26 Feb 2013 - 457 Visa changes 

What are the new measures?

On 23 February 2013, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship announced a number of reforms to the subclass 457 program. These reforms are aimed at strengthening the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s capacity to identify and prevent employer practices that are not in keeping with the criteria of the subclass 457 program.

04 Feb 2013 - New Immigration Minister  Brendan O'Connor MP is sworn in

Brendan O'Connor MP was sworn in as the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship on 4 February 2013.

02 Feb 2013 Chris Bowen MP - Statement

It has been a great honour to serve as Minister for Immigration and Citizenship for the last two-and-a-half years.

The portfolio has been a challenging and rewarding experience, and I have been fortunate to work with and alongside some very knowledgeable, passionate and caring people at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. I thank them all for their advice, dedication and hard work.

26 Jan 2013 - Record new citizens on Australia Day 2013

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, today welcomed a record 17 059 people from 145 countries who are becoming Australian citizens as part of Australia Day celebrations.

Mr Bowen said Australia Day was always the most popular day of the year for citizenship ceremonies and record numbers were joining the Australian family in 2013 celebrations, with 430 special ceremonies being staged across the nation.

01 Jan 2013 - Visa Fee increase

VAC Increases

• Partner -Onshore (Subclass 820/801) - now $3975 (old fee was $3060)
• Partner - Offshore (Subclass 309/100) - now $2680 (old fee was $2060)
• Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) - now $2680 (old fee was $2060)
• Temporary Work (Subclass 457) - now $455 (old fee was $350)
• Work and Holiday (Subclass 417) - now $365 (old fee was $280)
• Working Holiday (Subclass 462) - now $365 (old fee was $280)
• Skilled Graduate (Subclass 485) - now $1250 (old fee was $315)

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

01 Jan 2013 - Changes to the General Skilled Migration Visas

From 1 January 2013, the department is not accepting any new applications for the following visas:

• Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) Visa (Subclass  886)
• Skilled – Independent (Residence) Visa (Subclass  885)
• Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (Subclass  487)

04 Dec 2012 - Introduction of Australian Visa Application Centres in Pakistan

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship is pleased to announce the introduction of Australian Visa Application Centres (AVACs) across Pakistan.

24 Nov 2012 - Changes to the Family Violence Provisions

From today eligible visa applicants who have suffered family violence and want to make a claim of family violence based on non-judicial evidence are no longer required to submit two statutory declarations from competent persons.

See: Fact Sheet 38 – Family Violence Provisions

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

24 Nov 2012 - Significant Investor Visa

On 29 August 2012, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Chris Bowen MP announced details about the Significant Investor visa which will be included as part of the Business Innovation and Investment program.

Click here for more information

24 Nov 2012 - New charge for Australian visa labels

Visa holders will need to pay a Visa Evidence Charge (VEC) of AUD $70 to have a visa label placed in their passport. The charge is being introduced as part of the user-pays initiatives and to encourage the use of online immigration services.

23 Nov 2012 - Longer tourist visas now open to parents of Australians

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, today launched longer tourist visas for parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents in recognition of the valuable role they play in their children and grandchildren's lives.

Festive Period Office Opening Hours

07 Nov 2012 - Australia agrees to introduce electronic visa for PNG travellers

Joint media release with the Hon. Chris Bowen – Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and the Hon. Rimbink Pato – PNG Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration.

Australia and Papua New Guinea will seek to further strengthen their close relationship with the introduction of a special electronic visa arrangement, the Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, and Papua New Guinea's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Rimbink Pato, announced today.

13 Nov 2012 - New work and holiday negotiations to get underway

Australia will begin talks with the governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Poland, and the Slovak Republic on establishing reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangements, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, announced today.

'The start of discussions for these new work and holiday arrangements recognises the value of Australia's evolving bilateral relationships with these countries and will strengthen our cultural and people-to-people links,' Mr Bowen said.

01 Nov 2012 - Visa changes from 24 November 2012

From 24 November 2012 the following visa subclasses will no longer be open to new applicants:

01 Nov 2012 - Clearing Customs now easier for US travellers

Joint media release with Chris Bowen MP – Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and the Hon Jason Clare MP – Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Justice, Minister for Defense Materiel.

Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Justice Jason Clare and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen today announced a trial extending Australia's automated border processing system SmartGate to US travelers.

31 Oct 2012 - A fairer approach to migration for people with disability

The government will act to ensure a fairer, more flexible and individualised approach to people wanting to migrate to Australia who have a disability or health issues, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, announced today.

'The government will now take into account all of the circumstances when assessing prospective visa applicants against the visa health requirement,' Mr Bowen said.

22 Oct 2012 - Onshore Partner visa processing time increases

DIAC has advised that applications for Partner visas will now take around 13 months to be processed.

This is due to the large number of partner visa applications it has received.

Applications may be be processed faster in certain situations; one method is to lodge your application through a Registered Migration Agent, who certifies it as Decision Ready.

Click here to read the DIAC release

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

22 Oct 2012 - Partner Visa application fees to increase from 01 January 2013

Senator Kate Lundy - Acting Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

MEDIA RELEASE

Changes to Australia's visa pricing system make for a fairer 'user-pays' approach of charging for visas, the Acting Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Kate Lundy, said today.

Announced as part of the government's release of the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, the improved pricing model will increase visa charges in areas of significant demand.

Senator Lundy said the government had already made some changes to visa pricing in the last year as part of the move to the fairer user-pays system.

'The government has made a targeted increase in the cost of visas where there are high levels of demand, and therefore areas that are less likely to be significantly impacted by the added costs,' Senator Lundy said.

15 Oct 2012 - Immigration to visit regional Victoria

Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) officers will visit Robinvale on October 16 and 17 and Mildura on October 18 to provide immigration information to people who have overstayed their visas as well as local community leaders and service providers.

03 Oct 2012 - Visa to attract foreign investment

Australia is embarking on a campaign to attract more foreign investment as the mining boom begins to slow, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

27 Sep 2012 - Interest in Citizenship increasing

The Australia Citizenship Test Snapshot 2011-12 released today reveals increased participation and pass rates for people from vulnerable backgrounds, said the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP.

Minister Bowen said more people from vulnerable backgrounds were expressing interest in acquiring citizenship since the government introduced education pathways for migrants.

26 Sep 2012 - SkillSelect for employers Facebook live chat

If you’re an employer and have a question about how SkillSelect can help you find overseas skilled migrants, or you would like to find out more about SkillSelect, join the Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) on Friday 28 September between 10.30–11.30pm AEST to chat with First Assistant Secretary of the Migration and Visa Policy Division, Kruno Kukoc. 

21 Sep 2012 - Sichuan Airlines Flights to Boost Chinese Visitors

Chinese travellers will have increased access to flights to Australia after Melbourne Airport and Sichuan Airlines signed an agreement in China last night to commence three flights per week between Melbourne and Chengdu.

The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has welcomed the planned direct services by Sichuan Airlines between Chengdu and Melbourne. 

20 Sep 2012 - Promoting Australia to South Korean Travellers

From today South Korea will be able to discover why There’s nothing like Australia as the latest phase of Tourism Australia’s campaign is rolled out.

There’s nothing like Australia will be rolled out in television, digital media and outdoor advertising promoting Australia’s world’s best tourism experiences to a nation which delivered 200,000 visitors to Australian shores in the 12 months to July 2012.

19 Sep 2012 - New legal sanctions against noncompliant employers

The government is continuing to crack down on employers who hire illegal workers with new legislation introduced into the Parliament today setting out a range of board criminal and civil penalties, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, announced today.

The Migration Amendment (Reform of Employer Sanctions) Bill 2012 implements further recommendations from Stephen Howell's 2012 system review and sets out penalties for employers in breach of legislation, including infringement notices and search warrants.

17 Sep 2012- Australian Citizenship Day 17 September

Australian Citizenship Day is celebrated annually on 17 September.

This special day was introduced in 2001 to provide an occasion for individuals, schools, community groups and organisations to celebrate and value Australian citizenship and the peaceful, prosperous and inclusive society we share.

