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Migration Amendment (Subclass 500 Visas) Regulations 2024

The Migration Amendment (Subclass 500 Visas) Regulations 2024 (the Amendment Regulations) amend the Migration Regulations 1994 to focus on the requirement that a Subclass 500 (Student) applicant must intend to genuinely enter and stay in Australia as a student, by removing the requirement that Student visa applicants intend to genuinely stay in Australia temporarily. The Subclass 500 visa allows international students (and members of their family unit) to enter, study and work in Australia for the duration of the primary visa holder’s studies. Previously, in order for a Subclass 500 visa to be granted, an applicant needed to satisfy the genuine temporary entrant requirement that is the applicant intend to genuinely stay in Australia temporarily, which was a way of assessing that the applicant is a genuine student. However, the requirement caused confusion and possibly deterred future migration to Australia, as many international students plan to apply for permanent residency after finishing their studies. The Subclass 500 visa can be a genuine route to permanent residency, as the skills gained from studying can help fill skill shortages in Australia. The amendment aims to enhance the evaluation of a student’s genuine intention to study in Australia and better detect any non-genuine international students entering Australia for reasons other than study. With the amendment, the genuine student criterion enables the decision-maker to assess whether the visa applicant genuinely intends to enter and stay in Australia as a student, taking into account various factors such as the applicant’s situation, immigration history, adherence to visa conditions, and any other relevant factors. The Instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 18 March 2024 and commenced on 23 March 2024. It is currently in force. To access the instrument, click here.
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End of the two-year extension of post-study work rights for international graduates (subclass 485)

From mid-2024 international higher education graduates will no longer be able to apply for the two-year extension of their post study work rights on their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). From 1 July 2023, the extended post-study work rights for additional two years were conferred on international graduates with degrees in select areas of verified skill shortage, on their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Those extended post-study work rights will no longer be available to such graduates from mid-2024.
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New Visa Condition 8208

The Migration Regulations has been amended to insert new visa condition 8208 which applies to Subclass 500 visas to safeguard against the risk of unwanted transfer of Australia’s critical technology in certain temporary and permanent visa programs. The following instruments will activate the provisions of visa condition 8208: Migration (Designated Migration Law—Visa Condition 8208) Determination (LIN 24/009) 2024 determines condition 8208 of Schedule 8 to the Regulations to be part of the designated migration law for the purposes of section 495A of the Act. Condition 8208 requires student visa holders to obtain the approval of the Minister to undertake critical technology related study in a postgraduate research course. The Minister’s decision regarding granting such approval would follow an assessment of the risk of an unwanted transfer of critical technology by the visa holder. The purpose of this Instrument is to allow the Minister to use computerised programs for decision-making in certain circumstances. The instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 19 February 2024 and will commence on the 1 April 2024. To access the instrument, click here. Migration (Critical Technology -Kinds of Technology) Specification (LIN 24/010) 2024 specifies seven kinds of technology included in the definition of critical technology in regulation 1.03 of the Migration Regulations namely: Advanced manufacturing and materials technology Artificial intelligence technology Advanced information and communication technology Biotechnology Clean energy generation and storage technology Quantum technology Autonomous systems, robotics, positioning, timing, and sensing technology. This instrument commences on 1 April 2024 and applies: In relation to any application for a visa made on or after 1 April 2024, including in relation to public interest criterion 4003B in Schedule 4 to the Regulations•in relation to conduct covered by condition 8208 where the visa holder first undertakes critical technology related study on or after 1 April 2024. On or after 1 April 2024 for the purposes of regulation 2.43 and subclause 10802(2) of Schedule 13 to the Regulations, in relation to any visa granted before, on or after 1 April 2024. To access the instrument, click here.
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Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot

Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot is a new temporary visa pathway for UK Citizens under the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) with two streams. There are two streams under IECSEP which includes: The Early Careers stream offers stays in Australia for up to one year for tertiary-qualified applicants aged 21-45, who have already worked for a minimum three months in an organisation. This stream requires that the applicant’s prospective employment in Australia must be relevant to the applicant’s field of work in their current role. Also, the applicants must have prospective employment in Australia in an occupation defined at the ANZSCO1 Skill Levels 1, 2 or 3. The Innovation stream offers stay in Australia for up to three years for highly experienced and highly skilled applicants who have a demonstrated contribution to innovation and have prospective employment in Australia in an occupation defined at the ANZSCO Skill Level 1. There is no age limit for applying for the Innovation stream. IECSEP applications can only be submitted online when an application round is open through the IECSEP online application portal, which is accessed via the DFAT website. IECSEP applications and visa applications are separate processes. IECSEP applicants must submit their letter of support issued by DFAT as part of visa applications to the Department of Home Affairs when applying for a Temporary Work (International Relations) subclass 403 visa Government Agreement stream visa. It must be noted that applying for IECSEP is free of charge but there are charges for the visa application. A total of 1000 places are available across both streams from 8 June 2023 to 7 June 2024, with a further 2000 places available from 8 June 2024 to 7 June 2025. To know more click here.
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Migration Legislation Amendment (Specified Work and Areas for Subclass 417 and 462 Visas) Instrument (LIN 24/020) 2024

Migration Legislation Amendment (Specified Work and Areas for Subclass 417 and 462 Visas) Instrument (LIN 24/020) 2024 dated 1 February 2024 amend the areas of Australia and the kinds of work specified in LIN 22/012 and LIN 22/013 for the definitions of specified Subclass 417 and Subclass 462 work. The instrument extends ‘specified subclass 417 and subclass 462 work’ beyond flood and bushfire recovery to include other forms of natural disasters such as cyclones or storm surges. The instrument replaces the current specified flood recovery work provisions outlined in LIN 22/012 and LIN 22/013 by including recovery works undertaken in areas affected by floods, cyclones, and other severe weather conditions. Additionally, it modifies the associated regions in Australia listed in LIN 22/012 and LIN 22/013, by expanding the coverage to include areas impacted by bushfires, floods, cyclones, or other extreme weather events where recovery work can be carried out. The instrument specifies recovery work in relation to flood, cyclone or other severe weather, and the areas of Australia in which that work must be carried out for both specified Subclass 417 work and specified Subclass 462 work. It specifies work carried out after 31 December 2021 in an area affected by flood, cyclone or other severe weather, including: clean-up, construction or any other work in association with restitution or restoration of services, land, waterways, property or infrastructure; and work providing support services or assistance to people living, working or volunteering in the area affected by flood, cyclone or other weather. These changes acknowledge the significant contribution of working holiday makers in aiding regions following natural disasters, as well as their valuable assistance to businesses and communities in expedited recovery. The instrument applies to applications for a subclass 462 and subclass 417 visa that are made, but not finally determined before 2 Feb 2024 and made on or after 2 Feb 2024. The instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 1 February 2024 and commenced on 2nd February 2024. It is currently in force. To access the instrument, click here.
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Migration (COVID-19 Pandemic event for Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa) Repeal Instrument (LIN 24/003) 2024

Migration (COVID-19 Pandemic event for Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa) Repeal Instrument (LIN 24/003) 2024 dated 23 January 2024 repeals Migration (COVID-19 Pandemic event for Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa) Instrument (LIN 22/046) 2022. For the grant of a Subclass 408 visa, the applicant must satisfy the primary criteria that the applicant must be a person to whom a clause in subdivision 408.2 of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations applies. Clause 408.229 will apply to an applicant if that applicant seeks to enter or remain in Australia to undertake work directly associated with the AGEE, specified in a legislative instrument made by the Minister and the applicant is in a class of persons specified in the instrument in relation to the event. LIN 22/046 specified the event known as the ‘COVID-19 pandemic’ as an ‘Australian Government endorsed event’ (AGEE) and classes of persons for the purposes of Subclass 408 visa. Migration (COVID-19 Pandemic event for Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa) Repeal Instrument (LIN 24/003) 2024 repeals (LIN 22/046) Therefore, from 1 February 2024, COVID-19 pandemic will no longer be a specified event for the purposes of sc408 visa. The instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislations on 24 January 2024 and commenced on 1 February 2024. To access the instrument, click here.
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Reuniting Families in Australia: How We Navigate Visitor Visas for Special Moments

