Legislation Updates

Migration Legislation Tracker

A single source about the status of pieces of legislation, Bills, commencement dates, disallowances, etc

Student visas: English tests & evidence exemptions

The new instrument amends "the definition of eligible pathway program and to specify by way of a Schedule, the list of registered courses that are an eligible pathway program"

Circumstances where BVR granted without application

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"

Case Law Updates

Does para 8.1.1(1)(b)(iii) apply if visa cancelled because of s 501(6)(a)?

Federal Court. Can it be said that, as the visa was cancelled on the basis that the applicant failed the character test arising from the application of the objective standard that he has “a substantial criminal record” in s 501(6)(a), "the subjective standard referred to in paragraph 8.1.1(1)(b)(iii) does not and cannot apply"? Is what was said in an earlier judgment involving the same applicant and Minister "material" before the Tribunal on which it could base its findings?

Lay witness acting as representative

Federal Court. Does the AAT Act "require the representative to be independent of the applicant or to provide objective advice or guidance to the applicant"? Can it be said that "to conduct a review that is fair, just and economical does not require the necessary preclusion of a person who is also a witness from acting as a representative provided that by a representative so acting, the applicant is not deprived of a fair opportunity to present his or her case"?

Meaning of “identity” in s 116(1AA)

Federal Court. Does the term "identity" in s 116(1AA) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) have a stable meaning, instead of "ambulatory so that it means something different depending on the type of visa in question, or the visa holder’s personal history"? The appellant's half-brother's visa would be automatically cancelled under s 140(1) if the appellant's visa was cancelled. Was there a denial of procedural fairness to the appellant, as he could have submitted a statement from his half-brother or asked the Tribunal to call him?

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