September 17 was chosen as Australian Citizenship Day as it is the anniversary of the renaming, in 1973, of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 to the Australian Citizenship Act 1948.

14 Sep 2012 - Government welcomes accelerated citizenship for families of lateral recruits

The federal government's amendments to the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, benefiting Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel,have been welcomed by the minister for immigration and citizenship.

Changes now allow for fast-tracked citizenship application for particular family members of overseas lateral personnel. 

12 Sep 2012 - Growing Domestic Tourism

Overnight trips taken by domestic tourists increased by six per cent to 75.1 million for the year ending June 2012 and overnight expenditure grew nine per cent to $50.8 billion.

Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, welcomed the impressive growth in domestic tourism throughout Australia highlighted in the release of the latest National Visitor Survey.

12 Sep 2012 - Chinese study applications leap 20%.

Student applications to Australian feeder courses, universities and colleges from China are surging back, with some institutions seeing a rise of up to 20%.

11 Sep 2012 - Sponsored Family Visitor visa (Subclass 679) Cut off date for December holiday period

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) are advising that to ensure they can process your application to allow you to travel to Australia during the December holiday period, you will need to submit a complete application to the department by 2 November 2012

Further  information on what documents are required is outlined in the 679 checklist  available on the DIAC website.

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

08 Sep 2012 - Australia and Papua New Guinea sign updated memorandum of understanding

Joint media release with Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Chris Bowen MP - Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen today announced that Australia and Papua New Guinea have entered into a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in relation to regional processing arrangements on Manus Island.

08 Sep 2012 - Sharing information to enhance integrity in international education

The department and the  Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise information sharing between the two agencies. The MoU allows joint audits to be conducted of organisations or individuals where they are suspected of perpetrating immigration fraud or they fail to deliver quality education and training.

04 Sep 2012 - Longer Tourist visas for parents of Australians

Towards the end of 2012, parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents will be able to apply for Tourist visas to visit Australia for longer.
See: Government extends tourist visas for parents of Australians – Minister's Media Release

04 Sep 2012 - Changes to Australian Visa Service Delivery in China

From 10 September 2012 the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is changing the way immigration services will be delivered in China.

03 Sep 2012 - Quarterly visitor visa statistics now available

The visitor visa program quarterly report for the period ending June 30 (2012) is now available.

29 Aug 2012 - Student Visa Program Statistics

Student visa numbers appear to be increasing according to the latest Student Visa Program Trends report.

During 2011-12 student visa applications increased by 0.4 per cent, which may be seen as a minor increase, however, it's the first increase in lodgements since 2008-09.

27 Aug 2012 - SkillSelect Invitation Round 1 August Results

On 1 August 2012 the first automated round of invitations to apply to migrate under the skilled independent and skilled family sponsored visas was completed under SkillSelect. 

23 Aug 2012 - Strengthening Australia through migration

Australia's settlement services are the backbone of our migration program and designed to support new migrants and refugees settle in the community, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, said today at the launch of a new settlement publication in Canberra.

'I am delighted to launch The Settlement Journey: Strengthening Australia through migration, which outlines the government's settlement policy and suite of services available to help new migrants build a new life in Australia,' Senator Lundy said. 

14 Aug 2012 - Work and holiday visa talks with Greece

The Australian Government will begin negotiations with Greece about establishing a reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangement, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, announced today.

Mr Bowen said Australia and Greece shared a strong and rich relationship based on firm community ties.

'A work and holiday arrangement recognises the strength of these connections and will further enhance our cultural links between the two countries,' Mr Bowen said.

05 Aug 2012 - New ministerial direction on character decisions

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, today announced he has signed a new ministerial direction on character decision-making, which is designed to help protect the community from unacceptable risks.

The new direction introduces principles for decision-makers including that non-citizens who commit serious crimes, including of a violent or sexual nature, and particularly against vulnerable members of the community, should generally expect to be denied the privilege of coming to or remaining in Australia.

'The direction is binding on all my department's decision-makers and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal,' Mr Bowen said.

