Visa Newsletters

July 2005

Fee Changes - effective 1 July 2005

The Department of Immigration has announced that the charges (fees) for a range of immigration services have increased from 1 July 2005. Full details of fees can be obtained from our office, or alternatively by downloading Form 990i from the Department's website www.immi.gov.au

(For Employer: Fees for the followings are now: Business Sponsorship $265, nomination $55, subclass 457 visa $180. For Skilled onshore application: $1,935)

Expanding the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Visa Program - now effective 1/11/2005

From 1 November 2005, WHMs who have done three months of seasonal harvest work in regional Australia will be able to apply for a second Working Holiday visa. Currently WHM visa is a one-off visa valid for 12 months from day of entry, available to young people from countries with which Australia has a WHM agreement.

(Tip: Make sure you have done your three months seasonal work well in advance of your visa expiry date, and retain evidence of your employment records relating to your seasonal work.)

TRA Skills Assessment - 900 hours Work Experience required

From 1 July 2005, applications which include an AQF qualification obtained through acceptable formal training, must also provide evidence of relevant and directly related work experience equalling not less than 900 hours.

Exemption - Applicants whose Australian training commenced prior to 1 February 2005 will not be required to demonstrate 900 hours work experiences.

Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) - subclass 495 Visa

1. More points awarded to SIR visa applicants
   From 1 July 2005, people who apply for the SIR visa will be granted 10 additional points. The current passmark is 110 points - and practically reducing the passmark to 100 points. 
2. From 1 July 2005, Electronic lodgement facility will be available to SIR visa applicants. 
3. Access for Working Holiday makers and Occupational Trainee
   From 1 November 2005, Working Holiday Makers and Occupational Trainee will be allowed to apply for and obtain a SIR visa without leaving Australia. 

eGSM - Electronic Lodgement Facility for General Skilled Migration - effective 1/07/2005

On 1 July 2005, E-Lodgement will commence for the following visas:

• Onshore and Offshore Skilled Independent Regional Visa (Subclass 495) 
• Skilled Independent Overseas Student (Subclass 880) 
• Skilled Australian Sponsored Overseas Student (Subclass 881) 
• Skilled Designated Area Sponsored Overseas Student (Subclass 882) 

As a result of the changes and to accommodate e-lodgement, the minimum requirements at the time of application are: (these requirements apply regardless of whether an eVisa or paper application is lodged):

• evidence of having applied for AFP and skills assessment; 
• meet 2 year study requirement; 
• evidence of having undergone health check. 

Benefits of eGSM - grant of a bridging visa (for onshore applicants). The practical effect is that there will no longer be a need for a Graduate Skills Visa (Subclass 497).

Investor Retirement Visa (Subclass 405) - effective 1 July 2005

From 1 July 2005, a new temporary Investor Retirement Visa (subclass 405) will replace the Retirement Visa (Subclass 410). This means that from 1 July 2005, the subclass 410 will be 'closed' to new applicants - although people currently holding a 410 visa will continue to be able to make an application for a further temporary Retirement Visa (410).

The new visa targets wealthy retirees with significant assets who are seeking to spend some of their retirement years in Australia. The new visa also enables State and Territory governments to sponsor self-funded retirees to settle in regional and low population growth areas. Applicants must be 55 years or older, have no dependents other than a spouse, significant assets and assets/pensions that can be used to establish a lifestyle in Australia and to generate income. They will be required to pay a second visa application charge to offset the possible cost of assessing aged care/nursing home services at a future time.