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What is the New ‘MATES’ Visa for Indian Citizens? ImmigrationIndia

What is the New ‘MATES’ Visa for Indian Citizens?

Australia has introduced a new stream under the Temporary Work (International Relations) (Subclass 403) visa. This ‘Mobility Arrangements for Talented Early-professionals Scheme’, (MATES) is specifically designed to attract young professionals from India, and forms part of the  Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). It aims to provide suitable candidates with an opportunity to live and work in Australia for…
Emily Young
13 November, 2024
Ministerial Intervention: A Last Resort for Compassionate Cases reviewImmigrationMinisterial Intervention

Ministerial Intervention: A Last Resort for Compassionate Cases

Navigating the Australian immigration system can be a challenging experience, especially when visa applications are refused or cancelled. For some individuals, the final hope lies in Ministerial Intervention - a unique mechanism that empowers the Minister to intervene in cases where there are compelling and compassionate circumstances that warrant a departure from the standard visa and immigration rules. The Stages…
Annie Anderson
24 October, 2024
SCV (Subclass 444): What is a “Behaviour Concern Non-Citizen”? australian immigration practiceCharacter testImmigrationNew Zealand

SCV (Subclass 444): What is a “Behaviour Concern Non-Citizen”?

The Special Category (Subclass 444) visa (SCV) is a free temporary visa that is granted to New Zealand citizens to remain in Australia indefinitely. Normally, New Zealand citizens can obtain this visa on arrival to Australia or if necessary and eligible, can apply while inside Australia. To be eligible for the SCV, applicants must: have a valid New Zealand passport;…
Annie Anderson
23 October, 2024
Expansion of Family Violence Provisions for Skilled Visa Applicants: Key Changes from 15 October 2024 australian resident visaImmigration

Expansion of Family Violence Provisions for Skilled Visa Applicants: Key Changes from 15 October 2024

As of 15 October 2024, significant changes are being made to the Migration Regulations broadening access to “family violence” provisions for secondary applicants of several of the permanent Skilled visas. These changes are part of the Australian Government's efforts to support those impacted by family violence by ensuring they are not disadvantaged in their visa status when leaving abusive relationships.…
Emily Young
15 October, 2024
Increased visa application charges from 1 July 2024 Immigration

Increased visa application charges from 1 July 2024

The Australian government increased visa application charges (VACs) from 1 July 2024. Most VACs saw an increase per the 2024-25 forecast CPI, however the Student (subclass 500) visa saw a significant increase, with the base application charge now amounting to $1,600. A summary of the changes for some common visa types is included below: Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) (TSS)…
Mihan Hannan
24 July, 2024
TSS nomination refusal – can I receive a refund (including for the associated visa application)? australian resident visaImmigration

TSS nomination refusal – can I receive a refund (including for the associated visa application)?

The Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) (TSS) visa involves both a nomination and a visa application. Both applications are regulated by the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) (the Act) and the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth) (the Regulations) and their associated costs include: nomination: a nomination fee and a Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy; visa: a Visa Application Charge (VAC). When a nomination…
Annie Anderson
27 June, 2024
1 July 2024: Upcoming changes to Australian immigration australian resident visaImmigration

1 July 2024: Upcoming changes to Australian immigration

1 July represents the beginning of the new Migration Program year (2024/25). While this time of year generally involves tweaks to the migration program, this year has a particularly large range of measures to be implemented. These are set out in further detail below: 1. Lodgement Fee increase On 1 July each year, the government lodgement fees typically increase by…
Jordan Tew
26 June, 2024
Summary of 1 July 2024 changes to the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa program child migration australiaGraduateImmigration

Summary of 1 July 2024 changes to the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa program

From 1 July 2024, a number of changes will impact the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) (Graduate) visa program, in line with the Australian government’s Migration Strategy. Pre 1 July 2024 criteria for the Graduate visa program Broadly speaking, the common requirements for this visa previously were: be in Australia; be less than 50 years of age at the time of…
Mihan Hannan
21 June, 2024
Budget 2025 Immigration Headlines australian resident visaImmigration

Budget 2025 Immigration Headlines

On 14 May 2024, the Albanese government released their 2024/25 budget. While there are various "ancillary" migration-related measures, the below is a summary of some of key budget takeaways as they relate to immigration, and outlined in further detail below: net overseas migration projected to be 395,000 (down from 528,000 last year); 185,000 permanent spots for 2024/25 with 70% going…
Jordan Tew
14 May, 2024
Best Lawyers 2025 (in Immigration Law) Immigration

