Blog

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2025-02-21

14th edition of The Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs Paper now available

The 14th edition of The Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs Paper was released on 21 February.

This edition provides updated figures and information on the management of Australia’s immigration program, with data updated to the end of 31 December 2024.

Immigration is central to Australia’s national story and identity. The department continues to manage Australia’s immigration program in a way that anticipates and responds to changes in both the domestic and international environment. This advances our national interests and supports migrants and their families.

The department also supports the government’s reform agenda. This reform will deliver sustainable levels of migration and attract migrants that will help fill labour shortages and drive productivity.

For a copy of the paper, visit The Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs Paper.​

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2025-01-23

Welcoming Australia’s newest citizens

​​​​This year, local government councils and other organisations will host more than 380 citizenship ceremonies as part of their Australia Day event programs. More than 20,600 people from over 150 countries have been invited to attend one of these ceremonies. At the ceremonies, our newest citizens will pledge their commitment to Australia and officially become Australians.

In Canberra, the annual National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony will be on 26 January at Rond Terrace. ABC will televise the ceremony from 9:00 am with the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia presiding over the ceremony. The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, will lead the Australian Citizenship Affirmation. This ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Australia, the value of citizenship, and the values that unite us.

Those becoming citizens will join more than 6 million other Australians who have had their citizenship conferred since the first ceremony in 1949. Australia welcomes every new citizen who pledges their commitment to Australia and commits to our shared values. The department encourages every Australian to engage in active citizenship by becoming involved in their local communities. They can do this through respectful engagement, inclusion and helping others.

Our continued sponsorship of the Local Hero category in the National Australia Day Council’s Australian of the Year Awards highlights the importance of active citizenship. People show active citizenship through Australian values such as respect, equality, freedom and compassion. Local Hero recipients lead by example. They are role models who encourage others to be active citizens in their own communities and become agents of positive change alongside their fellow Australians.

The 2025 Australia’s Local Hero is selected from the state and territory winners and will be announced on 25 January 2025. ABC will live-stream the Australian of the Year Awards from 7:30 pm.
For more ideas on celebrating Australian citizenship, visit​ Celebrating citizenship.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-12-24

Registered migration agent sanctioned

​​On 10 December 2024, the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (the Authority) suspended the registration of a migration agent for a period of 2 years. The Authority found that the agent breached their obligations under the Code of Conduct for Registered Migration Agents. A total of eight migration agents have been sanctioned since 1 July 2024. This is in addition to the 10 registered migration agents sanctioned between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024. See the OMARA disciplinary decisions web page for the full list of sanctioned agents.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-12-20

Changes to onshore Student visa applications from 1 January 2025

​​From 1 January 2025, the Department of Home Affairs will no longer accept Letters of Offers from individuals applying in Australia for a Student visa. Onshore applicants will be required to include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application. The change will only impact applications lodged on or after 1 January 2025. Visa applications lodged before that date using only a Letter of Offer from an education provider are not affected.

Not providing a CoE at the time of application will make an application invalid. Visa decision makers cannot assess an invalid application. An associated Bridging visa cannot be granted where the substantive visa application is not valid.

This change will align the requirements to provide evidence of an intended course of study for both onshore and offshore Student visa applications. Providing a CoE at time of visa application demonstrates a stronger commitment by the student to study at that institution. This will increase certainty for Australia’s international education sector.

There is no change to the alternative forms of evidence of intended course of study for Foreign Affairs, Defence or secondary exchange students.

Visa holders in Australia are responsible for ensuring they maintain a lawful status. If you are intending to study and not able to obtain a CoE before your current visa expires, you will need to either depart Australia or Explore other visa options. However, there are now restrictions to applying for a Student visa while in Australia when holding certain visas. For more information see Ending ‘visa hopping’ in the migration system. 

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-12-19

Ministerial Direction No. 111

​​Ministerial Direction 107 has been revoked and replaced by Ministerial Direction 111

The international education sector is important to Australia, and the Australian Government is committed to ensuring its equality, quality, integrity and sustainability.

MD107 has been revoked

Ministerial Direction 107 Order for considering and disposing of Student Guardian visa applications and offshore Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications (MD107) was designed to support providers with strong recruitment practises for international students and support the Department of Home Affairs at a time of increasing volumes and of risk in the caseload. The Australian Government acknowledges that the Student visa processing arrangements in accordance with MD107 unevenly impacted education providers.

MD107 was revoked on 18 December 2024. 

New Ministerial Direction 111

Ministerial Direction 111 Order for considering and disposing of offshore Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications (MD111) came into effect on 19 December 2024 replacing MD107. MD111 applies to onhand, unfinalised Student visa applications lodged from offshore, as well as those lodged on or after that date, and sets out priority categories for processing Student visas applications.

Under MD111, priority processing (Priority 1 – High) will apply to offshore Student visa applications associated with a provider in the higher education and vocational education and training sectors who have not yet reached their prioritisation threshold as indicated by PRISMS, the Department of Education’s system that manages enrolment information. Once the prioritisation threshold has been reached for a provider, visa processing will continue at Priority 2 - Standard priority. 

This new approach creates a more even approach to visa processing across a range of different provider types and locations, including for regional and small providers. MD111 will continue to support the well-managed and orderly processing of visa applications that supports the education sector equitably, while achieving Government’s wider international education objectives.

Priority 1 – High will move faster through processing relative to Priority 2 – Standard. MD111 is not a cap, nor does it set the criteria to approve or refuse a student visa application.

As always, the department will continue to prioritise the offshore Student visa caseload as we move into Semester 1 2025, while the onshore caseload will also continue to be processed.

What is most important, is that intending students lodge their visa applications​ ​as early as possible, and complete​ with all requested information at time of lodgement to support smooth processing.

The development of MD111 and its prioritisation approach has been informed by consultation with the international education sector undertaken by the Department of Education and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations throughout 2024. The Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Education and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations are working with the education sector to provide information about this new processing arrangement for Student visas. This will include targeted engagement through webinars, discussions with peak bodies in the education sector, as well as our website updates and social media outreach.

So who is eligible for ‘Priority 1 – High’ visa processing?

In brief, Priority 1 – High, processing will apply to Student visa applications associated with providers who have not yet reached their prioritisation threshold, which is 80 percent of their 2025 indicative allocation of new overseas student commencements in the higher education and Vocational Education and Training sectors.

Indicative allocations for both higher education and vocational education and training providers can be found at:

• Indicative allocations for higher education new overseas student commencements 2025 - Department of Education, Australian Government and
• Indicative allocations for VET new overseas student commencements 2025 - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government​

Priority 1 – High visa processing will also ap​ply to a range of sect​ors and student types, for example, the schools and higher degree by research sectors, as well as scholarship and TAFE students, and those from the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

Priority 2 – Standard visa processing will apply to providers who have reached their prioritisation threshold, subsequent entrants, and any other offshore Student visa application.

For complete details, please see  Ministerial Direction ​111​.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-12-13

Improved visa framework for religious workers

​​​​​​​​​​​From 13 December 2024, an updated Minister of Religion Labour Agreement (MoRLA) commences.

The new MoRLA supports religious institutions to access skilled workers from overseas. It will continue to support strong worker protection through an improved pathway to permanent residence.

This change provides greater access to visa pathways for organisations that have an underlying religious focus, such as education and promotion of their faiths in a charitable or educational environment.

The new MoRLA also includes revised settings on salary, qualifications, work experience and English ​language to reflect the diverse religious practices and beliefs in Australia.​​​

You can find more information at ​​Changes to the Minister of Re​​ligion Labour Agreement​.​​

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-12-07

Important changes to skilled visa program begin

A modernised skilled occupation list and a new Skills in Demand (SID) visa are included in changes to Australia’s skilled visa program begin on 7 December 2024.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

The CSOL replaces existing multiple skilled occupation lists previously used for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS visa). The CSOL has more than 450 occupations in sectors such as:

• construction
• cyber security
• agriculture
• health.

The list is based on labour market analysis and stakeholder consultations by Jobs and Skills Australia​. It will only apply to the SID Core Skills stream and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa (Direct Entry stream).​​​​

​Read the full CSOL at ​​New Core Skills Occupation List to target the skills Australia needs​.​​

Skills in Demand (SID) visa

The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. The SID allows most visa holders to stay in Australia for up to 4 years. It offers a streamlined process for both migrants and employers needing more skilled workers to grow their businesses.

SID visa holders have a clear pathway to permanent residence. This will give certainty to both migrants and employers.

The SID visa has 3 streams:

• Core Skills stream to meet targeted workforce needs. Most SID visa holders will use this stream.
• Specialist Skills stream. This stream will help drive innovation and job creation.
• Labour Agreement stream. This stream will be replaced by an Essential Skills stream (under development).

With a SID visa, you:

• have a pathway to permanent residence. Any work with an approved employer counts towards permanent residence.
• benefit from a work experience requirement that is one year less than the TSS. SID applicants must have one year of work experience in their nominated occupation or related field.
• have the same English language requirement as the TSS medium-term stream.

SID visa Specialist Skills stream

This stream recognises that highly skilled migrants lift national productivity. It is for applicants who meet general eligibility requirements and are:

• in any occupation on the ANZSCO 2022 except ANZSCO Major Group levels 3, 7 and 8:
  • trades workers
  • machinery operators
  • drivers and labourers
• earning at least the Specialist Skills Income Threshold of AUD135,000 and no less than Australian workers in the same occupation.