'It identifies the considerations I believe to be important in deciding whether to exercise the discretion to refuse or cancel a person's visa on character grounds.

'The Government is committed to protecting the Australian community from risk of serious harm.'

27 Jul 2012 - SkillSelect - Occupation Ceilings List

An occupation ceiling may be applied to invitations issued under the points based skilled migration program. This means there will be a limit on how many EOIs are selected for skilled migration from an occupation group.

The below table shows the occupation ceiling for the 2012-2013 program year for each occupation on the skilled occupation lists at a four-digit ANZSCO code unit group.

19 Jul 2012 - Report on the 2011-12 migration program is now available.

The total migration program outcome for 2011-12 was 184 998 places against a planning level of 185 000 which is 2 places below the planning level.

The major source countries in the migration program were India, China and the United Kingdom.

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) outcome was 16,471, a 48.1% increase in the 2010-11 outcome. 

Read the full report here

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

25 Jul 2012 - Changes to Australian Visa Service Delivery in China

From 3 September 2012 the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is changing the way immigration services will be delivered in China.

The two key changes include the: 

• Introduction of Australian Visa Application Centres (AVAC's) in Beijing and Shanghai
• Changes to visa processing locations.

See more information here 

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

09 Jul 2012 - Priority Processing for Skilled Migration Visas

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, has set new priority processing arrangements for certain skilled migration visas and continues to give regional employer sponsored visas the highest processing priority.

The new priority processing arrangements apply to applications for the following visas:

• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)
• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
• certain points based skilled migration

See more information here

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

01 Jul 2012 - Changes to Student Visa Living Cost Requirement

From 1 July 2012, as part of the stage two of the Knight changes to the student visa program, the funds required for prospective Student visa applicants to demonstrate their ability to meet living costs in Australia is increasing from $18,000 to $18,610 per year.

Click here to see:  Student Visa Living Costs and Evidence of Funds

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

01 Jul 2012 - Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List

The Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) a single list of occupations will replace the State/Territory Nominated (STATSOL), the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENSOL), Subclass 442 Occupational Trainee and the Subclass 457 Skilled Occupation Lists and will determine occupations that applicants can nominate under these programs from 1 July 2012.

Full list can be read here 

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

01 Jul 2012 - SkillSelect is now live

The benefits of SkillSelect:

SkillSelect is a major change to how Australia manages its skilled migration program.  It will help to ensure the skilled migration program is based on the economic needs of Australia.  As a result DIAC expect to significantly reduce the time taken to process a visa application.

SkillSelect will also help address regional skill shortages. SkillSelect allows intending migrants to indicate if they are willing to live and work in regional Australia. This will be of particular benefit to employers experiencing regional skill shortages and state and territory governments attempting to settle migrants in regional Australia.

For the full report and also FAQ's please click here

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

02 May 2012 - Changes to RSMS Program

In the period leading up to the 1 July 2012 changes to the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) program, Regional Certifying Bodies (RCBs) may have an increase in the number of nominations lodged for certification.

30 Mar 2012 - New visa subclass on SkillSelect website

SkillSelect is an online system that enables skilled workers interested in migrating to Australia to record their details to be considered for a skilled visa through an Expression of Interest (EOI).

24 Mar 2012 - Stage Two Implementation of the Knight Review Changes to the Student Visa Program

Streamlined visa processing

From 24 March 2012, student visa applicants who lodge their applications with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a participating university in Australia at Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral degree level will be assessed as though they are a lower migration risk (similar to the current Assessment Level 1), regardless of their country of origin. This means that these applicants will generally have reduced evidentiary requirements when applying for a student visa.  

09 Mar 2012 - Permanent Employer-Sponsored Visa Program Reforms

At the 6th Annual CPD Immigration Law conference, held on 9 March 2012, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Chris Bowen MP announced changes to the Permanent Employer-Sponsored visa program. These changes will be implemented from 1 July 2012.

The changes are the result of a review of the permanent employer-sponsored program which was conducted during 2011. The visas affected are the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme, Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme and Labour Agreements.

