News Flash

24-Jan-2019
Planning to lodge a partner visa onshore? Apply ASAP!

On 28 November 2018, Parliament passed the Migration Amendment (Family Violence and Other ..

19-Dec-2018
New South Wales suspends business and investor visas until further notice

The New South Wales (NSW) state government has temporarily closed applications for nomination fo..

16-Dec-2018
Employers beware! Data Sharing makes it easy to detect breach of Employer Sanctions Act

Employers beware: Due to new data matching arrangements (https://www.ato.gov.au/General/Gen/Home..

13-Nov-2018
Age limit for Irish and Canadian applicants for Working Holiday Visas raised to 35

New regulations (https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2018L01507/Download) raised the upper a..

13-Nov-2018
Controversial Australian citizenship bill to be re-introduced as citizenship approvals dive

Update on controversial new citizenship bill Last year, the Australian government intr..

09-Aug-2018
Employers brace for impact as Skilling Australians Fund starts 12 August 2018

Employers should be prepared to pay significantly more for sponsoring foreign workers. New regul..

03-Jul-2018
Increased Pass Mark to 65 for certain General Skilled Migration visas - from 1 July 2018

From 1 July 2018, the pass mark will be increased to 65 for the following three subclasses under..

03-Jul-2018
Pilot Global Talent Scheme to attract workers with specialised skills

From 1 July 2018, the Australian Government will begin implementing a new Global Talent Scheme (..

03-Jul-2018
Second Stage of Partner Visa Process - Department will now remind applicants

Recent advice from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) confirms they will now automatically not..

24-Mar-2018
URGENT NEWSFLASH: Temporary Skill Shortage (482) Visa replaces 457 Visa from 18 March 2018

The following information is of a general nature and cannot substitute for professional legal ad..

22-Feb-2018
Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) overtaken by new Department of Home Affairs (

Businesses, visa applicants and visa holders should note that the Department of Immigration and ..

27-Jan-2018
IMPORTANT: Changes to Occupation Lists effective from 17 January 2018

As part of a review conducted every six months, changes were made to the occupation lists for te..

04-Dec-2017
Important changes to Partner Visa application process from 18 November 2018

Changes to the Partner (Subclasses 309/100 (http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/309-/Partner-(P..

23-Nov-2017
Grandfathering provisions announced for certain 457 visa holders!

The Department of Immigration & Border Protection (DIBP) has released more information regard..

05-Oct-2017
Sponsoring overseas workers? Critical information on training benchmarks

If you are a business sponsoring overseas workers under either the Temporary Work (skilled) visa..

07-Jul-2017
UPDATED 1 July 2017: How changes to the 457 visa and the new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa imp

The following information is of a general nature and cannot substitute for professional legal adv..

07-Jul-2017
UPDATED 1 July 2017: Reforms to (186/187) Permanent Employer Sponsored Visas

The following information is of a general nature and cannot substitute for professional legal advice..

06-Jul-2017
English Language Exemptions for 457 removed from 1 July 2017 – with a few exceptions

Important changes to English language requirements for the Subclass 457 Visa program kicked in fr..

31-May-2017
For Existing 457 visa holders - Uncertainty remains arising from the recent changes announced by the

In the wake of major changes announced in April to the Subclass 457 visa program (http://www.abac..

27-May-2017
New Temporary Sponsored Parent visa paves way for family reunions

On 5 May 2017, further details were released regarding a new temporary sponsored parent visa to ..

24-May-2017
Fast-tracked permanent residency for New Zealand citizens from 1 July 2017

On 19 February 2016, the government announced the creation of a special ‘streamlined pathw..

20-May-2017
Update on Partner Visas: Long processing times, additional fees

We recently wrote about how budget cuts and long queues have forced the Department of Immigratio..

27-Apr-2017
How changes to the 457 visa and the new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa impact you

The following information is of a general nature and cannot substitute for professional legal ad..

27-Apr-2017
UPDATED 1 July 2017: Reforms to (186/187) Permanent Employer Sponsored Visas

The following information is of a general nature and cannot substitute for professional legal advice..

22-Apr-2017
Onshore Partner Visa: Low-risk applicants with completed applications pushed to front of queue

A combination of staff shortage, budget cuts, a high number of applications and incidences of fra..

19-Apr-2017
URGENT NEWSFLASH - Australian government axes the 457, and what it means for you

Australian government axes the 457, and what it means for you The following information is o..

14-Dec-2016
New online visa lodgment and Frequent Traveller Visitor visa for Chinese applicants, from 12 Dec '16

Two new developments just made visa applications for Chinese visitors much easier. Both came int..

09-Nov-2016
Major change: 457 visa holders now only have 60 days to find a new job

A new regulation slashes the time that a Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (http://www..

17-Oct-2016
New Entrepreneur Visa hopes to attract innovators to Australia

On 10 September 2016, a new Entrepreneur Stream for the Business Innovation and Investment (Prov..

11-Oct-2016
Changes to General Skilled Migration points test favour science and technology specialists

Changes to the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test have made it easier for applicants w..

11-Oct-2016
First look at new ‘simplified’ Temporary Activity Visa Framework, effective 19 November 2016

In keeping with the government’s drive to ‘simplify’ Australia’s raft of..