SID visa Core Skills stream

This stream is for applicants who meet general eligibility requirements and:

• have an occupation on the CSOL that has been identified as being in shortage.  This also applies where we have committed to giving access to our labour market through international trade agreements
• will be paid a salary at or above the new Core Skills Income Threshold of AUD73,150.

Applications for the TSS visa closed on 6 December 2024. We will process all outstanding applications lodged before then in line with existing arrangements.

Arrangements for existing TSS visa holders

TSS visa holders will still have a pathway to permanent residence. This is subject to meeting all relevant eligibility criteria.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-12-07

Smoother road to permanent residence for skilled sponsored workers

​Skilled migrants in occupations of national shortage now have a smoother path to stay in Australia permanently.

From 7 December 2024, changes have been made to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.

The changes relate to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) and Direct Entry (DE) streams. They deliver on the Government’s commitment to offer clearer pathways to permanent residence, as outlined in the Migration Strategy.

Changes to Temporary Residence Transition stream

• Applicants can count all periods of sponsored employment towards their 2-year work experience requirement. This does not just apply to employment with their sponsor.
• Applicants who have been employed in a related field or received a promotion can count this work towards the work experience requirement.
• Applicants are required to provide evidence they meet the work experience requirement, rather than the nominating employer.
• The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) replaces the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). This is the same amount of AUD73,150, indexed annually.
• Age exemptions under the Temporary Skill Shortage visa still apply under the Skills in Demand visa. These include exemptions for regional medical practitioners and high income applicants. Without an exemption, applicants need to be younger than 45 at the time of application.
• Changes to the Temporary Residence Transition stream do not extend to the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187). This visa closed in 2019, except for certain transitional groups who can access the program in limited circumstances. This access continues for those eligible.

Changes to Direct Entry stream

A modernised single Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) applies to this stream. This replaces the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List. The CSOL is based on labour market analysis and Jobs and Skills Australia stakeholder consultation. It includes occupations in sectors such as:

• construction
• cyber security
• agriculture
• health and education.

Find the entire CSOL at New Core Skills Occupation List to target the skills Australia needs​.

The CSIT also applies to this stream. It will replace the TSMIT at the same amount of AUD73,150, indexed annually.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-12-07

STEM start-ups get a boost to access skilled workers

​​STEM start-ups can now access accredited sponsorship.  This will help attract the workers they need to innovate.

From 7 December 2024, STEM start-ups that have received venture capital funding from a registered Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership can apply to be an accredited sponsor.

Accredited sponsors receive priority processing for nominations and visa applications for:

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482).

They will continue to receive priority processing when the Skills in Demand replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage visa on 7 December 2024​.

Before we consider a start-up for accredited status we need to approve them as a standard business sponsor.

We have also strengthened the integrity of the accreditation process and will be more strictly enforcing accreditation requirements and sponsorship obligations.

From 7 December 2024 we will also update sponsorship obligations. This means that once a sponsored visa holder leaves their sponsor’s employment, the sponsor doesn’t have to ensure they only work in their nominated occupation.

Temporary employer sponsored visa holders who stop work with their sponsoring employer have up to 180 days at a time and 365 days across their entire visa grant period to:

• find a new sponsor
• apply for a different visa, or
• leave Australia.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-12-07

Exclusive invitation-only visa program for world leading talent begins

​​A new invitation-only permanent visa program for exceptionally talented migrants is now open.

From 7 December 2024 the National Innovation visa (NIV) replaced the Global Talent visa.

It is an exclusive program for migrants with world-leading skills. This may be in areas like advanced robotics, quantum computing and clean energy.

Exceptionally talented individuals need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs. The department will then invite a select number of people who have made an EOI to apply for a NIV.

We will process invitations to apply and NIV applications according to the following priority order:

1. Recipients of internationally prestigious awards. This includes: Nobel Prize laureates, Fields Medal recipients, Booker Prize winners or Olympic gold medallists.
2. Exceptionally talented people in their field who are endorsed by a relevant Australian state, territory or federal government agency.
3. People with exceptional skills in critical technologies, renewables and low emission technologies and health industries.
4. Exceptionally talented people in agri-food and ag-tech, resources, defence capabilities and space, education, financial services and fin-tech, and infrastructure and transport.

There is no age limit for the NIV and English language requirements are flexible. We accept EOIs made from overseas or from people already in Australia on a temporary visa.

EOIs for the NIV are valid for 2 years. We may invite you to apply for a visa during this time.

Read more about the National Innovation (subclass 858) visa.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-12-06

Studying in Australia in 2025 – Lodge now, lodge complete

​​​​​Are you looking to study in Australia in 2025?

We encourage you to submit your complete student visa application as soon as practical to prevent delays.

Complete means that you have followed the guidance in the Document Checklist Tool. Do this as you lodge your application through ImmiAccount, and include all the evidence requested to support your application.

Incomplete applications may be refused and will be delayed​. Applications received in peak periods take longer to process, so it is important you lodge early and lodge complete.

To help you apply

• Visit the student visa Check twice, submit once page.
• Read the Document Checklist Tool disclaimer.​
• Check the student visa Document Checklist Tool.
• Read about the new genuine student requirements.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-12-03

New Core Skills Occupation List to target the skills Australia needs

​​On 3 December 2024,​ the Australian Government announced the release of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

The new CSOL fulfils the Government’s commitment to replace complex, out of date and inflexible occupation lists in our temporary skilled visa program. The CSOL is a single consolidated list, informed by labour market analysis and stakeholder consultations by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) that provides access to temporary skilled migration for 456 occupations.

The CSOL will apply to the Core Skills stream of the new Skills in Demand visa, which will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa on 7 December 2024. The CSOL will also apply to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.

More details on other reform taking place on 7 December 2024, including the Skills in Demand visa and National Innovation visa, will be announced shortly.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-11-13

Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) announced for India

​​​​​​We are introducing MATES for Indian nationals to live and work in Australia for up to 2 years.

From December 2024, graduates and early career professionals from India’s top universities can register in the pre-application ballot for a Temporary Work (International Relations) (Subclass 403) visa.

There will be 3,000 temporary visa places each year through the visa pre-application ballot process, providing an equitable, streamlined and transparent way to select applicants. Participants will be able to bring dependents.

MATES continues to build on Australia and India’s strong people-to-people ties. It allows Indian nationals to gain employment in Australia and valuable experience in their areas of expertise.

The scheme will also benefit Australian industry sectors and businesses by giving access to talented graduates with in-demand knowledge and skills.

Eligible fields of study include:

• renewable energy
• mining
• engineering
• information and ​communications technology
• artificial intelligence
• financial technology
• agricultural technology.

For more information, visit MATES. 

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-11-08

New passport? Let us know before you travel

​​If you are an Australian visa holder or applicant, you must tell us if you have a new passport before you travel into or out of Australia.

This is so we can link your new passport to your visa or application. This includes if you have received a new passport since being granted your Australian visa.

If you don’t do this before you travel, you may experience delays when attempting to travel to Australia.

This applies to all Australian visa holders and applicants. This is even if you’re coming to Australia from overseas or you’re a permanent resident living in Australia.

You can easily update your passport details by accessing your ImmiAccount. Most updates are done instantly. This will allow you to continue your travel plans uninterrupted.

If you don’t have an ImmiAccount, you will need to fill out a form online which is subject to processing times. 

For more details, visit You have a new passport.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-11-03

13th edition of the Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs Paper now available

​​​​​​​The 13th edition of the Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs Paper​ is now available. 

Immigration is central to Australia’s national story and identity.

The Administration Paper provides information on the composition and management of Australia’s immigration and citizenship programs. It complements existing publicly available information and data regularly updated on Live visa statistics and at the Australian Government data website.

This edition provides updated figures and information on Australia’s Immigration and Citizenship Program, with data updated to the end of 30 September 2024 for the 2024-25 program year.

The department’s management of Australia’s Immigration and Citizenship Programs anticipates and responds to changes in the international environment in a way that advances our national interests and supports migrants and their families. 

For a copy of the ​paper, visit The Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs Paper.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-10-02

New Work and Holiday visa ballots

​​On 1 October 2024, a pre-application process (visa ballot) commenced under the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program.

Visa ballot registrations opened for the following high-demand Work and Holiday (subclass 462) countries:

• China
• India
• Vietnam.

Visa ballots provide an equitable, streamlined and transparent way to randomly select first Work and Holiday applicants from partner countries where demand exceeds the number of places available in a program year.

The Department will conduct random selections of registrations over program year 2024-25.

We will notify​ those randomly selected by email and instruct them to apply for a first Work and Holiday visa online.

Applicants will need to meet all the standard eligibility requirements of the subclass 462 visa to be granted entry into Australia.

To learn more about the Work and Holiday visa ballots, including registration and selection periods, refer to New Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa pre-application process.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-09-26

Building Visa Processing Capability

Today we have launched a new mobile phone app called Australian Immi App (the app)​​​​. It provides facial biometric capture and verification capability. Visa applicants can now self-serve this part of the visa application process by using the app.

We will initially release the app for use across the Pacific for visa a​pplicants located in:

• Fiji
• Samoa
• Tonga
• Papua New Guinea.

Third country nationals located in New Zealand can also use the Australian Immi App.

Initial release in the Pacific is part of our commitment to build greater connectivity with the Pacific. We support economic growth and want to build a strong and secure Pacific region. The app will make the application process simpler, supporting travel between Australia and the Pacific.

Applicants that have provided biometrics before at an Australian biometric collection centre can provide facial biometrics and passport details with the app. Eligible applicants will receive a letter from the Department, inviting them to download and use the app.