Bringing Loved Ones Together for Life’s Precious Events As the Director of the Migration Centre of Australia (MCA) and a Registered Migration Agent, I have the privilege of facilitating countless reunions on Australian soil. Today, I’m thrilled to share a heartwarming story that not only highlights our expertise in skilled and family visas but also underscores the profound impact of successful immigration on family life. The Challenge: Bringing Family to Australia for a Birth In early 2022, we assisted a visa applicant with their Subclass 820 partner visa. Amidst their journey to permanent residency, our client shared joyous news – they were expecting a child! They wished to have their family from India present for this monumental occasion. The complexity? The family members included the applicant’s uncle and the Australian sponsor’s mother, father, and sister – each with unique circumstances under immigration law. Our Strategy: Tailored Solutions for Each Family Member Recognizing the emotional significance of this event, we meticulously prepared individual applications for each family member. The sponsor’s parents were eligible for up to a 3-year visa as parents of an Australian citizen. However, the real challenge lay in securing the same duration for the visa applicant’s uncle and the sponsor’s 24-year-old sister, a full-time student and unemployed, without the need for a health examination. Efficient Processing Times & Successful Grants The processing times for these applications were notably efficient: 20 days for the mother, 20 days for the father, just one day for the sister, and four days for the uncle. Each family member was granted a long-term, multiple-entry Visitor (subclass 600) visa, valid for three years. A Testament to Our Expertise Our submissions focused on the significance of family support during the birth of a child and the strong ties each family member had to their home country, ensuring their return. Our arguments were compelling and personalized, reflecting a deep understanding of the intricacies of immigration policy. Why This Matters This case exemplifies our commitment to reuniting families and our expertise in handling complex visa scenarios. Our approach is always holistic, empathetic, and meticulously tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. At MCA, we don’t just process applications; we bring families together for life’s most precious moments. Whether you’re navigating skilled migration, seeking family reunion, or facing unique immigration challenges, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Connect with Us For more insights and assistance in your immigration journey to Australia, follow us here and visit our website (www.migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au). Let’s make your Australian dream a reality, together.
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The Importance of Relationship Status in Visa Applications: A Crucial Factor to Consider

Greetings to all our readers from the Migration Centre of Australia! Navigating the intricacies of visa applications can sometimes be a maze, especially when personal circumstances change after lodging an application. A common and often overlooked area of concern is the change in relationship status. Relationship Status: More than just a personal detail When applying for a visa, many applicants might not realize the significance of their relationship status. It is not just a mere personal detail but a vital component that can influence the points one claims, particularly in visas like the General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa, which includes the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491). What happens if your relationship status changes after visa lodgement? If, after lodging your visa application under the GSM category, you enter into a de facto relationship or get married and you’ve claimed points for being single, this could result in a drastic turn of events. The Department of Home Affairs considers such changes seriously. Why? Because claiming points for being single when that no longer holds true at the time of decision (for claim on points for being single) is seen as providing incorrect information. This could potentially result in the refusal of your visa application. Implications of not updating your status It’s essential to be transparent and notify the Department if there’s any change in your circumstances, including relationship status. Failure to do so can: Lead to the refusal of your visa application. Impact future visa applications due to a history of providing incorrect information. Stay Informed, Stay Ahead As visa application specialists, we at Migration Centre of Australia always emphasize the importance of staying updated and informed. Remember, while personal circumstances can change, it’s crucial to ensure that the details in your visa application reflect your current situation accurately. In doubt? Always seek professional advice. We’re here to guide and assist you in making the best decisions for your migration journey. Note: The information provided in this blog is based on general guidelines. Individual circumstances can vary, and it’s always recommended to consult with a migration expert for specific cases.
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Migration Amendment (Transitioning TPV/SHEV Holders to Resolution of Status Visas) Regulations 2023

