Changes on 27th October 2008 to Skilled Graduate, Contributory Parent and Tourist visas
On the 27th October 2008, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will be announcing changes to the “485″ Skilled Graduate visa, the 2nd instalment of the application fee for Contributory Parent visas and the Tourist visa application lodged in Australia.
The 485 is a relatively new temporary visa, which can only be applied for once, and was created for overseas students who are unable to qualify for a General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa immediately after completing their course of study. It is for a maximum length of time of 18 months, it is not points tested, there are no work restrictions and the Skilled Graduate can apply for a Permanent, Provisional or Employers Sponsored visa at any time throughout the 18 months, once granted.
At time of application, the main applicant must:-
- be under 45 years of age
- have met the 2 years study requirements in the last 6 months
- have applied for a suitable assessment from the required assessing authority in either a 50 or 60 point occupation
- have evidence they have met the required English language threshold, or have booked to sit the English language test
- hold, or have held, an eligible student visa in the last 6 months
- have booked a medical, and
- have applied for an AFP check (16 years or older).
On 27th October 2008, DIAC will be announcing that it will be a requirement that all applicants must be able to show evidence of having met the English language threshold before lodging the application for the 485 Skilled Graduate visa.
Contributory Parent visas secondary instalment of the DIAC application fee will increase from $31,555 to $32,725. Application fees are reviewed every 6 months by DIAC.
Tourist visaapplications lodged in Australia after 27th October will attract a fee of $240.00 instaed of $215.00. Application fees are reviewed every 6 months by DIAC.