Best Lawyers 2025 (in Immigration Law)

We are extremely pleased to announce that both Partners of the firm, Jordan Tew and Mihan Hannan, have been recognised in “The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2025” list for their expertise in Immigration Law. Hannan Tew Lawyers is a full service Australian immigration law firm assisting individuals, asylum seekers, as well as start-ups, ASX-listed companies, and multi-national global corporations on mobility solutions. Best Lawyers is…
admin
19 April, 2024
Condition 8547 and seeking permission to work with an employer for more than 6 months Immigration

Condition 8547 and seeking permission to work with an employer for more than 6 months

Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program consists of the Working Holiday (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas. These visas permit young people with certain passports to work and holiday in Australia. Given the dual purpose, the permitted work is generally limited by condition 8547. That is, “the holder must not be employed by any 1 employer…
Mihan Hannan
17 October, 2023
What is the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme? Immigration

What is the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme?

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme has emerged as a way for Australia to both foster ties with neighbouring countries and address labour shortages. Broadly, the program is designed to facilitate the movement of workers from certain Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste to Australia to fill labour gaps in various sectors. This article will give you an understanding of…
Emily Young
28 September, 2023
The Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP) Immigration

The Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP)

As part of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) the Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP) provides new immigration opportunities for UK citizens looking to take their next career step in Australia. Further information about the program can be found here. Who can apply? The IECSEP offers two streams: Innovation stream – Allows an up to three…
Mihan Hannan
27 September, 2023
South Australia opens its 2023-24 General Skilled Migration (GSM) program 190General Skilled MigrationImmigration

South Australia opens its 2023-24 General Skilled Migration (GSM) program

The 2023-24 SA Skilled Occupation List has been published (see here). Broadly speaking, individuals with skills assessments in occupations in this list may submit Registrations of Interest (ROIs) against four nomination streams. What are the nomination streams? South Australia currently has four nomination streams (see here): If you are an international graduate, who has studied in South Australia, you may…
Mihan Hannan
27 September, 2023
End of the COVID-19 Pandemic Event (Subclass 408) visa australian resident visaImmigration

End of the COVID-19 Pandemic Event (Subclass 408) visa

On 31 August 2023, the Australian government announced changes to the COVID-19 Pandemic Event stream (Subclass 408) (pandemic event) visa. Specifically: From 2 September 2023, the pandemic event visa will only be open to applications from existing visa holders. Additionally, new applications will receive a six month visa. A visa application charge of $405 AUD will also be introduced, where…
Mihan Hannan
31 August, 2023
The introduction of the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP) in Western Australia Immigration

The introduction of the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP) in Western Australia

As part of the new initiatives to upskill local workers and attract skilled foreign talent, Western Australia’s State Government has introduced the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP). A total of $11 million has been allocated to subsidise up to 1,100 skilled migrants to support the building and construction sector, and a further $2.4 million to promote skilled migration to the…
Lucinda Lim
25 July, 2023
Visa Exclusion Periods (Public Interest Criteria 4014) australian resident visaImmigration

Visa Exclusion Periods (Public Interest Criteria 4014)

In certain circumstances, a foreign national may be prevented from being granted a visa to Australia, known as a visa exclusion period. These exclusion periods can be: permanent – for example, individuals who have been deported from Australia or had their visas cancelled for reasons of their character; or temporary - for example, certain people who have had their visas…
Jordan Tew
25 May, 2023
“Member of the Family Unit” – Who can I include in my Australian visa application? Immigration

“Member of the Family Unit” – Who can I include in my Australian visa application?

When you apply for an Australian visa, in most instances you’re able to include certain family members in your visa application as dependents. This enables your family to be granted the same visa, for the same duration as you. There are restrictions on exactly which family members you can include. Typically, you can include someone who is known as a…
Jordan Tew
9 May, 2023
What are the visa options to hire foreign talent as an employer? business186400 Visa408482494Employer SponsoredENS VisasImmigrationTSS

What are the visa options to hire foreign talent as an employer?

The global talent crunch is real, with “fewer babies, lower high school and college enrollment, rapid wage inflation, near-record unemployment, a skills shortage, the Great Resignation and the remnants of Covid-19 … all conspiring to hinder future business growth.” Securing access to the foreign talent pool is more important than ever before in ensuring that businesses can continue to provide…
Lucinda Lim
7 February, 2023
What to expect after your visa application is lodged? Immigration

What to expect after your visa application is lodged?

