25 June 2018
2 min read
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Migration Amendment (Visa Application Charges) Regulations 2018
These regulations amend the Migration Regulations 1994 to make changes to visa application charges (VACs) for certain visas. In particular, the regulations increase first instalment VACs for a number of visas. On 1 July 2017, most VACs were indexed in accordance with the 2017-18 forecast consumer price index (CPI). The regulations increase the majority of VACs so that they are increased by the 2018-19 forecast CPI. In effect, this means that the relevant VACs are increased from their baseline 2016-17 amounts by the cumulative total of the 2017-18 and 2018-19 increases. It is intended that these indexation amendments will be made on an annual basis in the future (22 June 2018).
Migration Amendment (Pacific Labour Scheme) Regulations 2018
These regulations amend the Migration Regulations 1994 to implement initiatives promoting Australia’s international policy in relation to employment opportunities and pathways for Pacific Island Countries (PICs) by making changes to Subclass 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (‘Subclass 403’). They make these changes in order to introduce a new Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) stream; provide for applicants, subject to conditions, to be granted a multi-year, multi-entry visa in the Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) stream; and to strengthen integrity measures in the PLS and SWP streams by introducing a new condition that allows the visa holder, under limited circumstances, to change their sponsor. They also update the settings relating to when visas are in effect for all streams in the Subclass 403 to provide administrative flexibility for visa processing officers (VPOs), and greater certainty for visa holders in relation to their permitted period of stay in Australia (22 June 2018).
Migration (IMMI 18/102: Arrangements for Work and Holiday and Working Holiday Visa Applications) Instrument 2018
This instrument provides for mandatory online lodgement of visa applications, with exceptions, for the following applicants for a Work and Holiday (Temporary) (Class US) visa: applicants who are, or have previously been, in Australia as the holder of a Class US visa, and applicants from Argentina, Slovak Republic, Spain, United States of America and Uruguay. The instrument provides for mandatory online lodgement of visa applications, with exceptions, for all applicants for a Working Holiday (Temporary) (Class TZ) visa. The instrument also updates the address to which applications must be sent for applicants from the State of Israel (14 June 2018).
Contacts:
Brisbane
Rachel Drew, Partner
T: +61 7 3135 0617
E: rachel.drew@holdingredlich.com
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