From 22 March 2014, the Department is
implementing changes to enable the recovery of credit card merchant fees from
clients via a surcharge on credit card payments for visa application charges
(VACs) and other fees and charges. The surcharge will be applied to all clients
who pay VACs and other fees and charges online and those who opt to pay at a
departmental office by credit card.
The surcharge will be applied to all
onshore and offshore applicants.
Full details of the surcharge will be
communicated on the Department's website and...
Sunday, 16 March 2014
Skilled migration, Labor's attacks on skilled migrants, Operation Sovereign Borders, Manus Island
Interview with
David Speers, Sky News, Canberra
David Speers: The Immigration Minister Scott Morrison is with me this afternoon.
Thank you for your time. I want to start on the 457 visas. Unions have been
expressing concern today about a loophole they say has been reopened that is
going to allow more foreign workers in at a time when unemployment is rising.
Explain to me exactly what the government has done here.
Minister Morrison: Well it is quite a minor change. What it
involves is that when someone has already been approved...
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
Greater investment flexibility as government reboots significant investor visa programme
New investment options have been added for significant investor visa applicants who wish to invest through eligible managed funds, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said today.
The additional options for investment come as the government works towards rebooting the significant investor visa programme, to ensure it produces the best possible outcomes for the nation.
Read full article here
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Business Visa - Significant Investor Visa (SIV)
Significant Investor Visa
The Significant Investor Visa (Visa) commenced on 24 November 2012. The purpose of the Visa is to provide a boost to the Australian economy and to compete effectively for high net worth individuals seeking investment migration. The Visa also provides an opportunity for Australian fund managers to access a new source of capital.
What are the benefits?
Previously, a migrant seeking investment migration in Australia would have to take an active role in order to obtain a visa. This included satisfying an innovation points...
Monday, 10 March 2014
Independent review of 457 visa programme
Independent review of 457 visa programme
The Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator
the Hon. Michaelia Cash, announced an independent review into the Subclass 457
visa programme.
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Australia and New Zealand Cry Out for Skilled Migrant Workers
Australia and New Zealand Cry Out for Skilled Migrant Workers
Britain has always been a strong source of
skilled migrants for companies ‘Down Under’, but today the need for overseas
workers is reaching a peak. With more than 60% of its business accounted for by
Australia and New Zealand, world mover Anglo Pacific is urging candidates to seize the moment....
Federal Government to introduce changes to regulations for overseas adoptions
Federal Government to introduce changes to regulations for overseas adoptions
Prime Minister
Tony Abbott will slash court processes for some Australian couples trying to
adopt children from overseas, in the first of a potential series of changes
aimed at making overseas adoptions faster and easier.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-04/federal-government-to-make-overseas-adoptions-easier/5296528
&nbs...
Thursday, 6 March 2014
Migration case law - application for a visa (Federal Court), Chen v Minister for Immigration & Border Protection
In Chen v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2013] FCA FC 133 (20 November 2013) a Full Court concluded an application for a visa was made when it was received by express post at the GPO box nominated by the Minister even though not collected until the following da...
Labor's 457 changes under review
The Department of Immigration & Border Protection (DIBP) is to undertake a review of Australia's 457 visa program.
A four-member panel, led by former public servant John Azarias, will conduct the review,
It has a mid-year deadline for its final report.
Also on the panel, which the assistant minister described as independent, are Professor Peter McDonald and ACCI director Jenny Lambert.
The Coalition last year opposed the former Labor government's June amendments to the Migration Act 1958, which reintroduced...
Wednesday, 5 March 2014
Temporary visa extensions - Ukrainian nationals currently in Australia
Given
the volatile situation in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and
Immigration Minister Scott Morrison announced visa provisions to allow
Ukrainian nationals in Australia to temporarily remain while their nation is
under threat.
Ukrainian
nationals who are currently in Australia on a visa due to expire and who may be
affected by the unrest in Ukraine will be able to approach the Department of
Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) to make an application and receive an
extension of their visa for a temporary period.
Subsequent
applications...
NEW CRITERIA - Western Australia State nomination
The new criteria for State nomination were
implemented from 1 March 2014. The Western Australia Government has advised that if candidates
received an invitation to apply for State nomination after 1 March 2014, the
new criteria would apply.
Those who had previously received an invitation for State nomination will not
be affected.
Please contact Nevett Ford Lawyers (Melbourne) to speak to one of our 5 dedicated and experienced immigration lawyers if you require advice and assistance by telephone: 03 9614 7111 or by email at: rcurtisgriffiths@nevettford.com.au....
Business Visa update (New South Wales) - subclass 132 & subclass 405 visas
NSW
Trade and Investment has updated the NSW guidelines for the State nominated
Business Talent (Significant Business History) Subclass 132 and the Investor
Retirement (Temporary) Subclass 405 to try and provide more streamlined processing, remove
unnecessary restrictions and encourage investment in NSW. The application
process will be going online from 1 July 2014.
Changes
to the Subclass 132 include:
Removing the requirement to
visit NSW and be interviewed before applying;
Reducing the four million
dollar annual business...
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