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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186TRT: Amending regulations registered, legacy 457 visa holder exemption survives; concession period ending

186TRT: Amending regulations registered, legacy 457 visa holder exemption survives; concession period ending

Some of the most important changes to Australia’s skilled migration policy will commence tomorrow, 25 November 2023, enabling all streams of 482 visa holders to meet work experience requirements for a 186 visa under the Temporary Residence Transition stream. The definition of concession period, used for exemptions due to the pandemic will end on 25 November 2023.

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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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