The latest news on Australian immigration, including changes to regulations, government policy announcements, and analysis of media releases affecting current and future applications.
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A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) asked for the number of Subclass 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visas cancelled under section 137Q of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). This section allows Home Affairs to cancel 187 visas post-grant. The statistics were surprising.
Read MoreMore reforms to Subclass 417 - Working Holiday visas and Subclass 462 - Work and Holiday visas, including a third-year visa from 1 July 2019, lifting annual caps and increasing the number of regions deemed as regional, all in the name of attracting more agricultural workers to fill labour shortages.
Read MoreUpcoming change to labour market testing (LMT) exemptions for Subclass 457 – Temporary Work (Skilled) and Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage visas are due to come into effect on 30 December 2018. This will add signatory nations of the TPP-11 who have also ratified the agreement to the list of countries exempt under international trade obligations.
Also, the character test is set to toughen (pending the passage of legislation). The new provisions will add a category of designated offences to the definition of what is a substantial criminal record. If passed, visa refusals and cancellations based on character will most likely increase.
Read MoreWith a hint of surprise, Ireland will join Canada as being the first two countries to have their age limit increase from 30 to 35 years of age for Subclass 417 - Working Holiday visas.
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