New arrangements Work & Holiday (sub 462)
"The purpose of the instrument is to update the following requirements in relation to applications for Work and Holiday (Temporary) (Class US) visas (Class US visas): the list of countries where an applicant is exempt from providing evidence of home government support; the education requirements for applicants from various countries; and the place and manner for making an application".
Nil VAC for certain visitor visa applicants
"The purpose of the instrument is to specify that certain former Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa (Subclass 600 visa) holders can apply for a new Subclass 600 visa with a nil visa application charge (VAC) where their travel to or stay in Australia (or both) has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic"
Assisting visa applicants & holders affected by covid-19
This instrument makes various amendments to the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth), including to assist certain visa applicants and holders adversely affected by covid-19
A Bill that suspends where applicants must be at TOD
On 15 Feb 2020, the Labour Party introduced a Bill in the House of Reps that seeks to suspend the requirements under the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth) that some visa applicants be in Australia or overseas at the time of decision for applications decided within a certain time period
New instrument on regional areas
The instrument specifies: a part of Australia to be a designated city or major regional centre for the purposes of reg 1.15M(1) of the Regulations; a part of Australia to be a regional centre or other regional area for the purposes of reg 1.15M(2); a part of Australia as regional Australia for the purposes of reg 5.19(16); an area for the purposes of cl 892.213(3)(b) of Schedule 2; an area for the purposes of cl 888.226(2)(c)(i) of Schedule 2. It also provides access to a second Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa in the Post-Study Work stream in certain circumstances.
No VAC for sub 408: additional class of persons
The new instrument specifies "an additional class of persons, who are eligible to apply for a Subclass 408 visa in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a nil VAC"
Sub 485: amendment to LIN 20/162
The instrument amends LIN 20/262 to ...
The new Migration (Arrangements for Certain Skilled and Temporary Graduate Visa Applications) Amendment Instrument (LIN 20/297) 2020 commences...
New person able to receive pledge of commitment
The new instrument adds a person to the list of persons who are able to receive the Pledge of Commitment for Australian citizenship
Encouraging study in regional Australia
"The purpose of the Regulations is to encourage international students to study in regional Australia on a student visa and to continue living in regional Australia on a temporary graduate visa. In particular, the amendments..."
Places & currencies for paying of fees
"The purpose of the instrument is to undertake a biannual update of the places where payment of a fee may be made and the corresponding currencies that must be used for payment of a fee in that place"