11-Oct-2016
Proposed temporary visa for parents finally opens pathway to family reunions

In a newly released discussion paper (http://www.border.gov.au/ReportsandPublications/Documents..

19-Aug-2016
New Occupation Lists and Ceilings for skilled migrants from 1 July 2016

With the new financial year comes a new set of occupations the Australian government deems is ne..

19-Aug-2016
SSVF - Five things you need to know about Australia’s new student visa framework

Australia’s new simplified student visa framework (SSVF) kicked into effect on 1 July 2016..

19-Aug-2016
The new Accredited Sponsor, what is it and why should I want to be one?

From 1 July 2016, changes to 457 (http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/visa-information/457%20Folder/sub..

19-Aug-2016
Working Holiday Visas are actually a boon for Australia’s Education Sector

A recent Professionals in International Education (PIE) News article (http://thepienews.com/news..

01-Jun-2016
457 sponsors: New obligation to not engage in discriminatory recruitment practices

Businesses who sponsor workers on 457 visas must comply with specific sponsorship obligations (http:..

01-Jun-2016
New English language exemptions for 457 visa applicants

A new rule which commenced on 19 April 2016 means Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) (http://ww..

31-May-2016
Partner Visas - Court sharply reins in harsh application of Schedule 3

Partner visa applicants can breathe a little easier after an important Federal Court of Australi..

14-Mar-2016
NSW boosts processing times for Nomination of Business Talent (subclass 132) visas

You cannot apply for a 132 visa with the Australian Department of Immigration and Border protect..

03-Mar-2016
Cancelled visas skyrocket under new government powers

A recent report in The Australian shows the number of visa cancellations has skyrocketed after I..

03-Mar-2016
Fast-tracked permanent residency for New Zealanders from 1 July 2017

It looks like New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will not be going back empty-handed from his r..

02-Nov-2015
Abacus Visa are hiring - part time Office Assistant

Abacus Visa is a boutique legal firm who provide visa assistance to businesses and individuals. ..

10-Feb-2016
Sponsors and visa applicants must declare any ‘cash for visa’ conduct

Sponsors, nominators and visa applicants are now required to provide a signed statement declarin..

01-Feb-2016
Sponsors: New addresses for notifying DIBP of changes from 1 January 2016

Sponsors: New addresses for notifying DIBP of changes from 1 January 2016 Sponsors of the f..

01-Feb-2016
Two jailed for giving unregistered migration advice and other crimes

Just before Christmas last year, a 51-year-old Thornlie man was sentenced to 7 years jail after ..

15-Dec-2015
‘Payment for Visa’ schemes - Government clamps down - starting 14 December 2015

Starting 14 December 2015, new regulations will make it unlawful for a person to give or receive..

09-Dec-2015
AFP no longer providing fingerprinting services for overseas police clearances

As part of obtaining overseas police clearances, it may be necessary for applicants to have thei..

09-Dec-2015
Citizenship application fees set to dramatically increase from 1 January 2016

A move by the government to recover service delivery costs means that from 1 January 2016 onwards, c..

09-Dec-2015
Looking to get a 457 Visa? Make sure you meet the ‘genuineness test’

Applying for a Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (Subclass 457) (http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/visa-i..

09-Dec-2015
Stricter requirements for visitor and working holiday visas from 1 December 2015

New regulations have made requirements for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) (https://www.border.g..

09-Dec-2015
Visa applicants beware: PIC4020 expands its reach

New regulations mean that Public Interest Criterion 4020 (https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Life/Pu..

09-Dec-2015
What you need to know about NSW’s Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa program

There are several different programs under which skilled migrants can apply to live and work in ..

27-Oct-2015
Data Matching - DIBP to provide ATO with personal information under Data Matching Programme

Under a new Data Matching Programme, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) ..

27-Oct-2015
No Australian visa labels from 1 September 2015

To make visa processing more efficient, the Department of Immigration and Border Security (DIBP)..

19-Oct-2015
6-month extension to Working Holiday (Subclass 417) visas available for au pairs

The Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa (https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/417-)is temporary ..

19-Oct-2015
What you need to know about visa security assessment delays

When a visa application is experiencing a longer than expected delay, it is possible that a secu..

08-Oct-2015
Work and Holiday Visas now available for Chinese Nationals

The popular Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) Visa is now open to Chinese nationals. This visa all..

25-Sep-2015
How to make your 457 visa application as smooth as possible

At Abacus Visa, we specialise in helping our clients through the often daunting process of apply..

25-Sep-2015
Pay slip evidence required for Working Holiday Visas from 31 August 2015

All Australian employers must provide their employees with proper pay, work conditions and entit..

10-Sep-2015
Age exemption makes permanent residency easier for medical practitioners from 1 July 2015

There’s great news for medical practitioners looking to apply for permanent residence in A..

10-Sep-2015
Permanent visas for Minister of Religion severely restricted from 1 July 2015

As of 1 July 2015, applicants for the occupation of Minister of Religion (ANZSCO 272211) will be..

05-Aug-2015
Market salary exemption threshold for 457 visa reverts back to $250,000

In April, the government passed legislation (http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/visa-newsletters/2015/..

05-Aug-2015
New occupation lists for skilled migrants from 1 July 2015

There are several different programs under which skilled migrants can apply to live and work in ..

