Legislation and other changes 01 July 2015
There are a number of legislative changes that came into effect on 1 July 2015. This is our summary what we consider it should come to attention of prospective visa applicants:
1. Changes in Skilled Occupation (SOL) , Consolidated Skilled Occupation (CSOL) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Lists:
SOL changes (IMMI 15/092):
Added occupations:
324111 Panelbeater
394111 Cabinetmaker
Removed occupations:
232611 Urban & Regional Planner
252311 Dental Specialist
252312 Dentist
CSOL changes (IMMI 15/092):
272211 Minister of Religion available for 402 Training and Research visa only and then for Labour Agreements
RSMS changes (IMMI 15/083):
272211 Minister of Religion available for 402 Training and Research visa only and then for Labour Agreements
2. Migration Reviw Tribunal and Refugee Review Tribunal became part of Administrative Appeal Tribunal
3. DIBP launched a new website border.gov.au replacing immi.gov.au and customs.gov.au
4. Visa application charges were increased
5. Select Legislative Instrument - F2015L00963 - Migration Amendment (Investor Visas) Regulation 2015 amends the Migration Regulations 1994 to create a new Premium Investor stream visa, that::
◾Requires an investment of $15,000,000 and provides access to permanent residence after 12 months
◾Amends what types of investments are acceptable for the various investment visa streams,
◾Specifies additional or changes in investment requirements as Austrade monitors the market
◾Also amends the existing Significant Investor, Business Innovation and Investor visa streams.