1. Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa

Legislative Instrument – F2019L00887 – LIN 19/185: Arrangements for Family (Temporary) (Class GH) Visa) 2019 specifies the form, place and manner for applying for a Subclass 870 visa.

This Instrument specifies:

  • that the application must be made by internet application
  • internet Form 1502 as the approved form
  • the allowable time for lodging a valid onshore visa application as 60 days from time of sponsorship approval
  • the allowable time for lodging a valid visa application offshore as up to six months from the time of sponsorship approval or if the term of approval of the relevant parent sponsor has been varied, six months.

This Instrument commences on 1 July 2019.

     2.Bridging Visa applications – Temporary Sponsored Parent visa

Legislative instrument – F2019L00883 – LIN 19/186: Arrangements for Applications for Bridging Visas 2019, specifies the approved form, manner and place for applications for bridging visas.

This Instrument adds internet Form 1502 to the list of application forms for Bridging visas A, C and E, enabling Temporary Sponsored Parent visa applicants who can apply onshore, to remain lawfully in Australia while the visa is being decided.

No other changes are made to the Bridging visa application arrangements from the previous Instrument.

This Instrument repeals IMMI 18/100 and commences on 1 July 2019.

3. Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa

Legislative Instrument – F2019L00932 – Migration Amendment (Visa Application Charges) Regulations 2019 specifies the increased visa application charges for the majority of visas with the exception of the Subclass 600 Visitor visa.

The increases reflect the 2.25% CPI increase published in the 2019/20 Budget Paper No 1 AND the 5.4% increase announced in the Visa Application Charge – Uplift announced as part of the 2019/20 Federal Budget, rounded to the nearest $5.

These VAC increases take effect from 1 July 2019, except those for the new Skilled Regional visas which will come into effect with these new subclasses on 16 November 2019.

4. Working and Holiday Visas amendments

Legislative Instrument – F2019L00918 – LIN 19/184: Arrangements for Work and Holiday Visa Applications 2019, makes the following amendment to the previous Instrument:

  • adds Greeceand Ecuador to the list of countries whose citizens may be eligible to apply for this visa
  • amends lodgment requirements to Form 1208 (Internet) or paper application where approved in an authorising email for citizens of Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam
  • removes the requirement for citizens of Austria, Portugal and Spain to provide evidence of government support for the application
  • provides the educational qualifications required for applicants from specified foreign countries in Schedule 3

These changes will only apply to new applications made on or after 1 July 2019.

This Instrument repeals LIN 18/174 and commences on 1 July 2019.

   5. Working Holiday Visa amendments

Legislative Instrument – F2019L00903 – LIN 19/183: Arrangements for Working Holiday Visa Applications 2019 specifies eligible age for applicants for Subclass 417 visas.

This Instrument increases the eligible age for French nationals to 35 years old. Canadian and Irish nationals also have a maximum age limit of 35 years old.

The maximum age for citizens from all other eligible countries remains at 30 years old.

These changes will only apply to new applications made on or after 1 July 2019.

This Instrument repeals LIN 18/173 and commences on 1 July 2019.

Third year visa option for WHM Subclasses 417 and 462) commences

6. States and territories – announced changes

ACT migration new occupation list and guidelines come into effect on I July

Immigration SA will recommence processing of previously lodged Subclass 188 and 132 nominations from 1 July

Business and Skilled Migration Queensland will NOT reopen on 1 July, possibly reopening late July (see below)

Live in Melbourne new online visa nomination application system to be launched 15 July

7. Skills Assessing Authorities – announced changes

Certified Practising Accountantsskills assessment fees increase

National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters assessment fee increases, changes to application and recertification processes

Any enquiries please contact us at: enquiries@lhglobal.co

News Sources:

https://www.mia.org.au/membersresources/mia-notices/mia-notice-65—26-june-2016
https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/become-a-cpa/migration-assessment/australia/apply
https://www.naati.com.au/news-events/news-events-container/updates/application-changes-july-2019/