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8 existing visa types are adversely affected by the new subclass 491 and 494 regional visas. If a subclass 491/494 visa is (or has been) held by a client, that client might not be eligible for any of those 8 existing visa types and might not even be eligible for a BVA. However, those 8 existing visas are not affected in the same way. As a result, it is not enough to understand Schedules 1 and 2 for the new visas. It is also necessary to understand how those new visas could affect each of those 8 existing visas types.

"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 new LIN 19/088 exempts Chilean applicants from need to provide evidence of government support and amends lodgement requirements for Malaysian applicants

The new instrument is made under paragraphs 5.36(1)(a) and (b), and 5.36(1A)(a) of the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth). "Paragraph 5.36(1)(a) of the Regulations states that the payment of a fee, other than a visa application charge mentioned in regulation 5.36(3A) of the Regulations must be made in a place, being Australia or a foreign country, that is specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument". Another instrument also published today amends the above new instrument.

The new Regulations make important changes to the conditions imposed on visa subclasses 600 (visitor) and 870 (parent) and to the eligibility for merits review for subclass 870 applicants. Some of the changes commence on 19 December 2019 and some on 29 February 2020.

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"

The new regulations enable a cohort of secondary applicants for Subclass 309 (Partner (Provisional)) and Subclass 100 (Partner) visas who no longer meet the age requirement for the visa, to be eligible for the grant of the visa

"The purpose of the instrument is to specify ... as the health service provider for the purposes of subregulation 1.15AA(2)" of the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth)

'International students will be able to apply for an additional year on a second post-study work visa if they complete a higher education or postgraduate qualification in a regional area, and live in a regional area while holding a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa'

'The instrument differs from the repealed instrument by clarifying that the form for applying for approval as a family sponsor, Form 1501, is an internet form; and by including a specification of the form and fee for making an application for variation of approval of terms as a parent sponsor'