AAT caseload overload: On hand migration applications increase 34 per cent to almost 60,000

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AAT caseload overload: On hand migration applications increase 34 per cent to almost 60,000

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal’s (AAT’s) 2018-19 annual report shows the Migration and Refugee Division continues to be weighed down by the number of review applications lodged despite their best efforts in adopting case management strategies and increasing the number of finalised applications. A crucial target they have met is making legally sound decisions, which means the chances of success if a matter is taken to court is much more difficult.

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Business sponsor shame list to begin 13 December 2018; Powers to request tax file numbers; Clarity on review rights for refused sponsored visas

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Business sponsor shame list to begin 13 December 2018; Powers to request tax file numbers; Clarity on review rights for refused sponsored visas

New regulations will come into force on 13 December 2018 that will see the Minister of Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs publish a list of sanctioned business sponsors, what obligation they breached, and the sanction they received.

The Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs will be able to request from visa applicants, sponsors, and nominators, tax file numbers of visa holders and former visa holders for many temporary and permanent skilled visas. The ramifications of this may see more visas refused and cancelled.

Lastly, amendments have been made to give more certainty to sponsored or nominated workers whose visa applications are refused to seek review at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

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Annual report season: Processing woes; permanent migration places to remain at 190 000

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Annual report season: Processing woes; permanent migration places to remain at 190 000

The Department of Home Affairs and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal released their 2017-18 annual reports. Both provide good insights into their performance over the last year and their shortcomings, namely that processing of certain applications have slowed.

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RIP training benchmarks, SAF levy commencing 12 August 2018; 457/TSS nomination validity extended

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RIP training benchmarks, SAF levy commencing 12 August 2018; 457/TSS nomination validity extended

Training benchmarks for employer sponsored temporary and permanent visas will be abolished on 12 August 2018, replaced with the Skilling Australia Fund Levy. There will also be important changes to nominations applications for Subclass 457 - Temporary Work (Skilled) visas and Subclass 482 - Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas.

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