Migration Amendment (Transitioning TPV/SHEV Holders to Resolution of Status Visas) Regulations 2023, dated 9 February 2023 amend the Migration Regulations 1994 to amend criteria for making a valid application for the Subclass 851 Resolution of Status visa (RoS) by certain persons who hold or have held a Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection) visa TPV or a 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise) visa SHEV, as well as certain children born in Australia to those persons. The instrument facilitates the transition to permanent residence of persons who arrived in Australia before the commencement date (TPV/SHEV transition day) and who applied for or obtained temporary protection in Australia through a Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection) visa or a Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise) visa. The instrument makes the following amendments: Item 1 This item inserts the definition of TPV/SHEV transition day in regulation 1.03 of the Migration Regulations as the day that Schedule 1 to the Migration Amendment (Transitioning TPV/SHEV Holders to Resolution of Status Visas) Regulations 2023 commences (14 February 2023). Item 2 It inserts regulation 2.08G which convert certain applications for Subclass 785 visas (TPV) and Subclass 790 visas (SHEV) into applications for a permanent visa, Subclass 851 (Resolution of Status) visa. The cohort of people for whom the visas are converted and the time when the visas are converted are mentioned in the table within the instrument: Table item 1 It includes the applications by applicants who hold a TPV or a SHEV on the TPV/SHEV transition day (14 February 2023) and who have made a further application for a TPV or SHEV which is pending before Minister on the TPV/SHEV transition day. Table item 2 It includes the applications by applicants who hold a TPV or a SHEV on the TPV/SHEV transition day (14 February 2023) and who have made a further application for a TPV or SHEV which had been refused by the Minister before the TPV/SHEV transition day. In this case, the application is only converted to a RoS application if the applicant is successful in a challenge to the refusal decision at merits review or judicial review and the application is remitted to the Minister after the order of the tribunal or court on or after the TPV/SHEV transition day. Table item 3 It deals with the applicant who does not hold or have held TPV or SHEV which means they are first time applicants for the TPV or SHEV, in cases where the Minister has not made a decision on the application before the TPV/SHEV transition day (14 February 2023). The applications will be converted to RoS applications if the Minister makes a record that the applicant satisfies the criteria for the grant of the Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection) visa; or Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise) visa. Table item 4 It covers the applications by applicants who are first time applicants for the TPV or SHEV, in cases where the Minister decided to refuse to grant the visa before the TPV/SHEV transition day. In this case, the application is only converted to a RoS application if the applicant is successful in a challenge to the refusal decision at merits review or judicial review and the application is remitted to the Minister after the order of the tribunal or court on or after the TPV/SHEV transition day and the Minister makes a record that the applicant satisfies the criteria for the grant of the Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection) visa; or Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise) visa. Item 3 This item amends the application validity requirement for the RoS visa as set out in item 1127AA of Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations, imposed pursuant to section 46 (authorising criteria and requirements to make a valid application for a visa) of the Migration Act. The following applicants can make an application for the RoS visa: Table item 4 It covers the applicants who hold a TPV or a SHEV and first entered Australia before the TPV/SHEV transition day (14 February 2023) and the applicant has not made another valid application for a TPV or a SHEV that has not been finally determined. Table Item 5 It deals with applicants who did not hold a TPV or SHEV on the TPV/SHEV transition day (14 February 2023) and at any time before the TPV/SHEV transition day, the applicant held a TPV or SHEV and the TPV or SHEV most recently held by the applicant was not cancelled and no subsequent application for a TPV or SHEV has been refused and finally determined. Table Item 6 It covers applicants who are children born in Australia to persons covered by table items 4 and 5 provided that at the time of application for a RoS visa, the applicant has not made a valid application for a TPV or a SHEV that has not been finally determined. Table Item 7 It deals with applicants who are children born in Australia to persons who hold RoS visas granted on the basis of an application taken to have been made under new regulation 2.08G, provided that at the time of application for a RoS visa, the applicant has not made a valid application for a TPV or a SHEV that has not been finally determined. The VAC for all these applicants is nil. Items 5 and 7 Items 5 & 7 inserts new paragraphs 1403(3)(ba) and 1404(3)(ba) in Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations which specifies that a valid application for a TPV or SHEV can only be made by a person who first entered Australia on or after the TPV/SHEV transition day, or who entered before that day and, as at the TPV/SHEV transition day, had not made a TPV or SHEV application, or had made an application that had been finally determined and was not subject to any ongoing judicial review. This amendment is consistent with the policy of transitioning all eligible persons to permanent residence via the RoS visa if they arrived before the TPV/SHEV transition day. Item 9 & 11 Item 9
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Migration Amendment (Transitioning TPV/SHEV Holders to Resolution of Status Visas) Regulations 2023

