Visa and citizenship application fee increases, AAT application fee up 70% to $3000 on 1 July 2021

Visa and citizenship application fee increases, AAT application fee up 70% to $3000 on 1 July 2021

Changes to migration regulations for 1 July 2021 have been registered with the revision of business skills visas, and increases to visa application charges, citizenship and AAT application fees.

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Business skills: 132 visa closing 1 July 2021; Innovation visa to require at least $1.2 million net assets and $750,000 annual turnover; SIV shake-up coming?

Business skills: 132 visa closing 1 July 2021; Innovation visa to require at least $1.2 million net assets and $750,000 annual turnover; SIV shake-up coming?

Major changes to Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment program (BIIP) will see the Subclass 132 – Business Talent visa closed to new applicants, visa extensions streams grants reduced, and minimum thresholds for a 188 visa under the Business Innovation stream increase with net assets of at least $1.2 million and business annual turnover of at least $750,000 from 1 July 2021.

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2020-21 Budget: Planning levels remain at 160,000; Partner visa places up 82 per cent, sponsor framework and English language tests soon

2020-21 Budget: Planning levels remain at 160,000; Partner visa places up 82 per cent, sponsor framework and English language tests soon

The Federal Budget handed down last night came with a number of surprises to Australia’s permanent migration programs. Of note is the prioritisation of certain skilled visas and onshore applicants and a one-off boost to partner visa processing numbers. Partner visa applicants and some sponsors will need to meet English language requirements along with an increase in requirements to be a sponsor.

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188/888 visas: SIV in sight amid reports of rorting, potential increase from $5 million?

188/888 visas: SIV in sight amid reports of rorting, potential increase from $5 million?

A review of Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Program is ongoing, however, Significant Investor visas, which is a passive investment stream under the Subclass 188/888 – Business Innovation and Investment visa has come under fire with recent reports of integrity concerns and an alleged Ponzi scheme run through the current complying investment framework. The review suggests the $5 million minimum may be increased.

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