Premium

"The purpose of the instrument is to specify chemicals of security concern under subclauses 8551(2) and 8560(2) of Schedule 8 to the Migration Regulations, for the purposes of visa conditions 8551 and 8560"

The new instrument specifies the approved form and the place and manner in which applications must be lodged for the following visa subclasses: 189, 190, 485, 476, 489, 491 and 887.

"The purpose of the instrument is to clarify the types of former Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa (Subclass 600 visa) holders who can apply for a new Subclass 600 visa with a nil visa application charge (VAC) where their travel to Australia has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic"

The amendments expand the character test from a sentence-based approach to a test that also involves convictions, whether or not they are followed by sentences.

"The instrument determines controlled drugs and controlled precursors as prohibited things under paragraph 251A(2)(a) of the Migration Act. The instrument also determines the following things as prohibited things under paragraph 251A(2)(b) of the Migration Act..."

The purpose of the instrument is to specify the purpose of an investment in a managed fund for paragraph 5.19B(2)(c) of the Regulations for visa subclasses 188 and 888

The visa conditions for the new subclass 494 are completely different and much more strict compared to subclass 187. For instance, subclass 494 visa holders: will need to commence work within 90 days; will not be able to cease employment for more than 90 days; will need to notify Immigration of any change to their phone number or email address; etc. And the list of requirements goes on. Non-compliance might lead to visa cancellation.

"The purpose of the instrument is to specify circumstances under these provisions to allow refunds of the first instalment of visa application charge.  Refunds are being made available in respect of visa holders and former visa holders who have been impacted due to COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions introduced on 20 March 2020 and hold, or have held, the following visas"

"... the amendments provide concessions to exempt New Zealand citizens from the requirements to meet certain residence and income thresholds as well as the health criterion ..."

Among other changes, new English tests will be accepted for registration as a migration agent