Migration Amendment (Transitioning TPV/SHEV Holders to Resolution of Status Visas) Regulations 2023, dated 9 February 2023 amend the Migration Regulations 1994 to amend criteria for making a valid application for the Subclass 851 Resolution of Status visa (RoS) by certain persons who hold or have held a Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection) visa TPV or a 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise) visa SHEV, as well as certain children born in Australia to those persons. The instrument facilitates the transition to permanent residence of persons who arrived in Australia before the commencement date (TPV/SHEV transition day) and who applied for or obtained temporary protection in Australia through a Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection) visa or a Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise) visa. The instrument makes the following amendments: Item 1 This item inserts the definition of TPV/SHEV transition day in regulation 1.03 of the Migration Regulations as the day that Schedule 1 to the Migration Amendment (Transitioning TPV/SHEV Holders to Resolution of Status Visas) Regulations 2023 commences (14 February 2023). Item 2 It inserts regulation 2.08G which convert certain applications for Subclass 785 visas (TPV) and Subclass 790 visas (SHEV) into applications for a permanent visa, Subclass 851 (Resolution of Status) visa. The cohort of people for whom the visas are converted and the time when the visas are converted are mentioned in the table within the instrument: Table item 1 It includes the applications by applicants who hold a TPV or a SHEV on the TPV/SHEV transition day (14 February 2023) and who have made a further application for a TPV or SHEV which is pending before Minister on the TPV/SHEV transition day. Table item 2 It includes the applications by applicants who hold a TPV or a SHEV on the TPV/SHEV transition day (14 February 2023) and who have made a further application for a TPV or SHEV which had been refused by the Minister before the TPV/SHEV transition day. In this case, the application is only converted to a RoS application if the applicant is successful in a challenge to the refusal decision at merits review or judicial review and the application is remitted to the Minister after the order of the tribunal or court on or after the TPV/SHEV transition day. Table item 3 It deals with the applicant who does not hold or have held TPV or SHEV which means they are first time applicants for the TPV or SHEV, in cases where the Minister has not made a decision on the application before the TPV/SHEV transition day (14 February 2023). The applications will be converted to RoS applications if the Minister makes a record that the applicant satisfies the criteria for the grant of the Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection) visa; or Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise) visa. Table item 4 It covers the applications by applicants who are first time applicants for the TPV or SHEV, in cases where the Minister decided to refuse to grant the visa before the TPV/SHEV transition day. In this case, the application is only converted to a RoS application if the applicant is successful in a challenge to the refusal decision at merits review or judicial review and the application is remitted to the Minister after the order of the tribunal or court on or after the TPV/SHEV transition day and the Minister makes a record that the applicant satisfies the criteria for the grant of the Subclass 785 (Temporary Protection) visa; or Subclass 790 (Safe Haven Enterprise) visa. Item 3 This item amends the application validity requirement for the RoS visa as set out in item 1127AA of Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations, imposed pursuant to section 46 (authorising criteria and requirements to make a valid application for a visa) of the Migration Act. The following applicants can make an application for the RoS visa: Table item 4 It covers the applicants who hold a TPV or a SHEV and first entered Australia before the TPV/SHEV transition day (14 February 2023) and the applicant has not made another valid application for a TPV or a SHEV that has not been finally determined. Table Item 5 It deals with applicants who did not hold a TPV or SHEV on the TPV/SHEV transition day (14 February 2023) and at any time before the TPV/SHEV transition day, the applicant held a TPV or SHEV and the TPV or SHEV most recently held by the applicant was not cancelled and no subsequent application for a TPV or SHEV has been refused and finally determined. Table Item 6 It covers applicants who are children born in Australia to persons covered by table items 4 and 5 provided that at the time of application for a RoS visa, the applicant has not made a valid application for a TPV or a SHEV that has not been finally determined. Table Item 7 It deals with applicants who are children born in Australia to persons who hold RoS visas granted on the basis of an application taken to have been made under new regulation 2.08G, provided that at the time of application for a RoS visa, the applicant has not made a valid application for a TPV or a SHEV that has not been finally determined. The VAC for all these applicants is nil. Items 5 and 7 Items 5 & 7 inserts new paragraphs 1403(3)(ba) and 1404(3)(ba) in Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations which specifies that a valid application for a TPV or SHEV can only be made by a person who first entered Australia on or after the TPV/SHEV transition day, or who entered before that day and, as at the TPV/SHEV transition day, had not made a TPV or SHEV application, or had made an application that had been finally determined and was not subject to any ongoing judicial review. This amendment is consistent with the policy of transitioning all eligible persons to permanent residence via the RoS visa if they arrived before the TPV/SHEV transition day. Item 9 & 11 Item 9
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