Latest Australian Immigration News

The latest news on Australian immigration, including changes to regulations, government policy announcements, and analysis of media releases affecting current and future applications.

Latest Australian immigration news

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Disclaimer: Any posted material is not intended to be immigration advice and does not purport to represent all requirements for a successful application or applications. No person should act on the basis of the material contained in any post without obtaining advice relevant to their situation, and without considering and taking professional advice where necessary. All opinion expressed is that of the author and nobody else.

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April 06, 2022

186 visas: Age cap lifts for legacy 457 visa holders from 1 July 2022; further 482 visa applications in the Short-term stream

April 06, 2022/ Alex Petrakos

The age cap for a 186 visa under the Temporary Residence Transition stream will not apply to some current or former 457 visa holders who were in Australia for at least 12 months during the pandemic from 1 July 2022. Also from this date, 482 visa holders in the Short-term who held this visa and were in Australia during the pandemic will be allowed to validly lodge a further application in Australia.

March 16, 2022

408 “COVID” visa open to all sectors from 21 February 2022

March 16, 2022/ Alex Petrakos

A new instrument for the subclass 408 – Temporary Activities visa under the Australia Government endorsed events (COVID-19 Pandemic event) was registered late last week and will apply to all applications made from 21 February 2022. It creates four classes of applicants for various situations to commence or remain lawfully employed.

March 04, 2022

6-month 408 COVID visas to all visa holders with work rights; Moreton Bay and Ipswich added as regional areas

March 04, 2022/ Alex Petrakos

Announcements this week will see in the near future the 408 “COVID” visa throw its doors open to all those who hold a visa with work rights and even for some who do not. The postcodes of Moreton Bay and Ipswich will be deemed regional from 5 March 2022, which will affect many skilled visas.

February 18, 2022

COVID: 485 visas extended to 30 September 2022; 489 visas for 7 years; 494/491 visas for 8 years

February 18, 2022/ Alex Petrakos

The regulation amendments for the promised extensions or reinstatements for international graduate 485 visa and regional 489, 494, or 491 visa holders or (former holders) come into effect from today.