05-Aug-2015
Skilled Migration occupation ceilings for 2015-16 released

Newly released occupation ceilings for the 2015-16 General Skilled Migration Program (http://www..

09-Jun-2015
SIV: New complying investment framework - effective 1 July 2015

The government has revealed the new complying investment framework for the Significant Investor ..

09-Jun-2015
Visa fee increases effective 1 July 2015 hit offshore partners and Significant Investors hardest

http:/// (http://)The government released new visa application charges (VACs) which will come in..

28-Apr-2015
New migration regulations relax visa requirements beginning 18 April 2015

Recent regulations (http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2015L00351/Download) that come into effect..

28-Apr-2015
SIV ($5M) Visa – Temporarily Suspended from 24 April 2015 重大投资者签证SIV（$5M) – 2015年4月24日起临时暂停受理

The Significant Investor visa (SIV) is a stream within the Business Innovation and Investment (P..

13-Apr-2015
457 Visa – Sponsors have 28 calendar days to notify DIBP of termination and other events

In response to the recently concluded government review into the 457 visa program, from 18 April..

13-Apr-2015
New migration regulations relax visa requirements beginning 18 April 2015

Recent regulations (http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2015L00351/Download) that come into effect..

13-Apr-2015
Subclass 190 visa applications closed in the Australian Capital Territory

From 3 April 2015, the ACT government will no longer be accepting applications (http://www.canbe..

02-Apr-2015
New Work and Holiday visa for young people in Australia and Vietnam

Up to 400 young Australians and Vietnamese can visit each other's countries on Work and Holiday ..

25-Mar-2015
A MUST READ for all sponsors & 457 visa holders - Abacus Visa's March 2015 Newsletter

Abacus Visa's March 2015 Visa Newsletter is now available. This newsletter addresses the Governm..

24-Mar-2015
Overseas police clearances no longer required for 485 Temporary Graduate visas

Individuals applying for 485 Temporary Graduate visas (http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/visa-informa..

11-Mar-2015
Arrest of migration fraudster serves as warning to only use Registered Migration Agents

Notorious businessman Eddie Kang, who posed as a migration agent and falsely promised internatio..

11-Mar-2015
International graduates no longer have to pass English tests under Job Ready Program

The Job Ready Program (JRP) is a four step skills assessment program for international student g..

13-Feb-2015
DIBP clarifies residency requirements for Significant Investor Visa 澳大利亚移民局对重大投资者签证的居住条件的澄清

The DIBP recently clarified residency requirements for the Significant Investor Visa (SIV) (http..

05-Feb-2015
Punishment meted out to Melbourne restaurant highlights need to comply with 457 obligations

A restaurant in Melbourne recently had its 457 sponsorship agreement cancelled and was slapped w..

30-Jan-2015
Temporary Work Entertainment (Subclass 420) Visa set for an overhaul

Entertainment employers and overseas performers may soon be enjoying a more flexible hiring and ..

17-Dec-2014
Certain students exempted from ‘Subsequent Temporary Application Charge’

The ‘subsequent temporary application charge (http://www.immi.gov.au/Help/Pages/fees-charg..

17-Dec-2014
DIBP announces huge 50% hike in partner visa fees from 1 January 2015

Those applying for a partner visa or a prospective marriage visa will be hit with a massive 50% ..

04-Dec-2014
Temporary Work sc400 Visas extended to 6 months

From 23 November 2014, the maximum period of stay for Subclass 400 (http://www.immi.gov.au/visas/pag..

27-Nov-2014
Expanded English Language Proficiency Testing Options from 23 Nov 2014

Most visa applicants who want to study or work in Australia are required to provide evidence of ..

29-Oct-2014
Australia and Israel sign work and holiday visa deal

Up to 500 young adults from Israel and Australia will soon be able to holiday, work and study in..

24-Oct-2014
Victoria rolls out red carpet for cashed up migrants in latest online ploy

Not to be outdone by its rival New South Wales, which recently relaxed (http://www.abacusvisa.co..

23-Oct-2014
DIBP cracks down on 457 migration fraud and unregistered migration agents

What’s happening? Visa work scams Earlier this month, DIBP launched a nation..

16-Oct-2014
Brand new PIV ($15 Million) Visa for ultra-rich investors 澳大利亚将出台1500万澳元卓越投资者移民签证（PIV）

The government recently announced (http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/sm/2014/sm218547.htm)ch..

08-Oct-2014
ACT simplifies Skilled Nomination criteria, updates Occupation List – effective 1 Oct 2014

The ACT government have recently announced changes to simplify the nomination application proces..

08-Oct-2014
NSW applications for Skilled Nominated visas open on 22 Oct 2014

Applications for New South Wale’s second intake of Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visas ..

02-Oct-2014
Applications for nominated ICT jobs in Victoria closed from 1 Oct 2014 to 5 Jan 2015

The Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) (http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/visa-information/GSM/Sub..

02-Oct-2014
Applications for Non-contributory Parent and other visas open from 25 Sept 2014

A successful disallowance motion in the Senate regarding the Migration Amendment (Repeal of Cert..

02-Oct-2014
DIBP announces another review of skilled migration and temporary work programs

Hot on the heels of the release of the 457 Integrity Review (http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/visa-newsl..

23-Sep-2014
Partner visa applications in Melbourne and Brisbane now processed online only

From 1 August 2014, the Permanent Partner processing centres in Melbourne and Brisbane will send..