The app is free to download and use. It will help clients save time and money as they won’t need to travel to a collection centre every time they apply for a new visa.

We collect biometrics to help us identify clients and protect them from identity fraud. The use of biometrics makes travel to Australia safer and helps us secure Australia’s borders.

To learn more about the Department’s biometric collection program refer to Biometrics.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-09-26

BIIP refunds available

​​​​​The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) is closed as of 31 July 2024. Applications made before this date will still be processed.

You may be entitled to a refund of your Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor or Entrepreneur streams if you withdrew your application on or after 31 July 2024.

You may also be entitled to a refund of your Business Talent (subclass 132) VAC for Significant Business History or Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream if you withdrew your application on or after 31 July 2024.

Learn more about the BIIP closure and refunds.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-09-10

Permanent residents are urged to check visa before travelling overseas to avoid being stranded

​​​As a permanent visa holder, you must understand the conditions of your visa and your right to re-enter Australia before travelling overseas.

To return to Australia as a permanent visa holder, you must have a valid travel facility linked to your visa. Without a valid travel facility on your visa, you risk being stranded outside Australia.

A travel facility allows you to re-enter Australia multiple times during its validity period.

If you travel without a valid travel facility, or if it expires while you are overseas, you must be granted a Resident Return visa (RRV) before returning to Australia as a permanent resident. ​Read more about Resident Return visas (RRV).

Your return to Australia may be delayed if you need to apply for an RRV.

You can check when your travel facility ends on Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO). ​Learn more at Travelling overseas as a permanent resident.

You may not have an electronic record of your permanent visa if your most recent arrival to Australia was before 1990. If this is the case, you should have your permanent visa recorded electronically before travelling.

For more information visit Proof of permanent residency.

You must also link your current passport to your visa and provide your new passport details before travelling overseas. This will help to avoid any delays at the border.

More information is available at You have a new passport.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-07-01

'Melbourne Declaration' affirms ASEAN and Australia partnership for the future

​​People from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and Timor-Leste now have more opportunities to do business in Australia.

Australia has extended the time people from these nations can visit to conduct business. This will boost trade, people to people links, investments and grow jobs.

We have extended the business visitor visa to up to 5 years, instead of up to 3 years, for applications lodged after 1 April 2024. These changes were announced by Prime Minister Albanese at the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit held in March.

Business visitors with a Visitor (subclass 600) visa can stay in Australia for up to 3 months at a time during multiple visits, for up to 5 years. Visa holders can visit to:

• negotiate contracts
• make general business or employment enquiries
• participate in conferences or trade fairs
• be part of official government visits.

We will also extend the 10-year visitor visa Frequent traveller stream to ASEAN states and Timor-Leste later this year.

These measures do not include Myanmar.

The visa changes are part of recommendations from Australia’s blueprint to deepen ties with Southeast Asia. Refer to Invested: Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

These changes complement our Migration Strategy by:

• boosting international mobility
• supporting regional relationships
• strengthening community connections between ASEAN and Australia.

Learn more about the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Business visitor stream or the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Frequent Traveller stream.​

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-07-01

New Designated Area Migration Agreement for Western Australia

From 1 July 2024, a new state-wide Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for Western Australia will come into effect.

The WA DAMA, combined with WA’s existing State Nominated Migration Program, will enable up to 10,000 overseas workers to settle in WA annually and help address critical workforce shortages in the state.

WA Employers will continue to be able to access the occupations and concessions of DAMAs that are in operation for relevant regions of WA. Additionally, employers will now be able to access a broader list of occupations and concessions under the new WA DAMA.

For further information, see: Designated Area Migration Agreement.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-06-26

New citizenship application fees from 1 July 2024

​​​​From 1 July 2024, new citizenship application fees will apply. Fees are changing to reflect the cost of processing applications. On 1 July each year, indexation is applied to citizenship application fees based on the consumer price index (CPI).

The new fees apply to all citizenship applications received by the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) at or after 12 am (AEST) on 1 July 2024.​

The new fees applicable from 1 July 2024 are set out in the table below. There will be no changes to the eligibility for fee exemptions.

Citizenship application fees (effective 1 July 2024)

* Fee concessions for forms 1300t and 1290.

A fee concession is available to:

• Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Australian Government (Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs).
• Persons aged under 18 years listed as a dependant on a Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Australian Government (Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs).

To be eligible for the fee concession, applicants must provide a copy of both sides of their Pensioner Concession Card with their citizenship application.

If lodging a paper application the copy must be certified. For information on certifying documents see Applying online or paper - Certified copy.

^ Fee exemptions for forms 1300t and 1290.

No fee is payable by:

• British or Maltese former child migrants who came to Australia without parents between 22 September 1947 and 31 December 1967 under the Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme. A letter from the Child Migrants Trust confirming details of arrival and sponsorship will need to be submitted with the citizenship application.
• Persons who have served for at least 90 days in the permanent forces of the Commonwealth of Australia. A letter or discharge papers from the Australian Defence Force specifying service dates will need to be submitted with the citizenship application.
• Persons applying under the Statelessness provision (section 21(8) of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007).

For information on fee concessions or exemptions for Australian citizenship by conferral, see Fee concessions or exemptions.

Online applications

If you apply online at or after 12 am (AEST) on 1 July 2024, you will pay the new fee. This is regardless of when you started the application. Your application is considered submitted when we receive it, along with the fee.

If you apply online and pay by credit or debit card, PayPal, or UnionPay, your application and fee is generally received on the same day.

Before submitting your application, make sure it includes all the supporting documents. If you submit an incomplete application, you may need to submit a new application and pay the relevant fee. 

ImmiAccount systems maintenance

Online services, including ImmiAccount, may not be available if you are applying online between 2 pm (AEST) on 30 June 2024 and 9 am (AEST) on 1 July 2024 due to systems maintenance.  

You will need to consider this systems maintenance if you are applying online. If we receive your application at or after 12 am (AEST) on 1 July 2024, the new application fee will apply. There is no discretion for us to alter or waive fees in this situation

Paper applications

For paper applications sent by post, an application is considered submitted on the date the Department receives the application, not the date the application form is posted. If we receive your application at or after 12 am (AEST) on 1 July 2024, the new fee applies.

Please consider postage times. To avoid the risk of postal delays, we recommend applyin ​online where possible.

If we receive your paper application without the full fee applicable on the date we receive it, we cannot consider your application until the correct fee has been paid.

If you pre-paid a lower fee, but do not submit your application before the fee change, you can make a ‘top-up’ payment using ImmiAccount:

My payments > Manage payments > Pre-pay Paper Service > Top-up payment.

If you do not pay the ‘top-up’ amount, your application will be returned to you. You will need to submit a new application with the correct fee.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-06-21

Visa conditions 8107, 8607 and 8608 are changing

​​​From 1 July 2024, visa conditions 8107, 8607 and 8608 are changing in response to the Australian Governments Migration Strategy. These changes address the commitment to help tackle worker exploitation and drive productivity.

We have made improvements to support the labour market mobility of temporary migrants who have the following visas:

• Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457)
• Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494).

Holders of these visas who stop working with their sponsoring employer will have more time to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa or arrange to depart Australia. These visa holders will have up to:

• 180 days at a time, or
• a maximum of 365 days in total across the entire visa grant period.

During this time, visa holders can work for other employers. This includes work in occupations not listed in their most recently approved sponsorship nomination. This will ensure that visa holders can support themselves while they look for a new sponsor.

Unless exempt, a visa holder cannot work for another employer unless they have ceased work with their sponsoring employer. Visa holders must remain in their nominated occupation while working for their existing sponsor.

Sponsors must still let the department know if there is any change in situation within 28 days. This includes ceasing sponsorship or if a visa holder resigns. You can find more information at Sponsorship obligations for Standard business sponsors.

Visa holders must not do any work that is inconsistent with any licence or registration needed for their nominated occupation. This includes any conditions or requirements they are subject to.

The changes apply to existing visa holders, as well as those granted a visa on or after 1 July 2024. Any periods a visa holder stopped working for their sponsor before 1 July 2024 will not count towards the new time periods outlined above.

For more information on visa conditions, see Check visa details and conditions.​​

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-06-21

A new version of the myVEVO app is coming

​​myVEVO provides a fast and convenient way for visa holders to check their Australian visa details. This includes visa expiry date, work and study rights, and travel conditions.

From late June 2024 users will see some changes to the look and feel of the myVEVO app including the following enhancements:

• enhanced design and flow​​ making it easier to use
• improved cyber ​security to further protect user accounts
• increased readability and accessibility features for both Android and iOS devices.

You can download the myVEVO app free from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-06-13

Restricting onshore visa hopping to the Student visa program

​The Government is focused on strengthening the integrity of the Student visa program. This will ensure we grant visas to genuine students and give students who receive qualifications in Australia opportunities to contribute to Australia’s economic growth.

As part of the release of the Migration Strategy, the government announced changes to Student visa eligibility. These changes will restrict certain temporary visa holders from applying for a Student visa while in Australia.

From 1 July 2024, Temporary Graduate, Visitor and Maritime Crew visa holders will be unable to apply for a Student visa while in Australia. In addition to existing visas from which it is already not possible to apply for a Student visa onshore, the complete list of visa holders that will be unable to apply for a Student visa onshore are:

• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
• Subclass 600 (Visitor)
• Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority)
• Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment)
• Subclass 651 (eVisitor)
• Subclass 771 (Transit)
• Subclass 988 (Maritime Crew)
• Subclass 995 (Diplomatic Temporary) – primary visa holders only
• Subclass 403 (Temporary Work) International Relations)) – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
• Subclass 426 (Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular)

Visa hopping has contributed to a growing cohort of ‘permanently temporary’ former international students living in Australia. These changes, combined with other measures, will help to close this loophole and put an end to this practice.

