General Skilled Migration visa pass mark increased to 65 points from 1 July 2018

/
General Skilled Migration visa pass mark increased to 65 points from 1 July 2018

The pool and pass mark for all General Skilled Migration visas will increase from 60 to 65 points from 1 July 2018. This higher threshold, though, will not apply to any visa application which received an invitiation to apply before this date. This will not have any foreseeable effect on Subclass 189 - Independent visas or Subclass 489 - Skilled - Regional (Provisional) visas sponsored by an eleigible relative because no invitiation have been issued for 65 points in many months. It may, however, have serious repercussions to Subclass 190 - Nominated visas and Subclass 489 - Skilled - Regional (Provisional) visas nominated by a State or Territory as they are not subject to ranking.

Read More

Subclass 403 – Pacific Labour Scheme Stream to commence on 1 July 2018; Seasonal Worker Programme amendments

/
Subclass 403 – Pacific Labour Scheme Stream to commence on 1 July 2018; Seasonal Worker Programme amendments

A new Pacific Labour Scheme stream for the Subclass 403 – Temporary Work (International Relations) visa will be added on 1 July 2018, lead by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Other reforms to this visa will be multi-year multi-entry visas and visa conditions allowing visa holders to work for other employers in certain circumstances.

Read More

ImmiAccount down after 29 June; facial images required for TSS and ENS/RSMS visas from 1 July 2018

/
ImmiAccount down after 29 June; facial images required for TSS and ENS/RSMS visas from 1 July 2018

ImmiAccount will be down sometime after close of business Australian Eastern Standard Time on Friday for platform upgrades. One new feature will be for Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage visa, Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa, and Subclass 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa applicants to provide a biometric facial image as part of any application from 1 July 2018.

Read More

Visa application charges and fee increases from 1 July 2018

/
Visa application charges and fee increases from 1 July 2018

A new legislative instrument reveals changes to most visa application charges from 1 July 2018. While there appear to be no major fee hike, it is interesting to know there is legsilation that caps maximum possible visa application charges, but you will not find it anywhere in the Migration Act or Regulations.

Read More