23-Sep-2014
Significant Investor Visas: Bond investment not required in NSW from 1 September 2014

The Significant Investor Visa just became more attractive – from 1 September 2014. SIV app..

11-Aug-2014
BUPA the new health services provider from 28 July 2014

All permanent visa applicants and certain temporary visa applicants are required to undergo heal..

11-Aug-2014
Change of South Australia DIBP address and PO Box from 29 July 2014

Following an initial mistake, the DIBP has clarified that Level 4, 70 Franklin St Adelaide offic..

11-Aug-2014
Credit card surcharge extended to other DIBP fees from 1 July 2014

In a previous newsflash (http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/news-flash/visa-applicants-to-pay-credit-c..

11-Aug-2014
Tough competition for New South Wales Skilled Nominated visa

The Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) (http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/visa-information/GSM/Sub..

28-Jul-2014
Student visa applicants must declare family members from 1 July 2014

Student visa applicants must now declare all family members in their application or before their..

22-Jul-2014
Processing times for Permanent Skilled Entry (ENS) visas shortened

Recently, processing times for Permanent Skilled Entry visas (Employer Nomination Scheme or Regi..

22-Jul-2014
Shorter Skills Assessment validity from 1 July 2014

When applying for a Points Tested Skilled Migration visa (http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/visa-info..

22-Jul-2014
Student visa applicants must declare family members from 1 July 2014

Student visa applicants must now declare all family members in their application or before their..

21-Jul-2014
Changes to Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) – 1 July

Several new occupations were added and changes made to both the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) (h..

21-Jul-2014
Visa Evidencing Charge increased from 1 July 2014

The Australian Government does not require holders of Australian visas to have a visa label when..

11-Jun-2014
Chefs, tilers and bricklayers added to Skilled Occupation List from 1 July 2014

Good news for skilled migrants wanting to apply for work in Australia: Chefs (https://www.immi.g..

04-Jun-2014
Non-contributory Parent, Carer, Remaining Relative and Aged Relative visas closed - from 2 June 2014

Applications for the following visas were permanently closed on 2 June 2014: the Aged Depende..

04-Jun-2014
Potential Increase to Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) – 1 July 2014

Employers lodging a nomination application should note that the current Temporary Skilled Migrat..

30-May-2014
Businesses to note: Proper VEVO checks required

Registered organisations can use the DIBP’s Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) fo..

30-May-2014
More choice of English language tests for visa applicants

The DIBP has confirmed that more English language tests will be acceptable from November 2014. ..

02-May-2014
Health insurance requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)

Australia has strict health insurance requirements for visitors and residents, whether temporary..

02-May-2014
Sydney migration agent jailed for fraud

Following earlier revelations (http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/news-flash/dibp-issues-warning-in-wa..

02-May-2014
Visa applicants to pay credit card surcharges from 19 April 2014

From 19 April 2014, all onshore and offshore clients who pay visa application charges (VACs) onl..

10-Apr-2014
Nurses - new ANMAC resources to help nurses to lodge accurate skills assessment applications

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) is responsible for assessing ..

10-Apr-2014
South Australia: 18 new occupations in demand

The South Australian government added 18 new occupations to its State Nominated Occupation lists..

27-Mar-2014
ACT Skilled Nominated Visa 190 closed until July 2014

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) (http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/visa-information/GSM/Sub..

27-Mar-2014
Cost of parent visas increased, effective 22 March 2014

Australian citizens or permanent residents who wish to apply for residence for their parents via..

26-Mar-2014
NSW relaxes visa requirements for business investors - Subclasses 132 and 405 visas

Currently, NSW Trade and Investment nominates suitable applicants to apply for a business visa u..

26-Mar-2014
Upcoming review of the Subclass 457 Visa Program

The government has set up an independent review panel to assess the impact of sweeping changes (..

07-Mar-2014
2014 Skilled Program service standards released

The Department has released the Skilled Program service standards (http://www.immi.gov.au/about/..

07-Mar-2014
BUPA to provide health assessments from 25 May 2014

The DIBP has announced Bupa (http://www.bupa.com.au/) as the successful tender applicant for pro..

07-Mar-2014
Further removal of state/territory nominated occupation ceilings for SkillSelect, fr 1 March 2014

Following on from the recent removal of nominated occupation ceilings (http://www.abacusvisa.com..

07-Mar-2014
Multiple Entry Visas for Chinese Business Visitors

In an effort to further capitalise on the growth of Chinese investment in Australia, the Ministe..

06-Mar-2014
Changes to recognised institutions for the Subclass 476 (Skilled Graduate) visa

Legislative Instrument IMMI 14/010 [F2014L00130] (http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2014L00130/D..

06-Mar-2014
Changes to the Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4020 - document fraud, effective from 22 March 2014

In line with the government’s zero-tolerance of identity fraud in Australia’s visa a..

04-Mar-2014
LMT evidence must accompany 457 nomination applications

As a result of the reintroduction of Labour Market Testing (LMT) (http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/n..

28-Feb-2014
457 Nomination Ceilings Removed

In a welcome move that relaxed sponsorship rules, Reg 2.63(2) was amended on 14 February 2014 to..