Temporary Graduate Visa holders should depart Australia, or find skilled jobs and/​​or other visa pathways, including those that may lead to becoming permanent residents of Australia. Visitor visa applicants who intend to study will be required to apply for their Student visa from offshore.​

Student visa applicants genuinely intending to pursue studies in Australia can apply outside Australia. Those who meet the criteria will be granted a Student visa.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-06-12

Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP)

As part of the Migration Strategy, the Government announced that it would not provide any new allocations for the BIIP while a new talent and innovation visa was considered. The new National Innovation visa will be available at the end of 2024.

We will close the BIIP permanently from July 2024. We will not accept any new applications for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa. The Migration Review found that the BIIP is delivering poor economic results for Australia. Studies including work by the Treasury and the Productivity Commission support this finding.

We will process current Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa applications in line with Government priorities and Migration Program planning levels. We will also tighten BIIP policy guidance so that all business migrants coming to Australia must have had a successful business career and will bring an economic benefit to Australia.

If you hold a subclass 188 visa and meet the criteria for the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) (subclass 888) visa you can continue on this pathway after July 2024.

If you hold a subclass 188 visa in the Business Innovation stream or the Significant Investor stream you can still apply for the extension stream of the visa. This will give you more time to meet the requirements of the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) (subclass 888) visa.

Refunds for the subclass 188 Visa Application Charge (VAC) will be available from September 2024 if you want to withdraw your application. The department will give more information on when to withdraw and how to ask for a refund when they are available.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-05-28

Updated - Increase in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) to $73,150

​​​​​Raising the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold

From 1 July 2024, the TSMIT will increase from $70,000 to $73,150. New nomination applications from this date will need to meet the new TSMIT of $73,150 or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher.

This change will not affect existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2024.

These changes are in line with the Government’s commitment at the Jobs and Skills Summit in September 2022.

More information

More information will be made available on future income thresholds and indexation methodology, including for the new Skills in Demand Visa, once finally determined later in 2024.

Updates regarding these changes will be published on the Department of Home Affairs website. Check the website regularly for more information. 

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-05-10

Increase to the Financial Capacity Requirement for Student and Student Guardian visas

​​​From 10 May 2024, the amount of money that Student and Student Guardian visa applicants need to have to be eligible for the visa is increasing.

The financial capacity requirement has been updated to align with a proportion (75 per cent) of the national minimum wage. This will better indicate the amount of money considered reasonable to provide a minimum standard of living while studying in Australia. This proportion considers that students are out of course session for 25 per cent of the year. During this time they may return home or have access to unrestricted work.

International students who can show they meet this new financial capacity requirement are better able to make informed decisions about their future.

Students are less likely to:

• be in financial distress once in Australia
• breach their visa conditions by working more hours than their visa conditions allow
• be vulnerable to worker exploitation.

The below table outlines the funds you need to show to meet the minimum financial capacity requirement, which will be changed from 10 May 2024.

Minimum required funds to meet financial capacity requirements

We will assess applications lodged before 10 ​May 2024 under the financial capacity requirements in effect at the time of application.

For more information, see Subclass 500 Student visa and Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa.​

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-03-20

New Genuine Student Requirement

​From 23 March 2024, the Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaces the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for Student visas.

This change was announced as part of the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023 and applies to all Student visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024.

The purpose of this amendment is to clarify the assessment of a student’s intention to genuinely study in Australia and to remove the confusion about whether the student can express a desire to migrate to Australia.

Student visa applicants no longer need to satisfy the GTE requirement that they genuinely intend to only stay in Australia temporarily.

The GS requirement acknowledges that post-study pathways to permanent residence are available to those eligible graduates. International students with studies and qualifications obtained in Australia may provide a qualified skilled workforce ready to fill skill shortages in Australia.

The change is also intended to help the Department to identify non-genuine students who are seeking to enter Australia for purposes other than to study.

The GS requirement focuses on the assessment of the student’s genuine intention to study in Australia, having regard to a number of factors, including the applicant’s circumstances, evidence of course progression, immigration history, compliance with visa conditions and other relevant matter.

The GTE requirement will be retained for Student Guardian visa applicants.

For more information see Genuine Student requirement.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-03-20

New English Language Requirements

​​The Australian Government has made changes to English Language Requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas. 

This change was announced as part of the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023 and applies to all Student and Temporary Graduate visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024.

The Migration Strategy outlined how the English language reforms for student visas will support international students to have a positive educational experience in Australia, and prepare them for the skilled workforce should they wish to apply for a graduate visa post study. 

Temporary Graduate visa (TGV)

• The minimum score required for a TGV from IELTS test score increases from 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component of the test (reading, writing, speaking and listening).
• The test validity window for a TGV decreases from 3 years to 1 year. TGV applicants now need to provide evidence that they have completed an English Language test within 1 year immediately before the date of the visa application.

Student visa

• The minimum score required for a Student visa from an IELTS test score increases from 5.5 to 6 (or its equivalent).
• The minimum score required to undertake a packaged ELICOS from IELTS increases from 4.5 to 5.0.
• For students studying English only through ELICOS, there will be no change.
• The test score required for students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training will be IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).

Increasing English language requirements for students undertaking VET and higher education courses requires a similar increase in score for those taking packaged ELICOS courses.

This ensures that students can transition successfully into their main course, with the appropriate level of English.

For more information on changes to the English Language requirements for a student, see Meet English language requirements.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-03-18

Systems maintenance 22-23 March 2024

​​​​We will be doing systems maintenance on some of our online systems from 8.30 pm (AEDT) Friday 22 March 2024 to 9 am (AEDT) Saturday 23 March 2024.

While we are making these changes, the following online services may not be available:

• ImmiAccount
• eLodgement (online visa and citizenship applications)
• My Health Declarations (MHD) service
• eMedical
• Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO)
• LEGENDcom
• Australian Trusted Trader
• Employment Suitability Clearances
• Detention Visitor Application
• APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
• Humanitarian Entrants Management System (HEMS)
• Adult Migrant English Program Reporting and Management System (ARMS)
• Education Provider Report (eBIT)
• Visa Pricing Estimator
• MSI Register
• Australian Migration Status (AMS) Training Portal
• Online Payment Portal
• Registration Gateway.

If you receive a 'Service Temporarily Unavailable' error message during this time, try again after the outage period.

If your current visa is due to expire on 22 March 2024 and you intend to stay in Australia, ensure you lodge your next visa application before 8.30 pm on Friday 22 March 2024. 

We apologise for any inconvenience.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-02-12

Second addendum to the 11th edition of The Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs paper released

​​​​​The second addendum to the 11th edition of The Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs paper is now available. 

The second addendum is complementary to the 11th edition and first addendum publications. It provides updated figures and information on the management of Australia’s immigration program, with data updated to the end of Quarter 2 of the 2023-24 program year (31 December 2023). 

Key highlights from the paper

Migration Strategy

• The Australian Government has taken significant steps forward in reforming Australia's migration system as outlined in the Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023.
• To achieve the objectives set out in the Migration Strategy, the Government is delivering on 8 key actions, supported by 25 new policy initiatives in addition to existing commitments made by the Government. 
• These reforms will ensure Australia’s migration system is better targeted to build on our economic prosperity and security. 

75 years of Australian Citizenship

• Over 6 million people from 200 countries welcomed as Australian citizens since 1949, marking 75th anniversary.
• From 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023, a 13% increase in citizenship by conferral applications finalised compared to the same period in 2022.​
• In December 2023, a 14% improvement in average processing time for citizenship application decisions compared to December 2022.
• Of the 42,447 applications submitted between 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023, 15,937 applications have been approved under the new direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens.

Stronger Humanitarian Program

• 2022-2023 Refugee and Humanitarian program delivered in full with 17,875 visas granted. The 2023-2024 program has been increased to 20​,000 places.
• 12,937 Subclass 851 Resolution of Status (RoS) visas granted as at 31 December 2023, providing a permanent visa pathway for Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEV) visa holders. 

Addressing skill and labour shortages

• Over 26,000 new applications for temporary skilled visa applications since 1 July 2023.
• 34 Aged Care Industry Labour Agreements in effect as at 5 January 2024.
• Designated Area Migration Agreements in effect increased by over 90% as at 31 December 2023, compared to 2022.
• 13,073 Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM) visas granted as at 31 December 2023.
• From 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023, 122,388 Working Holiday Maker visas granted.

Visitor visas supporting tourism​

• 1​3.3% increase in Visitor visa holders compared to 2022.
• From 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023, a 40% increase in Visitor visa application lodgements and 28% increase in finalisations, compared to the same period in 2022. 

The Department’s management of Australia’s immigration program anticipates and responds to changes in the international environment, in a way that delivers for workers, businesses and all Australians.​​

For a copy of the paper and previous editions, visit The Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs Paper.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-02-01

Final closure of the Pandemic Event visa

​​The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) Australian Government endorsed events (COVID-19 Pandemic event) visa closed to new applicants from 1 February 2024.

The Australian Government introduced the Pandemic Event visa in April 2020 to allow temporary visa holders to remain in Australia lawfully while the border was closed. It also addressed labour shortages in critical sectors in the local economy.

Now that Australia’s borders are open and temporary visa holder numbers in Australia have returned to pre-COVID-19 levels, the Pandemic Event visa is no longer required.

