English requirements for new Skills in Demand visa
The new instrument specifies the language test requirements for an applicant to the Specialist Skills stream and Core Skills stream of the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa
A Bill to create the Administrative Review Tribunal
The Bill "would establish a new, fit-for-purpose, federal administrative review body, to be named the Administrative Review Tribunal (the Tribunal), which will replace the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)"
New caveat for subclasses 482 and 186
The new instrument creates an additional caveat related to the hospitality, retail and services sector
Payment of VACs & fees in foreign currencies
"As a result of the bi-annual AC&FCER review, it was identified that there were very few transactions to support the continued specification of additional currencies and foreign currency exchange rates..."
Credit card surcharge for ballot registration
"This instrument will ensure that when an applicant registers to participate in the ballot and makes payment for registration in the ballot by credit card, the applicant will be liable to pay the credit card surcharge..."
BVE on the basis of AAT application?
Common mistake: "My DIY client's onshore substantive visa application was refused, after which they missed the AAT deadline, overstayed their BVA and have become unlawful. As that client wants to remain in Australia, I will make an AAT application on their behalf arguing that such an application is not late, based on DFQ17. That will then enable a BVE application on the basis of the pending AAT application". That is incorrect.
Class of persons who may receive a pledge of commitment
"The purpose of the instrument is to retrospectively authorise a class of persons to receive a pledge of commitment for 20 March 2022, namely ..."
Changes to the points test
A summary of the changes to the points test that will come into effect on 16 November 2019 for subclasses 189, 190 and 491.
Work & Holiday: 2 countries added and other changes
Subclass 462 - The new instrument commences on 1 July 2019 and its purpose is to: add 2 countries to the list of eligible countries; amend the lodgement requirements for citizens of 4 countries; and exempt citizens of 3 countries from providing evidence of government support.
Subs 186, 187 & 494: skill, age & English exemptions
"The instrument operates to specify exemptions in relation to age, skills, employment history or English language requirements for the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visa (Subclass 186), Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) visa (Subclass 187) and Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)) visa (Subclass 494)".