28-Feb-2014
Caution to streamlined student visa holders when changing courses

For streamlined student visa holders thinking about changing courses, we urge you to seek advice..

17-Dec-2013
Abacus Visa's Christmas Holiday Closure

Abacus Visa's offices will be closed for the Christmas holidays. Our holiday closing dates are a..

10-Dec-2013
Migration Review Tribunal caseload figures as at 1 November 2013

Nationally, 7,152 cases have been lodged for the financial year to 31 October 2013, four per cen..

10-Dec-2013
Western Australia Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) Update

The Western Australian Department of Training and Workforce Development (http://http://www.dtwd...

28-Nov-2013
New 457 Labour Market Testing, effective 23 November 2013

The Government has recently announced new Labour Market Testing (LMT) rules for the subclass 457..

27-Nov-2013
SA Migration changes to streamline recruitment options

South Australia recently made significant changes to the way in which South Australian employers..

27-Nov-2013
Warning to avoid unauthorised Dept of Immigration Website

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has warned web users to be aware of an unaut..

01-Nov-2013
New Student Visa Assessment Levels, Streamlined Processing and Education Provider List – early 2014

In a move to boost Australia’s international education sector and attract more students, t..

01-Nov-2013
Occupational ceilings – update from DIBP

DIBP recently announced that invitations for certain occupation groups in the points-tested Gene..

30-Oct-2013
ACS releases new 485 Skills Assessment Criteria, effective 15 January 2014

To make sure applicants are assessed in line with the recent Migration Amendment (Skills Assessm..

30-Oct-2013
DIBP issues new warning of Migration Scam

Senator Michaelia Cash (http://www.aph.gov.au/senator_cash), the Assistant Minister for Immigrat..

24-Oct-2013
DIBP issues warning in wake of recent migration fraud convictions

The recent convictions of people involved in migration and visa fraud prompted the Hon. Michaeli..

24-Oct-2013
Subclass 485 Skills assessment not able to be used for ENS and RSMS from 28 October

From 28 October 2013, changes to legislation will mean that any applicant for the Subclass 186 (..

23-Oct-2013
DIAC changes name to Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP)

Following the swearing in of the new ministry led by Prime Minister Tony Abbott on September 18,..

14-Aug-2013
Closure of Some Occupations for Points Test State Nomination

DIAC announced on 5 August 2013 that State and Territory governments are no longer able to nomin..

07-Aug-2013
Transitional measures for 457 visas lodged pre 1 July 2013

The retrospective changes to the subclass 457 Visa Program, as detailed in our recent News Flash..

24-Jul-2013
New Skills Occupation Lists (SOL and CSOL) for applications made from 1 July 2013

The Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) has released a new Skilled Occupation Lis..

24-Jul-2013
Transitional arrangements requested for subclass 457 applications

The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) reports that the new Minister for Immigration, the Ho..

16-Jul-2013
Public Interest Criterion (PIC 4020) to apply to family visas – 1 July 2013

DIAC has announced that it is extending the scope of the Public Interest Criterion (PIC 4020) to..

16-Jul-2013
Update from Immigration South Australia – July 2013

The have been some significant changes to immigration services in South Australia. ..

04-Jul-2013
Reforms to 457 visa program – 1 July 2013 (URGENT – new TSMIT)

A summary of the legislative changes implemented by the Department of Immigration & Citizens..

03-Jul-2013
Caps on maximum family visa grants – from 1 July 2013

DIAC has released the maximum number of parent and other family visas which will be granted in t..

03-Jul-2013
Changes to age exemption for ENS/ RSMS – from 25 June 2013

Immigration regulations state that applicants for a subclass 186 (ENS) or 187 (RSMS) (http://www..

03-Jul-2013
Impending changes to the subclass 457 visa program – implementation to be advised

A recent bill (http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Resul..

27-Jun-2013
How to convince your employers to sponsor you for Permanent Residence

Given that the permanent employer sponsored visas (e.g. 186 & 187) are now the visas of choi..

20-Jun-2013
Huge Increase in DIAC Visa Application Fees from 1 July 2013

On 1 July 2013, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will implement major change..

10-Apr-2013
NEW subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa

The Subclass 485 (Skilled – Graduate) (http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/visa-information/subcl..

10-Apr-2013
Subclass 485 Visa – Post-Study Work Stream – Specified Educational Institutions & Qualifications

Two recent Legislative Instruments, which took effect on 23 March 2013, specify the specific qua..

05-Apr-2013
Important Changes to Visitor Visa Program – March 2013

A recent statement (http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/bo/2013/bo194165.htm) from the Ministe..

13-Mar-2013
DIAC update on ENS/RSMS Permanent Visa processing times – 4 March 2013

DIAC have recently provided updates on processing times including decision ready applications fo..

28-Feb-2013
Landmark changes to Subclass 457 visa – Reform to be introduced 1 July 2013

The Minister for Immigration & Citizenship, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, has announced..

27-Feb-2013
DIAC follow up survey on migrants in the labour market

DIAC has released its Continuous Survey of Australia’s Migrants (CSAM) (http://www.immi.go..

27-Feb-2013
New SNOL occupation lists – VIC, NSW & SA – February 2013

Victorian and NSW governments have recently published new State Nomination Occupation Lists (SNO..

23-Jan-2013
Significant Investor guidelines released including ACT

The Australian Capital Territory state nomination guidelines for the Significant Investor visa (..