Closure of the Pandemic Event visa will contribute to a well-managed migration system. It will support better regulated visa pathways and normalise the flow of temporary migrants in and out of Australia.

Next steps for visa holders

Visa holders should ensure they remain lawful if they wish to stay in Australia. Becoming unlawful may effect their ability to visit Australia in the future. 

We encourage visa holders to use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system to check their visa conditions and visa validity. Individuals who remain in Australia without a valid visa risk being detained and removed. They may also incur a debt to the Australian Government for the cost of their removal. 

Next steps for visa applicants

The Department will continue to process all visa applications received before 1 February 2024. 

Learn more about the next steps for visa applicants and holders on the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa page.

We encourage individuals who are concerned because their visa is about to expire or has expired to contact the Department’s Status Resolution Service as soon as practicable. You can do this either online at Status Resolution Service or phone 131 881 (Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm).

There are rules about who can help you with immigration assistance. Make sure the person who is helping you is a:

• registered migration agent
• legal practitioner, or
• exempt person.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-01-31

ImmiAccount Security Enhancements

​From 31 January 2024, all new and existing users of ImmiAccount must verify their email address. This first phase of security enhancements will better protect ImmiAccount users.

Existing users with an unverified email address must verify or update their email address when they next log in.

New users must verify their email address when they create an ImmiAccount. They must ensure their email address meets our security requirements.

This change will ensure all active users in ImmiAccount have a valid email address linked to their account. We are committed to improving the integrity of ImmiAccount users. We also support self-service account recovery processes.

For more information see Create your ImmiAccount.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-01-29

Celebrating 75 years of Australian citizenship in 2024

​Saturday, 3 February 2024, marks a key milestone of the first Australian citizenship ceremony held 75 years ago.

On that day in 1949, seven people from seven nations became the first Australian citizens by conferral. This took place at a ceremony held at Albert Hall in Canberra.

These seven new citizens represented each state of Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. They hailed from some of Australia’s largest migrant source countries at the time - Czechoslovakia, Denmark, France, Greece, Norway, Spain and Yugoslavia.

The Albert Hall ceremony was held after the new status of ‘Australian citizen’ was created on
26 January 1949. This was when the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 came into effect. Before then, there was no legal status as an ‘Australian citizen’.

Jan Jandura Pucek had the honour of becoming the first naturalised Australian citizen during the ceremony. Jan was originally from Czechoslovakia and worked as a eucalyptus distiller in the Tidbinbilla region of the ACT.

To learn more about Jan’s story in our special video featuring Jan’s son, John Jandura, visit Citizenship stories.

During 1949, almost 2,500 people from over 35 countries became Australian citizens. Most were migrants from Italy, Poland, Greece, Germany and Yugoslavia.

Since then, over 6 million people have been granted Australian citizenship by conferral. They come from more than 200 nations across the globe. These citizens contribute to a strong, united and more prosperous Australia.

Today, the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 provides for a shared identity through citizenship. It unites all Australians while respecting our diversity.

To find out more about becoming an Australian citizen, including eligibility and the application process, visit Immigration and citizenship.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-01-25

Australia’s newest citizens welcomed this week

​​​​​This week, more than 22,200 people from over 150 countries have been invited to attend one of more than 430 citizenship ceremonies taking place nationwide to mark Australia Day.

2024 is a special year for citizenship, as we mark 75 years since t​he creation of the new status of Australian citizen. The first Australian citizenship ceremony took place on 3 February 1949. At Albert Hall in Canberra, seven people from seven nations became citizens. Each one represented each state of Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.

The journey to becoming an Australian citizen is often a culmination of hundreds of small decisions and choices that bring conferees to their special day. New citizens are officially recognised as being ‘Aussie’ and formalise their membership of the Australian family. New citizens often refer to becoming a citizen as one of the most significant moments in their lives. Citizenship provides for a shared identity which unites all Australians while respecting our diversity.

We encourage all Australians to support and welcome your community’s newest Australian citizens by attending a local citizenship ceremony. Contact your local government council for more information on how you can attend.

You can also watch live the Governor-General and the Prime Minister mark Australia Day in Canberra at the National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony. Tune into ABC TV or stream on ABC iView from 9:00am on 26 January.

It’s also a great time to discover the stories of Australia’s Local Heroes; everyday Australians who have made extraordinary contributions to their local communities. The Local Hero Award is one of the four categories at the Australian of the Year Awards, proudly sponsored by the Department of Home Affairs. You can watch the live ceremony from 7:30pm on 25 January on ABC TV or stream on ABC iView.

For more ideas on celebrating Australian citizenship, visit Celebrating citizenship.​

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2024-01-16

The Pacific Engagement Visa – Australia’s new permanent visa

​​​​​The Australian Government has heard the calls from Pacific leaders for deeper connections and easier movement around the region. We are taking steps to improve access, mobility and migration opportunities. Boosting Pacific permanent migration to Australia is an essential part of our plan to build a stronger Pacific Family.

To support this, the Government has committed to a new permanent resident visa program and will introduce the Pacific Engagement visa (PEV) for nationals of participating Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste. The PEV will grow Australia's Pacific diaspora. It will enable stronger people-to-people links and greater cultural, business and educational exchange.

We will introduce the new Subclass 192 – Pacific Engagement visa in 2024. It will provide up to 3,000 permanent places annually for citizens of participating Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste and their immediate family members. This is in addition to Australia’s permanent migration program.

On 19 October 2023, the Australian Government passed immigration legislation to enable the use of a ballot for the new PEV.  

The ballot ensures that eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste nationals of all skill levels, gender and backgrounds have equal opportunity to apply for a permanent visa for Australia.

Learn more about the eligibility requirements for this new visa on the PEV (subclass 192) ​​page.

For more information about participating countries and offshore support services visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website.​

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-12-22

Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476)

You can no longer apply for a Skilled – Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476). A cap was placed on this visa on 22 December 2023, and it was permanently closed to new applications from 1 July 2024. 

Visa holders

This information is for people who have already been granted a Skilled – Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476). It explains your rights and obligations. 

You can use Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) for free to check your visa details and entitlements. 

How long your visa lasts

If you already hold a Skilled – Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476), it will be valid until the expiry date you were given when your visa was granted. 

What this visa lets you do

With this visa, you can: 

• live, study and work in Australia temporarily
• travel in and out of Australia any number of times as long as the visa is valid.

Your obligations

You and your family must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws. 

During your stay in Australia, you must: 

• maintain adequate health insurance while you are in Australia
• continue to meet the requirements under which you were granted the visa
• leave Australia when your visa ends (unless you are granted another visa).

Family members

No subsequent entrant applications can be lodged from 1 July 2024.

Report changes in circumstances

Tell us if your circumstances change. This includes a new residential address, a new passport, or a pregnancy, birth or death in your family. 

For further information, visit Changes in your situation.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-12-15

Student and Student Guardian visa processing priorities

​​​A new Ministerial Direction for prioritising student and student guardian visa applications was signed on 14 December 2023.

Ministerial Direction No. 107 formalises the Australian Government’s processing priorities for the student and student guardian visa programs. It builds on ongoing work to strengthen the integrity of the international education sector.

An evidence level is allocated to each Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)-registered education provider. The new Ministerial Direction works with the evidence level framework to prioritise applications from international students wishing to study in Australia. Visit here to find out more about Evidence Levels.

Ministerial Direction No. 107 provides the highest priority to:

• student visa applications lodged outside Australia by:
• Schools sector, Foreign Affairs or Defence sector, and Postgraduate Research sector applicants
• Higher Education, English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), Vocational Education and Training (VET), and Non-Award sector applicants studying at an education provider with an Evidenc​e Level 1
• subsequent entrant applications lodged outside Australia that include an unmarried family member under 18 years​
• all Student Guardian visa applications (lodged in or outside Australia).

Any secondary applicant (spouse, de-facto partner or dependent child) who is included in the primary visa application will be given the same priority as the primary applicant.

Subsequent entrant means a secondary applicant for a student visa who did not make a combined application with the primary applicant / primary visa holder.

Where the primary applicant intends to undertake two or more courses of study (course packaging), the application will be given the order of priority that applies to the principal course of study (i.e. the course of study with the highest Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level).

The new student visa processing priorities apply to all visa applications lodged on or from 15 December 2023, as well as applications lodged prior to this date that are yet to be finalised.

Student visa applications lodged in Australia will continue to be processed according to existing processing arrangements.

For further detail on the priority groupings, please refer to the ​​Ministerial Direct​ion.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-12-11

Reforms to get migration working for the nation

Migration Strategy now available

Released by the Australian Government today, the Migration Strategy sets out significant reforms to Australia’s migration system to meet the future needs of the nation and deliver for Australia—its people, businesses, governments and migrants.

Migrants continue to be an essential part of Australia’s economic and social fabric. Today, more than half of all Australians were born overseas or have a parent born overseas.

The Migration Strategy outlines five core objectives for Australia’s migration system. To achieve these objectives, the Government will deliver eight key actions, supported by more than 25 new policy commitments and existing commitments already made by Government.

The reforms focus on:

• targeted skilled migration and new streamlined pathways for top global talent
• higher standards for international students and education providers to drive quality in international education
• visa settings to tackle worker exploitation and protect wages and conditions
• support for regional Australia to get fast access to skilled workers
• a new approach to migration planning to help return migration back to pre-pandemic levels and to get the right skills in the right places.

