Migration Amendment (Visa Application Charges) Regulations
2018
These regulations amend the Migration Regulations 1994 to make
changes to visa application charges (VACs) for
certain visas. In particular, the regulations increase first
instalment VACs for a number of visas. On 1 July 2017, most VACs
were indexed in accordance with the 2017-18 forecast consumer price
index (CPI). The regulations increase the majority
of VACs so that they are increased by the 2018-19 forecast CPI. In
effect, this means that the relevant VACs are increased from their
baseline 2016-17 amounts by the cumulative total of the 2017-18 and
2018-19 increases. It is intended that these indexation amendments
will be made on an annual basis in the future (22 June 2018).
Migration Amendment (Pacific Labour Scheme) Regulations
2018
These regulations amend the Migration Regulations 1994 to implement
initiatives promoting Australia's international policy in
relation to employment opportunities and pathways for Pacific
Island Countries (PICs) by making changes to
Subclass 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) visa
('Subclass 403'). They make these changes
in order to introduce a new Pacific Labour Scheme
(PLS) stream; provide for applicants, subject to
conditions, to be granted a multi-year, multi-entry visa in the
Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) stream; and to
strengthen integrity measures in the PLS and SWP streams by
introducing a new condition that allows the visa holder, under
limited circumstances, to change their sponsor. They also update
the settings relating to when visas are in effect for all streams
in the Subclass 403 to provide administrative flexibility for visa
processing officers (VPOs), and greater certainty
for visa holders in relation to their permitted period of stay in
Australia (22 June 2018).
Migration (IMMI 18/102: Arrangements for Work and Holiday and
Working Holiday Visa Applications) Instrument
2018
This instrument provides for mandatory online lodgement of visa
applications, with exceptions, for the following applicants for a
Work and Holiday (Temporary) (Class US) visa: applicants who are,
or have previously been, in Australia as the holder of a Class US
visa, and applicants from Argentina, Slovak Republic, Spain, United
States of America and Uruguay. The instrument provides for
mandatory online lodgement of visa applications, with exceptions,
for all applicants for a Working Holiday (Temporary) (Class TZ)
visa. The instrument also updates the address to which applications
must be sent for applicants from the State of Israel (14 June
2018).
This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.