16-Jan-2013
Important information on training benchmarks – January 2013

The Dept of Immigration and Border Protection 'DIBP' Monitoring and Free Trade Agreement Policy..

17-Dec-2012
Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa – to be changed in March 2013

DIAC announced on 13 December 2012 that the current subclass 485 Skilled Graduate (Provisional) ..

10-Dec-2012
Phone scammers impersonating DIAC ask for penalty payments

The Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) has produced a statement (http://www.news..

03-Dec-2012
Significant Investor Visa – Linda McCreath clarifying her comments on SBS News Interview

I wish to make some clarifications in relation to my interview with the SBS World News (http://..

03-Dec-2012
Student transitional arrangements end 31 December 2012

Students who held an eligible student visa (Subclass 572, 573 or 574) on 8 February 2010 are bei..

26-Nov-2012
Fake Marriage scheme busted

A recent News Release (http://www.newsroom.immi.gov.au/releases/alleged-fake-marriage-scheme-bus..

26-Nov-2012
Raid on an unregistered migration agent in Sydney – November 2012

On 13 November 2012, The Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) reported (http://www..

26-Nov-2012
Update on Skilled Migration Processing Groups and Order - 9 November 2012

The DIAC has provided an update on their Skilled Migration visa processing groups, allowing..

26-Nov-2012
Warning: lodge your application early so as to not become unlawful

Since 1 July 2012 and the implementation of the new online lodgement system DIAC has experienced..

08-Nov-2012
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) opens doors for business people in the Asia - Pacific Region

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business travel card (ABTC) allows applicants to ap..

08-Nov-2012
Update on temporary work visa reforms – effective 24 Nov 2012

In a recent Abacus News Flash article (http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/news-flash/important-changes..

25-Oct-2012
Free Workshop – Linking City Businesses with the Chinese Visitor Market

Our clients and friends may be interested in attending the latest ‘ChinaConnect Workshop S..

25-Oct-2012
New NSW Skilled Occupation List – October 2012

The NSW Government website (http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/) has updated the NSW Skilled Occupat..

22-Oct-2012
DIAC Update - Processing Times and Priorities for Onshore sc820 Partner Visas

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship have recent provided the below statement concernin..

22-Oct-2012
Migration Act to be Reviewed for Offshore Resource Workers

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP (http://www.chrisbowen.net/chris-bo..

19-Oct-2012
Complications with Visa Delivery Services in China

In September 2012 changes were made to the Australian visa service delivery system in China (as ..

19-Oct-2012
IMPORTANT changes to Temporary Work Visas – from Nov 2012

The new Select Legislative Instrument (http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2012L02041) which will ..

11-Oct-2012
DIAC to charge for Visa Labelling - due late 2012

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is encouraging greater use of their availab..

18-Sep-2012
LAFHA (Living Away From Home Allowance) Update – Tax Alert for Sponsors

A recent tax alert (http://ecomms.crowehorwath.com.au/rv/ff000b030c04bc971bfad0ed6747a2f8652138a..

18-Sep-2012
Review of Queensland Government Sponsorship

The Queensland Government’s Budget Speech (http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/budget-papers/2012..

14-Sep-2012
Sponsored Family Visitor (Subclass 679) visa: holiday cut-off date

DIAC has announced (http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/visiting-family/679/sponsored-family-visitor..

10-Sep-2012
Longer Tourist Visas for Parents of Citizens and Permanent Residents – due late 2012

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen, has announced (http://www.minister.im..

10-Sep-2012
Student Visa Statistics

DIAC has released its quarterly Student Visa Program Repor (http://www.immi.gov.au/media/statist..

05-Sep-2012
Significant Investor Visa Update

In the recent Federal Budget the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, annou..

05-Sep-2012
Update on SkillSelect - August 2012

Since the implementation of the SkillSelect system in July 2012 we have been working hard to kee..

31-Aug-2012
SkillSelect Invitations - Round One Results – August 2012

In August 2012 the first automated round of invitations to migrate under the new SkillSelec..

30-Aug-2012
13 Illegal Workers Caught by Compliance Teams in Victoria

The removal of 13 suspected illegal farm workers who were employed on farms in Victoria as prune..

30-Aug-2012
Important Changes for Chinese Visa Applicants - Effective September 2012

The following changes (which will be effective as of 3 September 2012) affect clients applying f..

30-Aug-2012
New Laws to Crack down on Employers who hire Illegal Workers

The Minister for Immigration & Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, has announced that the governmen..

07-Aug-2012
See Linda McCreath feature in the Haymarket Chamber Of Commerce Newsletter

The Haymarket Chamber of Commerce (http://www.haymarketchamber.org.au) is a not for profit assoc..

31-Jul-2012
Processing Delays for ENS/RSMS Visa Applications due to 1 July Rush

Stephen Russell, Director of Program Delivery at the Department of Immigration & Citiz..

27-Jul-2012
2011-2012 Migration Program Report

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship 'DIAC' have recently released the 2011-2012 Migrat..

27-Jul-2012
Warning to Employers – 457 sponsor faces $35,000 fine for breach of obligations

It's important for employers to ensure that their temporary 457 visa workers have the same terms..