The Strategy and Action Plan are now available at Migration Strategy.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-12-11

Removal of the Labour Market Testing (LMT) Requirement to Advertise on the Workforce Australia Website

​On 11 December 2023, Migration (LIN 18/036: Period, manner and evidence of labour market testing) Instrument 2018 has been​ updated to remove the requirement for employers to advertise on the Workforce Australia website. This change will apply to subclass 482 and 494 nomination applications, and will allow employers greater flexibility in relation to how they undertake LMT.

At the same time, clarifying text has been incorporated into the updated instrument which indicates that nominated positions may be advertised over two or more overlapping periods totaling a minimum of 4 weeks.

This change is an immediate outcome of the Government’s Migration Strategy.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-12-08

Change to Partner (subclass 309 and 820) visas

​​On 25 November 2023 changes were made to Partner (subclass 309) and Partner (subclass 820) visas.

Partner (subclass 309) visa can be granted to applicants in or outside Australia. For more information see Subclass 309 Partner (Provisional) visa

Partner (subclass 820) visa can be granted to applicants in or outside Australia. For more information see Subclass 820 Partner visa (temporary)

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-11-23

Ending the COVID-19 concession period

​​​​The COVID-19 concession period will cease on 25 November 2023. ​From early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in international travel restrictions, and deteriorating business and employment conditions. The former Government implemented temporary measures related to an initial concession period. This was to provide concessions for applicants of certain visa subclasses affected by travel restrictions and which made it difficult for them to meet visa requirements. This included where the applicant must be located at time of application.

The concession period is no longer relevant as all COVID-19 international travel restrictions have been lifted. Travellers to Australia no longer need to:

• provide information in relation to their vaccination status, or
• seek travel exemptions. 

Ending the concession period will contribute to a well-managed migration system. This will restore integrity by ensuring unintended cohorts are not accessing concessions. The impacted visa programs that utilise the initial concession period are:

Employer Sponsored visas

From 25 November 2023 new nominations for the following visa streams will require Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) holders to have worked in a position with their sponsoring employer, or worked in the occupation for medical practitioners and certain executives, for 2 out of the previous 3 years.

• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)
• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

The following COVID-19 concessions will become redundant and will end:

• Periods of reduced work due to COVID-19 will not count towards meeting the work experience requirements for new ENS/RSMS TRT stream nomination applications.
• The COVID-19 concession to the age exemption for high income earning applicants will not apply for new ENS/RSMS visa applications.

The age exemption for legacy 457 workers in Australia for 12 months during the pandemic from 1 February 2020 to 14 December 2021 will apply for ENS visa applications lodged before 1 July 2024.

Skilled Regional Visa subclass 887

The temporary concessions available to holders of eligible skilled provisional visas to apply for the subclass 887 visa are set around the COVID-19 concession period.

The concessions allowed​​ eligible prospective subclass 887 visa applicants to lodge from in or outside Australia during the concession period and to access shorter periods of employment and regional residence requirements.

Applicants can only access the employment requirement concession if they:

• held an eligible skilled provisional visa during the concession period, and
• make a valid application on or before Monday 26 February 2024.​

The ending of the concession period will end any other concessions for the subclass 887 visa.

After 25 November 2023 eligible skilled provisional visa holders applying for a subclass 887 visa must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when applying.

Family visas

The COVID-19 concessions removed restrictions on the ‘location at the time of visa grant requirement for certain Family program visa applicants.

Applicants for certain Partner and Child visas who applied before 26 November 2023, and who were in Australia at any time during the concession period, will continue to be eligible to be granted a visa in Australia (if they meet all other visa criteria) after the end of the concession period. The COVID-19 concession arrangements will not apply to Partner and Child applicants who were not in Australia at any time during the COVID-19 concession period.

The COVID-19 concessions for certain Parent visa applicants, only applied during the COVID-19 concession period, from 1 February 2020 to 25 November 2023. 

Business Innovation and Investment Program visas

COVID-19 concessions were put in place for the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) under the:

• provisional subclass 188 visa - Business Innovation Extension stream
• permanent subclass 888 visa under all streams.

BIIP applicants who are eligible to exercise COVID-19 concessions to make a valid application can do so for 3 months after the end of the concession period. Applications must be submitted before the end of Monday 26 February 2024.

Safe Haven Enterprise Visa

The end of the COVID-19 concession will have minimal impact for the Safe Haven Enterprise visa pathway program. The Australian Government has provided a permanent visa pathway option to Safe Haven Enterprise visa holders through the Resolution of Status (subclass 851) (RoS) visa.

Temporary Graduate visa

From 25 November 2023 all applications for any stream of the Temporary Graduate visa (TGV) program must be lodged in Australia. Subsequent entrant applications can be lodged in or outside of Australia. The ability to grant applications to applicants who are either in or outside of Australia (but not in immigration clearance) will continue. 

For more information see COVID-19 visa concessions.​​​

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-10-04

Rapid Review into the Exploitation of Australia’s Visa System

​​​​​The Australian Government’s response to the Rapid Review into the Exploitation of Australia’s Visa System (the Nixon Review) was released today, providing measures to address exploitation of Australia’s migration system.

The Government recognises the valuable contribution that migrants bring to Australia and is committed to addressing abuse of the migration system and ensuring​ visa holders and vulnerable community members are protected from exploitation.

The Government has introduced a range of measures in response to the Nixon Review recommendations, which include:

• the reprioritisation of an immigration compliance function
• strengthening the integrity of the migration advice​ industry​​​.​

More information about the Nixon Review can be found on the Department's website.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-09-25

Recommencement of the Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme

​​The Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme has started.

The ADS scheme is a travel visa arrangement between the Australian and Chinese governments. The ADS scheme allows Chinese tourists to travel to Australia as part of an approved tour group. The first ADS tourists arrived in Australia in August 1999.

On 10 August 2023,​ the Chinese Government announced that Australia has been included on the list of countries for China’s ADS scheme.

From 25 September 2023, Visitor (subclass 600) (ADS stream) visa applications can be lodged. You must contact a registered ADS scheme travel agent to apply for this visa.

For more information, see Visitor visa (subclass 600) Approved Destination Status stream

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-07-27

Get the essentials for employers

​​If you’re an employer wanting to employ a visa holder already in Australia, or looking to sponsor an overseas worker, make sure you know your options and what you need to do.

Our updated website information for employers provides details on the options available if you are unable to fill a position with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

There is information on what you need to do if you want to employ a visa holder who is already in Australia and on how to check their work rights.

You can also find information about:

• how to become a Department of Home Affairs approved sponsor
• what information you will need to provide us
• how to nominate a role
• how to nominate an overseas worker to a particular position.

The step-by-step guide available on the website provides information about your ongoing responsibilities. It also details what you need to tell the Australian Government if there are any changes to your situation.

Find out more about employer options: Employing overseas workers (homeaffairs.gov.au)

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-07-01

Direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens – More information for family type visa holders or applicants

​​​​​​On 22 April 2023, the Australian Government announced a direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens living in Australia.

From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for four years or more will be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship. They will no longer need to first apply for and be granted a permanent visa. This means all New Zealand citizens who hold a permanent visa or a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) are eligible to apply directly for citizenship (by conferral).​

These changes only apply to citizenship applications submitted on or after 1 July 2023. If you are a New Zealand citizen, you can check on the day you want to apply to confirm your eligibility.

Withdrawing your application

New Zealand citizen SCV holders with a pending Partner, Parent, Child or Other Family type visa application, who on 1 July 2023 may be eligible to apply for citizenship by conferral under the new direct pathway for Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens, may wish to consider withdrawing their application.

Applicants should consider:

• their individual circumstances
• impact on family members and their pending visa applications, visas they hold, and/or their future visa options in Australia
• the benefits of permanent residence
• the timeframes for processing citizenship applications.

Applicants would remain temporary residents during citizenship processing.

For further information on how to withdraw your visa application see: You want to withdraw an application

Refunds

The direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealand citizens living in Australia does not entitle holders or applicants for any Partner, Parent, Child or Other Family type visa, who are holders or would otherwise hold an SCV, a refund of their Visa Application Charge (VAC). There are very limited circumstances in which a VAC may be refunded. For further information about refunds, see the Department’s website: ​Getting a refund

Family members of New Zealand citizens

The backdating of permanent residence for SCV holders will impact children born to SCV holders. From 1 July 2023, any child born in Australia on or after 1 July 2022 to an SCV holder may automatically acquire Australian citizenship at birth. From 1 July 2023, children who meet these circumstances can apply for evidence of citizenship.

Eligible family members of SCV holders will continue to be able to apply for, and be granted, a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (subclass 461) visa.

Family members who already hold a Subclass 461 visa will continue to hold this visa for the remaining period of its validity, which could be up to 5 years. See your visa conditions, including its expiry date, in your grant letter or in VEVO.

Family members of SCV holders who acquire Australian citizenship, however, will no longer be eligible to apply for a Subclass 461 visa from the citizenship acquisition date.

New Zealand citizens who obtain Australian citizenship through the new direct pathway can visit the Department’s website to explore visa options to sponsor their family members. Relevant visa options to remain in Australia may include Partner and Child visas.

Impacted family members of New Zealand citizens who get Australian citizenship through this pathway may also wish to explore their visa options.

Explore visa options

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-06-29

New visa application charges from 1 July 2023

From 1 July 2023, new visa application charges will apply.

The new charges apply to all visa applications received by the Department on or after 1 July 2023.

The website will be updated to reflect these changes for each individual visa type. In the meantime, you can determine the new visa application charge (VAC) by using the Visa Pricing Estimator.

Online applications

If you apply online on or after 12:00 am (AEST) 1 July 2023, you will pay the new VAC. This is regardless of when you started the application. Your application is considered submitted when we receive it, along with the VAC.

