Legislative Updates 2021 – The legislative instrument LIN 21/045 – Migration (Arrangements for Bridging visa applications) Instrument 2021 has changed the previous instrument LIN 20/068 to update the sequence of lodging applications for Bridging Visa E. It also includes the changes in Bridging Visa A, B and C along with a valid application for the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858).

 

Bridging Visa E Class WE Applications

Changes that have been made to the lodgment process of Bridging Visa E (Class WE) applications are as below.

• Applications can no longer be lodged through fax or by email
• Maybe lodged online
• Applications can still be made by using paper forms by posting to an office of the Department or in-person to an immigration office

 

Global Talent (Subclass 858) Applications

Form 47GT Internet or 47GT paper allows applicants to be legally granted the Bridging Visa A, Bridging Visa C and Bridging Visa E at the time when applicants submit valid applications by using these forms. Further, this instrument was commenced on the 1st of July 2021.

 

Migration Program Planning Levels – 2021 – 2022

The Migration Program Planning Levels for 2021 and 2022 are available on the website of the Department of Home Affairs. However, the planning levels remained the same from the previous year at:

• Skilled – 79,600
• Family – 77,300
• Child – 3,000 places
• Special Eligibility – 100 places

 

Legislative Updates – State and Territory Allocations

OMARA Updates

The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) has sent many emails including the details of changes that were about to be made on the 1st of July 2021.

• Notification of the changes to Bridging Visa E lodgement arrangements
• Increases in the citizenship charges
• National Police Checks for RMA registration and renewal

 

• Renewals and IT issues

The new IT system of the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) has still some functionality issues. It includes the issue of not showing the accurate CPD points to the Registered Migration Agents (RMAs). Though, RMA that has been affected by this issue can contact OMARA.

 

• OMARA Advice to Affected RMA

The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) has given a piece of advice to the affected RMAs. It states that the registered migration agents should submit their applications before the expiration date. In this way, they can stay registered and avoid disruption to their business activities.

 

Moreover, if they still can’t see the CPD points so they can answer as ‘YES’ to the question of Exceptional Circumstances. The Registered Migration Agents can explain here that they have completed the required activities of CPD points. This option will allow the RMAs to complete and submit their applications.

 

AAT – Updates 

The application lodgement charges for the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) were increased on the 1st of July 2021. The complete schedule of application charges is available on the website of AAT.

 

The AAT has declared the Legislative updates 2021 to forms in the MRD. The new application forms will have the following changes.

• Representatives in the Migration and Refugee Division
• New reviewable decisions
• The number of application fees payable, and
• The declaration section

Though, these changes have been made in the online forms as well. New forms must be used from July 1, 2020.

 

The Review to be discontinued

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) has declared to discontinue the publication of The Review after this issue. Members who’re subscribed to The Review can now subscribe to the AAT Bulletin. This Bulletin is a weekly publication that includes the samples of decisions published in the AAT’s Migration & Refugee Division. Furthermore, the AAT is updating its website to provide access to the new decision summaries when they get published.

 

States and Territories Roundup

The State and Territories in Australia are reopening slowly with time for nominated applications for state or territory. There’re the following updates which were publicized on the 2nd of July 2021.

 

Queensland

Business and skilled nomination criteria currently being finalized reopening towards the end of July 2021.

 

New South Wales 

BIIP currently closed to new applications with new nomination criteria to be announced, permanent BIIP remain open; NSW Skilled Occupation Lists for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 to be announced in coming weeks.

 

Australian Capital Territory

Subclass 190/491 open, next round of invitations 14 July 2021; subclass190/491 SBO to open around 5 July today; BIIP no announcement.

 

Victoria

Skilled program open 7 July 2021, changes to criteria announced; BIIP no announcement

 

Tasmania

Skilled closed as at 11 June 2021; BIIP settings under review.

 

South Australia 

GSM and BIIP to reopen week commencing 19 July 2021

 

Western Australia

Skilled no announcements; BIIP currently closed to new applications with new nomination criteria to be announced, permanent BIIP remain open. WA BIIP will open at the same time as the Department’s program.

 

Northern Territory

GSM open for onshore applicants while it’s closed for offshore applicants; BIIP open but criteria is under review.

 

BUPA Immigration Health Examination Fee Increase

The fees for the Australian Immigration Health Examinations provided by BUPA and its partners are listed on BUPA’s website. Your letter from the Department of Home Affairs will list the standard examinations according to the requirements of your visa. However, the charges vary and depend on where you choose to have your examination.

 

Bupa Centres are located very close to public transport, have amazing facilities. Moreover, they have shopping centres, cafes and restaurants nearby.

 

The charges for the BUPA Immigration health examination have been increased. You can visit the BUPA Visa Medical site for the new schedule of fees and other details.

 

Partner Sponsorship Changes

The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) has got a lot of enquiries regarding the changes to the sponsorship arrangements for Partner Visas. The changes were initially announced to be made in November 2021. Though, the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) will update its members if they get any further information.

 

Travel Exemptions – Escorting Minors

The Covid-19 mini site of the Department of Home Affairs has been uploading with the latest Legislative Updates 2021. It includes information about seeking travel exemption for escorting Australian resident minors or Australian citizens to Australia.

 

People who’re escorting an Australian citizen or permanent resident minors to Australia may be eligible to get the Australian Travel Exemption. It aims to ensure the safety and protection of children during travel.

 

Though, there’re the following conditions under which the travel exemptions for this category are approved.

• Only one guardian along with each child under 2 years will be approved
• Travel exemption may be approved for one guardian within the same family group for multiple children above 2 years of age
• Additional guardians will be considered according to the basis of the case if the medical service and evidence are provided.

 

People escorting Australian resident minors or an Australian citizen to Australia must be a relative such as Aunt, Uncle or Grandparent unless there’re exceptional circumstances.

 

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