11-Jul-2012
LAFHA Reforms Deferred Until 1st October 2012

The Australian Treasury’s office has recently confirmed that the reforms to LAFHA have bee..

09-Jul-2012
New Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List 'CSOL' from 1 July 2012

The Department of Immigration and citizenship have released a Consolidated Sponsored Occupation ..

06-Jul-2012
New advisory council on skilled migration – July 2012

The creation of a new Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration (MACSM) will provide the..

06-Jul-2012
WARNING TO SPONSORS – 457 Sponsor failed to comply with migration regulations fined $35,000

The following media release (http://www.newsroom.immi.gov.au/media_releases/1074) from the Austr..

02-Jul-2012
DIAC's Annual Adjustment of Fees and Charges - fr 1 July 2012

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship annually adjust thier fees and charges on 1st July..

29-Jun-2012
New 457 TSMIT Salary Level $51,400 – effective 1 July 2012

"The 457 program has a minimum salary threshold to ensure that visa holders have sufficient mone..

27-Jun-2012
Approved Occupations for RSMS subclass 187 visa applications – 1 July 2012

Effective 1 July 2012, the Minister has specified the Occupations relevant to Subclass 187 Regio..

27-Jun-2012
Approved Regional Certifying Bodies for RSMS applications – 1 July 2012

As of 1 July 2012 the approved Regional Certifying Bodies (RCBs) specified to certify nomination..

27-Jun-2012
Increased Salary Level for 457 Applicants with an English Language Exception – 1 July 2012

From 1 July 2012, 457 applicants who need an English language exception must prove they have an ..

27-Jun-2012
'Regional Australia' Postcodes for RSMS applications - 1 July 2012

As of 1 July 2012 the approved “Regional Australia” postcodes accepted for nominatio..

15-Jun-2012
New GSM Skilled Occupation List 'SOL' from 1 July 2012

The Department of Immigration & Citizenship 'DIAC' have released a new Skilled Occupation Li..

15-Jun-2012
New Pass Mark for Skilled Migration - 60 points from 1 July 2012

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship have issued a media release (http://www.newsroom.i..

12-Jun-2012
Processing Delays for Australian Federal Police (AFP) Checks

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has announced that they are experiencing significant delays ..

04-Jun-2012
Budget 2012-2013 Overview: Australian Migration

The following summarizes both the good and bad news for visa applicants and sponsors in the Comm..

04-Jun-2012
New Partner (Permanent) Calculator on DIAC website

A new Partner (Permanent) Calculator on the DIAC website is a useful skill to assist Partner (Te..

04-Jun-2012
Processing Update for GSM Offshore Priority 5

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship “DIAC” has recently commenced allocati..

22-May-2012
LAFHA (Living Away from Home Allowance) - New Arrangements May 2012

In the 2012-2013 Federal Budget, the Government confirmed that it intends to tighten the living ..

15-May-2012
See Linda McCreath talk about Australian Migration Law From July 2012 (Thursday 17 May 2012)

Huge changes in Australian Migration Law have been implemented over the past 2 years. Even more ..

09-May-2012
ENS /RMS Processing Questions from MIA & Answers from DIAC

The Migration Institute of Australia 'MIA' has sought clarification from the Departmen..

09-May-2012
Label-free student visas for Chinese applicants - from 1 April 2012

Good news for Chinese Student visa holders! On 1 April The Department of Immigration & Citiz..

09-May-2012
NSW Regional Certified Bodies (RCB) Nomination “cut off” dates

The NSW Trade & Investment Centre has added the following towns to its list of “cut of..

09-May-2012
Selected GSM Applications still open until 31/12/12

The Department of Immigration & Citizenship 'DIAC' will permit applications for onshore Gene..

03-Apr-2012
New Visa Subclasses for GSM - 1 July 2012

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have proposed changes to Australia's Genera..

30-Mar-2012
CHANGES to Student Visa Program from 24 & 26 March 2012 (Knight Review reform - Stage Two)

In December 2010, the Australian Government appointed the Hon Michael Knight AO to conduct the f..

30-Mar-2012
TRA Processing Updates - Skills Assessment & Job Ready Program

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) have recently made the following announcements to the MIA (ht..

21-Mar-2012
Analysis of the ENS PR Reform - Abacus Visa Newsletter March 2012

Abacus Visa's March 2012 visa newsletter is now available. This issue provide an analysis on ref..

12-Mar-2012
BIG CHANGES on the way for the Employer Sponsored Permanent Visa Program

The Australian Government has recently announced reforms to the Employer Sponsored permanent vis..

08-Mar-2012
Partner/Spouse Visa Processing & Procedual Update

The MIA held a meeting recently with The Department of Immigration & Citizenship's (DIAC) Fi..

07-Mar-2012
Reduced visas validity for Returning Residents (Subclass 155)

The Department of Immigration has made the following announcement regarding visa validity period..

28-Feb-2012
457 Sponsorship Opportunity - ActewAGL Canberra seeks Senior Engineers

ActewAGL is a Canberra based multi-utility company offering electricity, natural gas, water and wast..

28-Feb-2012
Argentina Added to 462 Work and Holiday Visa

From 29th February 2012, Argentina will be added to the list of countries from which passport h..

28-Feb-2012
Change In Policy for ENS/RSMS Engineers in Queensland

For Employer Sponsored permanent residence applicants, registration requirements for engineers ..

