“Green card" lottery-style Pacific Engagement Visa commencing July 2023

“Green card" lottery-style Pacific Engagement Visa commencing July 2023

A US green card lottery-style system will roll out in July 2023 along with a new and permanent Pacific Engagement Visa. New legislation was introduced yesterday to create the “ballot” system, which reveals that the program may be more of a lottery in that registrants may need to pay to play.

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Student visas: unlimited work rights to end 30 June 2023; migration system under review

Student visas: unlimited work rights to end 30 June 2023; migration system under review

The relaxation of work restrictions for student visa holders will be ending on 30 June 2023, with working holiday makers set to end even earlier on 31 December 2022. The migration system will be undergoing a review, concentrating primarily on skilled visas.

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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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186 visas: Age cap lifts for legacy 457 visa holders from 1 July 2022; further 482 visa applications in the Short-term stream

186 visas: Age cap lifts for legacy 457 visa holders from 1 July 2022; further 482 visa applications in the Short-term stream

The age cap for a 186 visa under the Temporary Residence Transition stream will not apply to some current or former 457 visa holders who were in Australia for at least 12 months during the pandemic from 1 July 2022. Also from this date, 482 visa holders in the Short-term who held this visa and were in Australia during the pandemic will be allowed to validly lodge a further application in Australia.

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