FAQ Archives - Migration Place

Good news: English requirements relaxed for 457 Visa!

New English requirements have come into effect for the 457 Visa programme. Now, applicants are only required to score 5.0 overall in an IELTS test,… Read More

DIBP has backtracked on Form 80

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has issued the new Form 80 in April 2014. The new Form 80 has reduced the… Read More

Skilled migration IELTS language points system

The International English Language Testing system, also known as IELTS, is the only recognised language testing system in Australia, apart from the OET (Occupational English… Read More

Government Lifts Cap on Skilled 457 Visas

The government has announced that it is lifting the cap on subclass 457 visas, which allow for skilled workers to temporarily work in Australia and… Read More

Significant Investor Visa Program Review

On 7 March 2014, the Assistant Minister for Immigration, Senator Michaelia Cash, announced a review into the significant investor visa program. “We recognise there are… Read More

Calls to Replace Skilled 457 Visas

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has made submissions calling for the Skilled 457 visa program to be replaced with a new, less politicised… Read More

Australia to Expand Working Holiday Visa Program

Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program granted over 258,000 visas last year, growing close to 16%, and the Australian Government is considering changes to expand it… Read More

DIBP Increases Visa Application Charge for Contributory Parent Visas

As of 22 March 2014, the Department of Immigration has increased the visa application charge (VAC) for Contributory Parent visas (subclass 143) and Contributory Aged… Read More

From 23 November 2013 onwards companies intending to sponsor 457 workers will have to:

undertake labour market testing in relation to a nominated occupation unless: there has been a major disaster, or the skill level of the nominated occupation… Read More

Launch of new Queensland eligibility criteria and occupation list for subclass 489 and 190 visas

Business and Skilled Migration Queensland has released new eligibility criteria and skills lists (QSOLs) for subclass 489 and 190 state nominated visas from 1… Read More