program year. Migration professionals should plan accordingly to manage client expectations regarding processing timelines and availability.

...
Continue reading Last modified on
Hits: 1748 0 Comments
Rate this blog entry:
0

Posted by on in General

The Migration Amendment (Substituted Subclass 600 Visa Exemptions) Regulations 2025 introduces changes to the Migration Regulations 1994, specifically impacting applicants for the Aged Parent (Subclass 804), Contributory Aged Parent (Subclass 864), and Contributory Aged Parent (Subclass 884) visas.

Key Amendments:

  1. Eligibility for Aged Parent Visas:

    • Applicants must either:
      • Be an aged parent (as defined in regulation 1.03 of the Migration Regulations), or
      • Hold a substituted Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa at the time of application.
    • This exemption ensures that individuals who have been granted a substituted Subclass 600 visa under ministerial intervention (sections 351, 501J, or repealed section 417 of the Migration Act 1958) can apply for an Aged Parent visa without needing to meet the “aged parent” requirement.
  2. Retrospective Application:

    ...
Continue reading Last modified on
Hits: 1367 1 Comment
Rate this blog entry:
0

Posted by on in General

New Treaty Stream Visa for Tuvalu Citizens – What You Need to Know

The Migration (Subclass 192 Pacific Engagement Visa Pre-application Process – Treaty Stream) Determination 2025 introduces a new migration pathway for Tuvaluan citizens, strengthening Australia’s regional partnerships. This initiative is part of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty, providing Tuvaluans with a special mobility pathway to live, work, and study in Australia.

Key Highlights:

Ballot System – A random selection process will determine who is eligible to apply.
280 Visa Places – Separate from the Pacific Engagement Visa’s 3,000 places.
Eligibility – Open to Tuvalu citizens with strong ancestral ties to Tuvalu.
No Work or Study Restrictions – Successful applicants can choose how much time they spend in Australia.
Indefinite Travel Facility – Allows free movement between Tuvalu and Australia.

This initiative reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting Tuvalu’s long-term sustainability while offering an equitable, fair, and structured migration program. The Department of Home Affairs continues to play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the process.

...
Continue reading Last modified on
Hits: 731 0 Comments
Rate this blog entry:
3

Posted by on in General

The Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) Visa – Pacific Engagement Stream) Instrument 2025 establishes the English language proficiency criteria for applicants under the Pacific Engagement stream of the Subclass 192 visa. This instrument replaces the 2024 version (LIN 24/023) and will take effect from 1 May 2025.

Key Provisions

  • Certain primary applicants and their spouse or de facto partner may be required to meet specific English language requirements as part of their visa application.
  • Applicants can demonstrate their proficiency through one of the five recognised English language tests:
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) (only tests taken before 25 July 2023)
    • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
    • Occupational English Test (OET)
  • Unlike other visa categories, minimum reading and writing test scores are not required, with the focus primarily on speaking and listening skills to support effective communication and community integration.
  • Applicants who do not meet the required English proficiency standards will have access to the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at no cost upon arrival in Australia.

Significance of the Instrument

The introduction of tailored English language requirements for the Pacific Engagement Visa ensures that visa holders are equipped with essential communication skills while maintaining accessibility and fairness. This approach reflects Australia’s commitment to a structured and inclusive migration program that promotes successful settlement and participation in Australian society.

The Department of Home Affairs continues to uphold robust migration integrity standards while fostering regional engagement and long-term social and economic benefits for migrants from Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste.

...
Continue reading Last modified on
Hits: 931 0 Comments
Rate this blog entry:
0
Joomla SEF URLs by Artio

Immigration blog

Bizcover Banner
Migration Amendment for UK Armed Forces Personnel
The Migration Amendment (Status of Forces Agreemen...
Continue Reading...
Cancellation of Registration for Migration Agent for 5 years
The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Au...
Continue Reading...