If you apply online and pay by credit or debit card, PayPal, or UnionPay, your application and visa application charge is generally received on the same day.

Before submitting your application, make sure it includes all the required documents. If you submit an incomplete application, you may need to submit a new application and pay the relevant VAC. 

ImmiAccount systems maintenance

Online services, including ImmiAccount, may not be available if you are applying online between 8:30pm (AEST) 30 June 2023 and 12:30pm (AEST) 1 July 2023 due to systems maintenance. 

You will need to consider this systems maintenance if you are applying online. If we receive your application on or after 12.00am (AEST) 1 July 2023, the new application charge will apply. There is no discretion for us to alter or waive charges in this situation.​​

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-06-26

Systems maintenance - 30 June 2023 to 1 July 2023

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We will be doing systems maintenance on some of our online systems from 8.30 pm (AEST) Friday 30 June 2023 to 3​​:30 pm (AEST) Saturday 1 July 2023.

While we are making these changes, the following online services may not be available:

• ImmiAccount
• eLodgement (online visa and citizenship applications)
• My Health Declarations (MHD) service
• eMedical
• Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO)
• LEGENDc​om
• Australian Trusted Trader
• Employment Suitability Clearances
• Detention Visitor Application
• APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
• Humanitarian Entrants Management System (HEMS)
• Adult Migrant English Program Reporting and Management System (ARMS)
• Education Provider Report (eBIT)
• Visa Pricing Estimator
• MSI Register
• Australian Migration Status (AMS) Training Portal
• Online Payment Portal

If you receive a 'Service Temporarily Unavailable' error message during this time, please try again after the outage period.

If your current visa is due to expire on 30 June 2023 and you intend to stay in Australia, please ensure you lodge your next visa application before 8.30 pm on Friday 30 June 2023. 

We apologise for any inconvenience.​

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-06-22

New citizenship application fees from 1 July 2023

​​​​​​From 1 July 2023, new citizenship application fees will apply. Fees are increasing to reflect the cost of processing applications. On 1 July each year, indexation will be applied to citizenship application fees based on the consumer price index (CPI).

The new fees apply to all citizenship appli​cations received by the Department on or after 12:00am (AEST) 1 July 2023.

The new fees applicable from 1 July 2023 are set out in the table below. This includes new concession fees payable by Pensioner Concession Card holders. There will be no changes to the eligibility for fee exemptions. 

Citizenship application fees (effective 1 July 2023)

* Fee concessions for forms 1300t and 1290.

A fee concession is payable by:

• Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Australian Government (Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs)
• Persons aged 17 years or younger listed as a dependant on a Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Australian Government (Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs) applying independently.

To be eligible for the fee concession, applicants must provide a certified copy of both sides of their Pensioner Concession Card with their citizenship application.

​​^ Fee exemptions

The following applicants are exempt from paying a citizenship application fee:

• British or Maltese former child migrants who came to Australia without parents between 22 September 1947 and 31 December 1967 under the Commonwealth Child Migration Scheme. A letter from the Child Migrants Trust confirming details of arrival and sponsorship will need to be submitted with the citizenship application.
• Applicants who have served for at least 90 days in the permanent forces of the Commonwealth of Australia. A letter or discharge papers from the Australian Defence Force specifying service dates will need to be submitted with the citizenship application.
• Applicants applying under the Statelessness provision (section 21(8) of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007).

For more information on fee concessions or exemptions for Australian citizenship by conferral, see Fee concessions or exemptions.

Online applications

If you apply online on or after 12.00am (AEST) 1 July 2023, you will pay the new fee. This is regardless of when you started the application. Your application is considered submitted when we receive it, along with the fee.

If you apply online and pay by credit or debit card, PayPal, or UnionPay, your application and fee is generally received on the same day.

Before submitting your application, make sure it includes all the required documents. If you submit an incomplete application, you may need to submit a new application and pay the relevant fee. 

ImmiAccount systems maintenance

Online services, including ImmiAccount, may not be available if you are applying online between 8.30pm (AEST) 30 June 2023 and 12.30pm​ (AEST) 1 July 2023 due to systems maintenance.  

You will need to consider this systems maintenance if you are applying online. If we receive your application on or after 12.00am (AEST) 1 July 2023, the new application fee will apply. There is no discretion for us to alter or waive fees in this situation. 

Paper applications

For paper applications lodged by mail, an application is considered submitted on the date we receive it, not the date the application form is posted. If we receive your application on or after 12.00am (AEST) 1 July 2023, the new fee applies.

Please consider postage times. To avoid the risk of postal delays, we recommend applying online where possible.

If we receive your paper application without the full fee applicable on the date we receive it, we cannot consider your application until the correct fee has been paid.

If you pre-paid a lower fee, but do not submit your application before the fee change, you can make a ‘top-up’ payment using ImmiAccount:

​ My payments > Manage payments > Pre-pay Paper Service > Top-up payment.

If you do not pay the ‘top-up’ amount, your application will be returned to you. You will need to submit a new application with the correct fee.

​

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-06-20

Income requirement for the Subclass 191 visa

​​The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa in the Regional Provisional stream is the pathway to permanent residence for eligible holders of:

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visa.

There is no minimum income requirement for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191). There is no legislative instrument in place specifying a minimum income threshold for this visa.

Primary applicants must provide notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three income years out of the five years of their eligible visa. Primary applicants who have already lodged should ensure their application provides these three notices.

The Australian Government is committed to a migration system to serve our national interests. This will help migrants already living and working in Australia who have the skills we need to thrive. We want to provide them clarity on their prospects for permanent residence.

Read more information about the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa in the Regional Provisional Stream.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-06-08

Intermittent outages to ImmiAccount

An intermittent issue is affecting some ImmiAccount users. Affected users currently receive one of the following error messages:

• An unexpected error occurred. Please close all open browsers and try again.
• We are currently experiencing high volumes of transactions and are unable to complete your request. Please try it later.

If you receive one of the above messages, you are requested to log out of ImmiAccount and try again later. We are currently working to resolve the issue and apologise for any inconvenience it has caused.

Users do not need to contact the Department or submit technical support requests for inquiries relating to this issue.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-05-05

Updated - Increase in the Temporary Skilled Income Threshold (TSMIT) to $70,000 and expanded pathways to permanent residence

​​​​​​​​​​On 27 April 2023 the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Clare O’Neil MP announced an increase in the TSMIT. She also announced expanded pathways to permanent residence for employer sponsored temporary skilled visa holders.

Refer to the National Press Club address.

Raising the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold

From 1 July 2023, the TSMIT will increase from $53,900 to $70,000. New nomination applications from​ this date will need to meet the new TSMIT of $70,000 or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher.

This change will not affect existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2023.

Expanded pathways to permanent residence

By the end of 2023, the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa will be available​ for all Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa holders whose employers wish to sponsor them.

Applicants will need to continue to work in the occupation nominated for their TSS visa(s). However, occupations will not be limited to the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). We will reduce eligibility for the TRT stream from three years to two years employment with the sponsoring employer. Applicants will need to meet all other nomination and visa requirements for the TRT stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa.

To facilitate these pathways, the Government is also removing limits on the number of Short-term stream TSS visa applications that visa holders can make in Australia. This is an interim measure to assist those currently onshore who would normally need to go offshore to make further visa applications.

These changes are in line with the Government’s commitment at the Jobs and Skills Summit in September 2022 to expand pathways to permanent residence for temporary skilled sponsored workers. The changes will provide more equitable access to permanent residence. They will also provide more certainty to TSS visa holders and their employers about the permanent residence pathways available. Employers will be able to alleviate skills shortages by ensuring a permanent employer sponsored pathway is available for a wider range of occupations.

More information

We will make more information available on both of these measures closer to their implementation date. We will publish updates regarding these changes on the Department of Home Affairs website.  Check the website regularly for more information. 

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-05-01

Important visa updates regarding Sudan unrest

​​​​The Australian Government is working with other countries and partners to assist Australian citizens and their families to leave Sudan. Australian citizens and Permanent Residents wanting to leave Sudan should register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's registration portal.

For family members in Sudan without a visa, you can identify what visa best suits their circumstances by exploring vis​​​​a options.

The Department is still progressing visa applications from Sudanese people. We know the situation for many applicants has and will continue to change. It is important for visa applicants to keep their contact details and other information up to date with the Department.

Sudanese nationals in Australia

Sudanese citizens in Australia can consider temporary and permanent visa options to stay in Australia. As each person’s circumstances are different, explore these visa options by using our ​​visa finder tool.

If you hold a current visa, check when it expires by using our Visa Entitlement Verification Online system (VEVO). If your visa is expiring in the next few months, you need to consider which option may be best to extend your stay.

The Department’s Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is available for people who need interpreting support. This credentialed and secure interpreting service is available ​24 hours a day, seven days a week. Non-English speakers in Australia can access free immediate telephone interpreters by calling 131 450.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-04-22

Direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens from 1 July 2023

​​On 22 April 2023, the ​​Australian Government announced​ a direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens living in Australia.

​From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for four years or more will be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship. They will no longer need to first apply for and be granted a permanent visa. These changes apply to New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) who arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001. Protected SCV holders will continue to be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship.

For New Zealand citizens who are long-term residents in Australia, this will be achieved by backdating their period of permanent residence for citizenship purposes. This will allow them to meet the 12-month permanent residence period under the general residence requirement.

The general residence requirement for Australian citizenship by conferral is set out in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. To meet the general residence requirement an applicant must be lawfully present in Australia for four years, including 12 months as a permanent resident, immediately before the date of application.

