Fiji has become the target of scammers including travel and recruitment agents who are taking people’s money with the promise of work visas into Australia. The Australian High Commission has warned that while Australia had invited Fiji to join the Seasonal Worker...
The end of IELTS monopoly!
Expanded English language proficiency and test scores for migration purposes have been recently announced. The changes apply to new applications only: Applications lodged before 1 July 2012 – no change, IELTS and OET Applications lodged after 1 July 2012 – no change,...
Highly specialised short term visa for Australia extended to six months
A visa for those wishing to work in Australia for a short period of time in a highly specialised job has been extended from three months to six months. The Temporary Work Short Stay activity Visa (Subclass 400) is a dedicated visa for those seeking to enter and stay...
SIV program to be expanded and improved
In an announcement issued by Tony Abbott on the 14 October 2014, the Government to expand and improve the Significant Investor Visa programme. At present, SIVs are available for applicants having an eligible investment in Australia of A$5 million, for a minimum of...
Relaxing 457 visa laws will spoil the economic pie
Contrary to the Abbott government’s claims, flagged changes to the foreign worker 457 visa program won’t be good for the Australian economy. The Abbott government yesterday announced sweeping changes to the 457 “temporary” work visa program to make it much easier for...
Portugal to join Australian work and holiday visa scheme
The global footprint of Australia’s working holiday programme has expanded again, with the signing of a reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangement between Australia and Portugal. Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Michaelia Cash, said it means...
Government delivers 2013-14 migration programme
The Australian Government's target of attracting 190 000 new migrants in the latest financial year has been achieved, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Scott Morrison said today. Australian industry benefited with the majority of the permanent...
Report recommends robust new foundations for 457 programme
The report of the independent review into integrity in the 457 programme released on Wednesday, 10 September 2014 recommends that robust new foundations should be implemented, the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash...
457 visa salary threshold to stay unchanged
Last Friday, the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Senator Michaelia Cash, confirmed in a MIA WA State Conference, that the Market Salary Rate payable for foreign workers under the 457 Visa Program will not be indexed for the 2014/2015...
Visa fraud, migration crime ‘rampant,’ Immigration Department files reveal
Rampant visa fraud and migration crime involving people flying into Australia are going unchecked while the government focuses on stopping boats, according to secret government files detailing entrenched Immigration Department failings. Hundreds of pages of leaked...
