Australia Visa and Migration Update 1 July 2022
Some important changes in the Australia visa and migration space have been announced, due to commence on the 1st of July 2022. We list below the important changes and if any of these changes affect you, please do not hesitate to contact our team of registered migrations who are experts in Australia visa and migration.
VAC increases – CPI 3%
Visa Application Charges will increase on 1 July 2022 by 3%, in line with the previously forecast Consumer Price Index increase.
The increases come into effect for visa applications lodged on or after 1 July 2022.
Subclass 485 – Skilled occupation concession
This change amends the migration regulations to temporarily remove the requirements for Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate applicants in the Graduate Work stream to nominate an eligible skilled occupation and to obtain a skills assessment.
This concession is to allow applicants who have studied for occupations that are not on the skills lists to live and work in Australia for a further temporary period.
The amendment will provide this temporary concession for applications made between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 (inclusive).
The skilled occupation concession for subclass 485 applicants in the Graduate Work stream commences 1 July 2022.
SC 417 – Expired passports, paper applications and increased ages
A new migration amendment makes arrangements for applicants whose passports have expired since entering Australia, updates the manner for lodgement of applications and increases the upper age limit for Danish and Italian WHMs.
Danish and Italian age increases
The upper age limit for holders of Danish and Italian passports has been increased to 35 years of age for this 417 visa class.
The amendment commences on 1 July 2022.
Changes health assessment requirements – PIC 4005, 4007 and 4006A
Applicants who intend to study, train or work as doctors, dentists, nurses and paramedics are required to undertake the following health assessment tests (unless applying for a SC 600 Visitor visa of less than 6 months stay):
- medical examination, and
- chest X-ray, and
- HIV test, and
- Hepatitis B test, and
- Hepatitis C test, and
- latent tuberculosis screening.
For doctors, dentists, nurses and paramedics applying for a SC 600 Visitor visa of less than 6 months stay:
- medical examination, and
- chest X-ray, and
- HIV test, and
- Hepatitis B test, and
- Hepatitis C test
For applicants who intend to study, train or work as a health care worker (not mentioned above) or to work within a health care, aged care or disability facility (unless applying for a SC 600 visa for less than 6 months stay):
- medical examination, and
- chest X-ray, and
- latent tuberculosis screening
For health care workers applying for a SC 600 for less than 6 months stay:
- medical examination, and
- chest X-ray.
For applicants likely to train or work in an Australian childcare centre including creche or preschool:
- medical examination, and
- chest X-ray.
For applicants likely to enter a health care or hospital environment:
- medical examination, and
- chest X-ray.
For an applicant who is pregnant and intends giving birth in Australia:
- Hepatitis B test.
For an applicant who is at least 75 years old and applying for a Dc 600 visitor visa or Sc 676 Tourist visa:
- a medical examination.
Workforce Australia
Employer sponsors for 482/186/494 visas – Labour Market Testing (LMT) and JobActive Update.
JobActive is ending 30/06/2022. It will be replaced by Workforce Australia from 04/07/2022. This is a major change.
Contact VISA LOUNGE if these changes may affect you or need help with your Australian migration process. We have over 15 years experience in Australian Immigration Law and we are here to help.