Click here for details of criteria for the new RSMS visa 

Click here for details of the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP release  

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

28 Feb 2012 - Australian Export Tourism Council (ATEC) suggest changes to Working Holiday Visa

ATEC has urged the Federal Government to make five key policy adjustments to the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) which could deliver up to $700 million in additional GDP over 10 years, create additional jobs and help the tourism industry with some of its immediate labour shortages

The suggestions are: 

• Employment for 88 days in ‘tourism and hospitality’ in regional Australia be included as part of the 12 month extension program for the Second WHV 417;
• The costs and financial requirements of applying for WHM program visas be held constant or reduced;
• The qualifying age range be increased from 18-30 up to 35 years in line with other countries;
• Multiple visa applications be permitted, one between 18-25 years of age and a second one from 26-30/35 years;
• Better engagement with the tourism industry as the government looks to expand the WHM program to new source countries.

To read the full article click here

Source: Australian Export Tourism Council

07 Feb 2012 - Virtual English tuition for new migrants

Joint media release with Chris Bowen MP– Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Stephen Conroy– Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and Senator Kate Lundy – Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.

A three-year trial of virtual English language tuition using the National Broadband Network (NBN) will help new migrants settle into regional communities, the Australian Government announced today.

27 Jan 2012 - Online tourist visas for Brazil and Argentina

Tourists from Brazil and Argentina will be able to apply online for a visa to visit Australia from February 15, with applications for the e676 electronic tourist visa now open to them.

 26 Jan 2012 - Queensland's newest citizens celebrate Australia Day

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, today welcomed some 3850 new citizens from 114 countries as Queensland celebrates Australia Day.

Queensland is welcoming more new citizens than any other state in 73 vibrant and diverse citizenship ceremonies.

"Australia Day is a special time for all Australians, whether they are citizens by birth or by choice, to come together to celebrate our common bond," Mr Bowen said.  

25 Jan 2012 - Do you need an Australian Federal Police check ?

AFP National Police Checks Application Form Completion Requirements

For immigration and citizenship purposes, the AFP National Police Check Application form must use 'Code 33' at Question 1. Forms received without this information, will cause delays in the processing of applications and the department may request another certificate.

More information on providing a complete AFP form is available on the department's website.

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

To download the AFP application form click here 

01 Jan 2012 - Removal of Assurance of Support (AoS) requirement from Partner visas

From 1 January 2012, the discretionary Assurance of Support (AoS) requirement was removed from partner visas. This change complemented other 1 January amendments to social security legislation that affect eligibility for welfare payments.  

The change means that an AoS will not be required for partner visa applications made on or after 1 January. The change also applies to any partner visa applications still before the department or the Migration Review Tribunal on or after 1 January.razil) and Buenos Aires (Argentina) respectively.

The amendments affect the following visa subclasses:

•  Partner visa (subclass 309/100)
•  Partner visa (subclass 820/801)
•  Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)

Source  Department of Immigration and Citizenship

21 Dec 2011 - Notices of Legislation Changes effective 1 January 2012 

Effective 1 January 2012

• Amendments to Remove the Discretionary 'Assurance of Support' Requirement from Certain Partner Visas
• Amendment of Australian Citizenship Regulations 2007 Relating to the Payment of Fees in Foreign Currencies and Foreign Countries
• Adjustment of Visa Application Charges
• Amendment of Schedule 2 (Code of Conduct) to the Migration Agents Regulations 1998
• Amendments to Condition 8107 and the Cessation Provisions in Clause 051.513 and a Technical Amendment to Clause 050.613A

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

24 Nov 2011 - Processing of Priority Group 5 GSM Applications

If you are have lodged a General Skilled Migration (GSM) application and are waiting on a decision or if you are thinking about lodging a GSM application you should read this.

21 Nov 2011 - Processing location changes for partner & family applications lodged from Pakistan or Afghanistan 

From 1 December 2011, the Australian High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan will process all new partner, child and family migration applications lodged by clients who live in Pakistan or Afghanistan (except for applications made by Afghan nationals).

Click here to read more  

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

07 Nov 2011 - Sponsorship Accreditation Eligibility

Employers can now apply for accredited status that will speed the processing for the nomination and visa stages of Subclass 457 visas.