17-Feb-2012
Reduction of Assessment Levels for Student Visas

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP announced on 15 February 2012 that..

08-Feb-2012
Curitn Business School approved for contibutions to meet 457 training benchmark

Many companies wishing to sponsor overseas workers on 457 visas struggle to meet the training be..

03-Jan-2012
Visa Application Fee Increase - Effective 1 Jan 2012

From 01 January 2012 the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has increased the Governme..

29-Dec-2011
Australian Federal Police Clearances – Fee Update – effective December 2011

From 1 December 2011 the Australia Federal Police (AFP) has increased from $43.00 to $45.00 the ..

29-Dec-2011
Bridging Visa A for Subclass 457 Applicants – Schedule 3 requirements– effective December 2011

Applicants who hold a Bridging Visa A, having already applied for a subclass 485 visa, may wish ..

29-Dec-2011
Occupation Lists Update– Victoria – effective December 2011

Here is a summary of updates in regards to Victoria's occupation lists: The IELTS level ..

29-Dec-2011
Processing Update for Subclass 457 Visas in South Australia – effective December 2011

All 457 applications linked to sponsors in South Australia will be processed by the Sydney Centr..

22-Dec-2011
Abacus Visa Office - Closure Days over the Festive Season

Closed From - Friday 23rd December 2011 Opening on - Tuesday 3rd January 2012 For emergenci..

22-Dec-2011
DIAC Offices - Closure Days over the Festive Season

Closures Over the Festive Season DIAC Offices Closed Monday 26 December - Wednesday 2..

08-Dec-2011
GSM Priority 'Group 5' Processing Update

Diac has announced that applications classified as 'priority 5' under the visa priority processing s..

08-Dec-2011
New Visa Pricing Arrangements from January 2012

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship are introducing new visa pricing arrangements. ..

08-Dec-2011
Student Visas: 'Knight' reforms (stage one) – effective 5 November 2011

in December 2010, the Australian Government appointed the Hon Michael Knight AO to conduct the f..

01-Dec-2011
Changes for Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA)

The Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA), once a lucrative incentive for highly paid migrants..

25-Nov-2011
Australia and Argentina Work & Holiday Deal Signed

The Minister for Immigration & Citizenship Chris Bowen announced on 3 November 2011 that Aus..

25-Nov-2011
DIAC / ATO Temporary Visa Data Matching Program

A notice was issued on 16 November from the commissioner of taxation regarding a Data Matc..

25-Nov-2011
New APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) - A boost for APEC Business People

A new eligibility criteria for Australia’s APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) was anno..

25-Nov-2011
New Info booklet released from DIAC on 457 visa for hospitality/tourism industries

The Minister for Immigration & Citizenship Chris Bowen and The Minister for Tourism Martin F..

16-Nov-2011
The Women's Investment Club - Networking Drinks at Abacus Visa's Rooftop Terrace - 25 Nov 2011

The Women’s Investment Club are having their monthly networking drinks at Abacus Visa's ro..

16-Nov-2011
Using A Migration Agent - DIAC's latest video

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have released a video on 'Using a Registere..

17-Oct-2011
Linda McCreath on Channel 9's 'A Current Affair' - Sham Marriages

Linda McCreath is the Managing Director/Lawyer at Abacus Visa Immigration Lawyers - a legal firm tha..

12-Oct-2011
The Women's Investment Club - Networking Drinks at Abacus Visa's rooftop terrace - 28 Oct 11

The Women’s Investment Club are having networking drinks at Abacus Visa's rooftop terrace ..

23-Sep-2011
Strategic Review of the Student Visa Program 2011

A report by Hon Michael Knight AO on Student visas and the Strategic Review of the Student Visa ..

13-Sep-2011
Perth is now classified as "Regional" for RSMS and GSM

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship has announced Perth is now included in the Regional..

12-Sep-2011
NSW Government Announces Reform to Business Migration Program

Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner announced on 26 August 2011 r..

09-Sep-2011
Expansion of Pacific Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme

On 8 Spetember 2011, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tuv..

18-Aug-2011
Online tourist visa soon to expand to Chile

Great news for Chilean nationals. The DIAC have recently announced that Chilean nationals will h..

15-Aug-2011
Tip Corner - How to convince your employers to sponsor you for PR

How to convince your employers to sponsor you for PR Given that the permanent employer sponsored..

10-Aug-2011
Sponsorship Accreditation Commencing November 2011

The Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) has announced a new Sponsor Accreditation Sch..

09-Aug-2011
Check out the latest Abacus Visa Newsletter

The July Newsletter is packed full of new information and changes to Australian Immigration law. In ..

09-Aug-2011
New 457 TSMIT Salary Level – effective 1 July 2011

New 457 TSMIT Salary Level – effective 1 July 2011 On 1 July 2011, DIAC has introduce..

08-Aug-2011
New General Skilled Migration (GSM) Information to be uploaded soon!

New GSM programme released by DIAC 1st July 2011 - Coming soon..

27-Jun-2011
New points test for skilled migrants

New points test for skilled migrants effective 1 July 2011. Read more here (http://www.immi.gov.au/s..

20-Jun-2011
Dept of Immigration seminars

The Dept of Immigration presents regional migration seminars in WA to assist employers with the..