New ministerial directions for processing skilled and student visas; Recognised Graduate visa caps before ceasing?

New ministerial directions for processing skilled and student visas; Recognised Graduate visa caps before ceasing?

A ministerial direction for skilled visas prioritising regional areas and a ministerial direction for student visas prioritising offshore applications came into effect recently. The number of 476 visas to be granted this financial year will be 3,735 and this may be the last time this visa will be available.

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Temporary visa refusal rates double in two years, 18 per cent of student visas refused this year; bridging visa holders halved

Temporary visa refusal rates double in two years, 18 per cent of student visas refused this year; bridging visa holders halved

A revised eleventh edition of The Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs paper was released at the end of last week which reveals a jump in temporary visa refusal rates led by visitor and student visa refusals. Student visa refusal rates are 18 per cent for this year.

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2022-23 Budget v2.0: Student visa full work rights continue; temporary visa health assessments relaxed for onshore applicants

2022-23 Budget v2.0: Student visa full work rights continue; temporary visa health assessments relaxed for onshore applicants

The Federal Budget handed down last night came with few shocks as much was already announced. Of note is the extension of full work rights for student visa holders until at least 30 June 2023. From last week, some temporary visa applicants in Australia will not be required to undertake visa medicals.

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Australia’s borders reopen to fully vaccinated visitors from 21 February 2022

Australia’s borders reopen to fully vaccinated visitors from 21 February 2022

After almost two years Australia’s international borders will open for all visitors provided they are fully vaccinated from 21 February 2022. The unvaccinated will still be able to enter Australia but must be approved a travel exemption prior.

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