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It is commonly said that the giving of immigration assistance by a person who is not an RMA makes that person liable for imprisonment, with exceptions. That is not an accurate statement. Unregistered assistance itself does not lead to imprisonment. What can lead to imprisonment is something else, as we explain.

The new regulations "clarify the circumstances in which the Minister may grant a Bridging R (Class WR) visa (BVR) without application to certain eligible non-citizens who may be unlawful non-citizens at the time of grant, or who already hold a visa other than a substantive visa, a criminal justice visa or an enforcement visa"

From 16 November 2019, there will be 3 geographical categories: Major Cities; Cities and major regional centres; and Regional centres and other regional areas. Major cities are Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Perth and the Gold Coast will no longer be classified as major cities. Those studying at regional universities will be eligible to access an additional year on a post-study work visa.

The new instrument increases the maximum age for certain applicants for a Subclass 417 visa from 30 to 35 years

The new regulations insert family violence provisions into Schedule 2 criteria for certain permanent visas and amends the Schedule 1 criteria for a primary applicant for certain visas

"The purpose of the instrument is to specify two AGEEs and the related class of persons for each event, for clause 408.229 of Schedule 2 to the Regulations. The events are the  ..."

"The instrument operates for the Minister to... specify the approved forms, place and manner for making a valid visa application for a visitor ... visa and specify ..."

The new instrument specifies the "English language test requirements that an applicant (or, if making a combined application with the applicant, the applicant’s spouse or de facto partner) may be required to satisfy for the grant of a Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) visa in the Pacific Engagement stream"

The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) came into force on 13 December 2020. As a result, a legislative instrument based on the PACER Plus exempting individuals from Labour Market Testing requirements has commenced on the same day.

A new direction about visa refusal and cancellation under s 501 and revocation of mandatory visa cancellation under s 501CA of the Migration Act 1958 heightens the importance to be attached to serious crimes against women