On 1 November 2012, the DIAC announced its proposed changes to Temporary Work Visas.
From 24 November 2012, the following visa subclasses will no longer be open to new applicants:
- Government Agreement (Subclass 406) visa;
- Exchange (Subclass 411) visa;
- Foreign Government Agency (Subclass 415) visa;
- Visiting Academic (Subclass 419) visa;
- Sport (Subclass 421) visa;
- Medical Practitioner (Subclass 422) visa;
- Media and Film Staff (Subclass 423) visa;
- Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular (Subclass 426) visa;
- Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Executive (Subclass 427) visa;
- Religious Worker (Subclass 428) visa;
- Occupational Trainee (Subclass 442) visa; and
- Professional Development (Subclass 470) visa.
Applicants who were previously eligible for the visas listed above may be eligible for one of the following five visa subclasses:
- Temporary Work (Long Stay Activity) (Subclass 401) visa;
- Training and Research (Subclass 402) visa;
- Temporary Work (International Relations) (Subclass 403) visa;
- Temporary Work (Entertainment (Subclass 420) visa; and
- Temporary Work (Skilled) (Subclass 457) visa.
There will also be changes from 24 November 2012 to the way the following visas operate:
- Entertainment (Subclass 420) visa; and
- Business (Long Stay) (Subclass 457) visa.
We note that the migration rules change constantly, and the process is getting harder each year so we highlight the need to act quickly, and with assistance of a registered and experienced migration lawyer.
If you believe that you may be affected by these changes, then please contact us immediately on (07) 3891 3333 or by email at mail@themigrationplace.com to discuss how we can assist you.