With effect from 1 July 2023:

• All New Zealand citizens holding an SCV will be considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes.
• New Zealand citizens granted an SCV before 1 July 2022 will have their period of permanent residence for citizenship purposes backdated to 1 July 2022.
• New Zealand citizens granted an SCV for the first time on or after 1 July 2022 will be considered a permanent resident for citizenship purposes from the date of their SCV grant.

The above provisions will apply to New Zealand citizens in Australia. It will also apply to New Zealand citizens who are overseas, but held an SCV immediately before last leaving Australia.

These provisions will not apply to citizenship applications submitted before 1 July 2023. If you submit your citizenship application before this date, and you do not meet the eligibility requirements, we will refuse your application and you will not be entitled to a refund.

For further information regarding these changes, check our website regularly. Check on the day you apply to confirm your eligibility.

The backdating of permanent residence for SCV holders will also impact children born to SCV holders. From 1 July 2023, any child born in Australia on or after 1 July 2022 to an SCV holder may automatically acquire Australian citizenship at birth. From 1 July 2023, children who meet these circumstances can apply for​ evidence of citizenship.

These changes will deliver on the commitment made by the Prime Minister in July 2022 to ensure viable pathways to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens living in Australia. This reflects the close ties between our two nations and highlights the positive contribution New Zealand citizens make to Australia.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-03-30

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – visas for football fans and supporters

​Football fans and supporters who want to come to Australia to watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 must have a valid Australian visa.

There are a range of visas that are suitable for football fans and supporters, and the type of visa you need will depend on how long you would like to stay in Australia, if you are planning to enter Australia more than once, the nationality of your passport and what you would like to do while you are here.

You can find out more information about Australian visas using the visa finder on our website.

We are currently processing a high number of visa applications. To help us process your visa application faster always remember to check twice, and submit once.

Travelling to New Zealand

Football fans and supporters who want to travel to New Zealand to watch matches will need a visa or an NZeTA for that country. Information on New Zealand visas and NZeTAs is available on the Immigration New Zealand website: Visitor Visa: Visa details | Immigration New Zealand

Transit visa requirement

Football fans and supporters transiting through Australia on their way to or from another country, including New Zealand, may need a transit visa. You can find out more information about transiting through Australia on our website.

Football fans and supporters should also check the transit visa requirements for other countries they are transiting through when travelling to and from Australia.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-03-16

Partner visa processing

​If your Partner visa application contains all the required information, we can process it faster.

Log into your ImmiAccount to mak​e sure you (and any dependants) have provided all the required documents. To complete your medicals sooner you may also be able to use the My Health Declarations (MHD) service in ImmiAccount. Se​e Completing the My Health Declarations form (PDF 868KB)​.

If you have applied for a Partner visa, you may receive a phone call from a departmental officer. This is so we can get more information to progress your application. This phone call may come from any of our processing offices, including those located overseas. Due to this it may be outside normal Australian business hours.

Be aware of scammers who impersonate the Department of Home Affairs. They may contact you by phone and say they are calling on our behalf. Our staff will always identify themselves before they ask for any information. To verify that you are speaking with a departmental officer ask them to confirm your file number or your application lodgement date.

Our staff will never ask for:

• credit card information
• banking details
• ImmiAccount password
• payment over the phone.

For more information and to check the requirements for your visa see Getting a visa - Visa list.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-03-03

Updated - Statement on Aggregate Sentences Act 2023

​​​​​​​​​On 17 February 2023, the Migration Amendment (Aggregate Sentences) Act 2023 (the Aggregate Sentences Act) which amends the Migration Act 1958 (the Migration Act) came into effect.

The Aggregate Sentences Act responds to the Full Federal Court judgment in Pearson v Minister for Home Affairs [2022] FCAFC 203 (Pearson). The central finding of the judgment was that a single aggregate sentence, being a single sentence imposed for multiple offences, cannot be relied upon when assessing whether a person has a ‘substantial criminal record’ under s 501(7)(c) of the Migration Act, with consequences for the application of the character test.

The Aggregate Sentences Act amends the relevant provisions of the Migration Act, and makes it clear that an aggregate sentence can be relied upon for the purposes of considering if a person has a substantial criminal record, which is relevant to the application of the character test. The Aggregate Sentences Act also validates, with retrospective operation, past decisions that would otherwise have been invalid because of the Pearson decision.

The effect of the Aggregate Sentences Act is that the​ original decision to refuse or cancel a visa under section 501 of the Migration Act that relied wholly or in part on an aggregate sentence remains valid and the non-citizen does not hold or no longer holds a valid visa to remain in Australia.

The Aggregate Sentences Act contains provisions to restore a person’s right to seek review or revocation of a visa cancellation or refusal decision if they had not done so before the Pearson decision, provided they were still within the relevant timeframes to do so.

Those who have had a visa cancellation or refusal revalidated by operation of the Aggregate Sentences Act are considered unlawful non-citizens and may be detained and removed from Australia.

The Department encourages those impacted to self-report to the Australian Border Force by contacting field.operations.vic.tas@abf.gov.au.​

Non-citizens may wish to seek assistance from a registered migration agent, or engage independent legal advice to determine how this legislation may impact them.

For further information on the Aggregate Senten​ces​ Act, please re​​f​​er to ​Impacts of ​Migration Amendment (Aggregate Sentences) Act 2023 Factsheet (​1.09MB PDF)​.​​​

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-02-17

Statement on Aggregate Sentences Act 2023

​​​​​​​​​​​​​On 17 February 2023, the Migration Amendment (Aggregate Sentences) Act 2023 (the Aggregate Sentences Act) which amends the Migration Act 1958 (the Migration Act) came into effect.

The Aggregate Sentences Act responds to the Full Federal Court judgment in Pearson v Minister for Home Affairs [2022] FCAFC 203 (Pearson). The central finding of the judgment was that a single aggregate sentence, being a single sentence imposed for multiple offences, cannot be relied upon when assessing whether a person has a ‘substantial criminal record’ under s 501(7)(c) of the Migration Act, with consequences for the application of the character test.

The Aggregate Sentences Act amends the relevant provisions of the Migration Act, and makes it clear that an aggregate sentence can be relied upon for the purposes of considering if a person has a substantial criminal record, which is relevant to the application of the character test. The Aggregate Sentences Act also validates, with retrospective operation, past decisions that would otherwise have been invalid because of the Pearson decision.

The effect of the Aggregate Sentences Act is that the​ original decision to refuse or cancel a visa under section 501 of the Migration Act that relied wholly or in part on an aggregate sentence remains valid and the non-citizen does not hold or no longer holds a valid visa to remain in Australia.

The Aggregate Sentences Act contains provisions to restore a person’s right to seek review or revocation of a visa cancellation or refusal decision if they had not done so before the Pearson decision, provided they were still within the relevant timeframes to do so.

Those who have had a visa cancellation or refusal revalidated by operation of the Aggregate Sentences Act are considered unlawful non-citizens and may be detained and removed from Australia.

The Department encourages those impacted to self-report to the Australian Border Force by contacting field.operations.vic.tas@abf.gov.au.​

Non-citizens may wish to seek assistance from a registered migration agent, or engage independent legal advice to determine how this legislation may impact them.

For further information on the Aggregate Senten​ces​ Act, please re​​f​​er to th​e ​Migration Amendment (Aggregate Sentences) Act 2023 Factsheet (​1.09MB PDF)​.​​​

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-02-13

Permanent residence pathway for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa holders with an occupation on the Regional Occupation List

​​​From 1 July 2022 changes commenced to improv​​e access to permanent residence for skilled migrant workers who chose to stay in Australia during the pandemic.

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa holders who have been in Australia for at least one year between 1 February 2020 and​ 14 December 2021 are able to apply for permanent residence through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa.

Applicants must also meet all other nomination and visa requirements for the TRT stream of the ENS visa.

In addition to Short-term stream TSS visa holders, the Government is advising that this pathway is also available to Medium-term stream TSS visa holders with an occupation on the Regional Occupation List.

This pathway is currently available for two years from 1 July 2022.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-02-09

2 migration agents sanctioned since 1 January 2023

​​​​​​​Search the disciplinary decisions notices for these and other sanctions.

• By: Achieve Visa and Education Consultant
• 2023-01-01

Expedited citizenship pathway for New Zealand stream Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa holders

From 1 January 2023, New Zealand stream Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa holders who have previously held a Special Category (subclass 444) visa will have the commencement of their permanent residence period for Australian citizenship purposes backdated to 1 January 2022. This also applies to their New Zealand citizen family members who hold a Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa.

The general residence requirement for Australian citizenship by conferral is set out in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. To meet the general residence requirement an applicant must be lawfully present in Australia for 4 years, including 12 months as a permanent resident, immediately before the date of application.

The backdating of permanent residence means that, from 1 January 2023, New Zealand stream Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa holders are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship by conferral immediately following visa grant, without needing to hold this visa for 12 months.

Before applying, applicants should confirm their eligibility.

The backdating of permanent residence also affects children born in Australia to certain Special Category (subclass 444) visa holders. Children born in Australia between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2023, before the grant of their parent’s New Zealand stream Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa, and where this visa was also granted between these dates, may retrospectively acquire Australian citizenship automatically by birth. Children who meet these circumstances can apply for evidence of citizenship.

These changes support the close ties between our two nations, and the positive contribution New Zealand citizens make to Australia.

The Government is considering future migration and citizenship pathways for New Zealand citizens in Australia. Further information will be provided in due course.​