July 1 2009 Legislative changes

As from the 1st July 2009, there are extensive changes to both the Legislation and also the Policy for those wishing to Emigrate to Australia.

All the changes are so extensive that it is impossible to expand on each situation in this advice. A summary of changes are:-

1. Increase in DIAC Fees and charges (see new Form 990i at – www.immi.gov.au )
2. Many Forms have changed and from today any application MUST be made on the new Forms.
3. Contributory Parent visa applications – removal of the split application senario which enabled one Parent to apply and then once the Permanent visa is granted for 2 years, that Parent could apply for a Spouse visa.
4. Balance of Family test must be done at time of application.
5. Change of Sponsor for Remaining Relative and Parent visas.
6. Removal of work limitation condition for eligible “410″ Retirement visa applicants.
7. Extension from 4 years to 10 years for eligible “410″ Retirement visa applicants.
8. Extension of entry period for “462″ Work and Holiday applicants .
9. Bridging visas – including permission to work arrangements.
10. The subclass “050″ Bridging visa is added to the relevant visas under Regulations 2.43 (1) (a) (i).
11. There are also Technical Amendments via Gazette Notices.
12. Approved destination Scheme applications will be able to be completed via electronic forms.
13. Changes to the People Trafficking Visa Framework
14. Health Waiver  – various participating States and Territories
15. Same sex, or Interdependent, relationships
16. General Skilled Migration (GSM) – change to the English requirements. This has been touched on in previous entries in this site – see “Australian Visa News”
17. Subclass “457″ visas have been updated.
18. Business Skills – subclass “163″ – Senior Management Provisions have been changed.

Should you want expanded information on any of the above items, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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