Click here for eligibility and criteria.

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

05 Nov 2011 - Student visa changes roll out today

The changes that come into effect today include:

• Reducing the financial requirements for some student visa applicants
• The genuine temporary entrant requirement 
• More flexible arrangements for English language study
• Extending 574 visas by 6 months to allow interactive thesis marking
• Including prepaid homestead fees in financial requirement evidence

Read the fact sheet here

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

05 Nov 2011 - Fraud Public Interest Criterion takes effect from today

On 2 April 2011, the department introduced a Public Interest Criterion (PIC) which allows certain visa applications to be refused where false or misleading information is provided to the department. These changes come into effect today.

02 Nov 2011 - Australia and Argentina sign work and holiday deal

Minister Bowen today announced that Argentina has been added to the list of countries which have access to the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa arrangements.

Work and Holiday visas are currently available for Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey and the USA.

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

2 Nov 2011 Sponsorship Accreditation

From 7 November 2011 employers may apply for accredited status which will qualify them for priority processing for all subclass 457 nominations and visa applications.

Sponsorship Accreditation recognises that many Australian businesses have a long and positive history of dealing with the department and an excellent record of compliance with workplace and migration laws.

25 Oct 2011 - New changes to Student visa to begin on 5 November 2011

Stage one of the Australian Government’s response to the Strategic Review of the student visa program will be progressively being implemented before the end of 2011.  The majority of these changes will commence on 5 November 2011.

Click here to read the Stage 1 fact sheet

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

25 Oct 2011 - New English Language Tests for Student Visas from 5 November 2011

From 5 November 2011, the department will accept English language test results from the following alternative tests to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for Student visa purposes taken in any country:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test (also known as Certificate in Advanced English).

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

04 Oct 2011 - Legal errors reverse more than half of refugee rulings

Two out of three refugee rejections issued to boat people are being overturned on the grounds of legal error and lack of fairness when they reach federal courts.

Immigration Department documents reveal that in the first 43 cases, where rejected asylum seekers have sought judicial review, 27 decisions by immigration reviewers were found to be legally wrong

Source: Sydney Morning Herald 

23 Sep 2011- Introduction to the Australian Visa Applications Centres (ACACs) in the South Pacific

DIAC has introduced new Australian Visa Application Centres (AVACs) across the South Pacific region.

The introduction of the AVACs is part of improvements to service delivery across the South Pacific. DIAC claims the opening of AVACs will provide a more convenient access to immigration and citizenship services for clients although there is an additional charge to use this service.

22 Sep 2011 - Fact Sheet - Government Response to the Knight Review of the Student Visa Program  

On December 2010, the government appointed the Hon Michael Knight AO to conduct the first strategic review of the student visa program.

Mr Knight reported to the government on 30 June 2011 with 41 recommendations (Strategic Review of the Student Visa Program 2011)

On Thursday, 22 September 2011 in a joint media release Senator Chris Evans (Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Workplace Relations and Chris Bowen MP (Minister for Immigration and Citizenship) announced the government supports in principle, all 41 recommendations (with some modifications). 

04 Sep 2011 - Government Releases Solicitor-General's Advice On High Court Decision

The Australian High Court full bench ruled 6-1 that the Prime Minister Julia Gillard's government could not proceed with its plans to send 800 irregular maritime arrivals to Malaysia.

It also decided the Immigration Minister, as the legal guardian, could not send unaccompanied children anywhere from Australia without proving it was in their best interests.

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship 

19 Aug 2011 - Permanent employer sponsored visas review discussion paper has been released 

DIAC have announced the release of a discussion paper to review the ENS visa categories.

20 Jul 2011 - Expansion of the electronic tourist visa program to citizens of Croatia and the Maldives.

From 20 September 2011, citizens of Turkey who hold these passports can apply for the e676 electronic tourist visa (known as e676 Tourist visa) online.

01 Jul 2011 - 457 Minimum wage increase

DIAC today announced an increase to salary thresholds that apply to the 457 visa program (minimum $49,330)