The lodgement or submission of a visa application is both a very exciting and nervous occasion. Naturally, visa applicants want to know: How long a visa application is going to take? Whether they will receive any updates? What happens after lodgment? The below article answers some of these questions to provide clarity on what happens post-lodgement of a visa application.…
Jordan Tew
22 November, 2022
Ministerial Direction 100 and streamlined visa processing ENS visa processing timesImmigration

Ministerial Direction 100 and streamlined visa processing

To assist in further streamlining visa processing, Ministerial Direction 100 came into effect on 28 October 2022 which sets out the order of priority applied by the Department of Home Affairs (Department) (and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal) in processing of skilled nomination and visa applications (and related review applications). Broadly speaking, priority is given to those in the healthcare or…
Mihan Hannan
18 November, 2022
The definitive guide to permanent Australian Parent visa options immigration parent visaImmigrationParent

The definitive guide to permanent Australian Parent visa options

There are six different permanent Australian Parent visas and navigating the various visa options to decide which one best suits your family’s circumstances can be daunting. Even if your parents appear eligible, there are many other considerations, intricacies regarding making a valid application, and steps to be taken before the visa can be approved. Given that Parent visas also vary…
Sonia Campanaro
20 September, 2022
Job and Skills Summit Recap (Immigration Update – September 2022) Immigration

Job and Skills Summit Recap (Immigration Update – September 2022)

On 1 and 2 September 2022, the Australian Government held the Jobs + Skills Summit in Canberra, which amongst other things focused on addressing skills shortages including improving migration settings to support higher productivity and wages. Below is our breakdown of the major announcements relevant to migration. Increase in Migration Places The government have increased the number of permanent migration…
Jordan Tew
2 September, 2022
Temporary Work (Subclass 400) visa document checklist Immigration

Temporary Work (Subclass 400) visa document checklist

The Temporary Work (Subclass 400) (400) visa is a temporary visa that allows applicants working in highly specialised roles to work short-term in Australia. The general period of stay is 3 months, however, applicants can be granted up to 6 months for strong business cases. There are two streams for this visa, but the most common stream is the "Highly…
Mihan Hannan
19 August, 2022
Visa application charge increases, concessions for Graduate visa applications and the introduction of Workforce Australia australian immigration practiceGraduateImmigrationLabour Market Testing

Visa application charge increases, concessions for Graduate visa applications and the introduction of Workforce Australia

As we approach the end of the financial year, a number of new legislative updates in Australian immigration law affect Graduate visas, visa application charges and the introduction of a new platform for Labour Market Testing (LMT). Visa application charges From 1 July 2022, visa application charges will increase across the board by 3 % (rounded to the nearest $5).…
Mihan Hannan
29 June, 2022
Several concessions for Student, Graduate and Working Holiday Maker visas australian immigration practiceGraduateImmigrationStudentWorking Holiday

Several concessions for Student, Graduate and Working Holiday Maker visas

Throughout January 2022, the Australian government announced a number of concessions for Student (Subclass 500), Graduate (Subclass 485) and Working Holiday Maker visa holders to help support Australia's COVID-19 impacted economy. Temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders Firstly, there has been a temporary relaxation of student visa work limits to all sectors of the economy. This takes…
Mihan Hannan
20 January, 2022
Australian Agriculture Worker Visa Immigration

Australian Agriculture Worker Visa

On 23 August 2021, the Australian Government announced the Australian Agriculture Worker (AAW) visa program for primary industry sectors including horticulture, meat processing, dairy, wool, grains, fisheries (including aquaculture) and forestry. The program sits within the Subclass 403 (Temporary Work (International Relations)) (Subclass 403) visa as the AAW stream. What is the criteria? The key criteria for the Subclass 403 visa…
Mihan Hannan
30 September, 2021
What were the 24 May 2021 changes to the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa in the New Zealand stream? australian resident visa189General Skilled MigrationImmigrationNew Zealand

What were the 24 May 2021 changes to the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa in the New Zealand stream?

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted Australia’s labour market, with many employees being stood down or having their hours reduced. This disruption extends to New Zealanders residing in Australia. On 24 May 2021, the Department released a legislative instrument to address the disadvantages to the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (189) visa applicants in the New Zealand stream who would have,…
Emily Young
7 July, 2021
How can I be sponsored for permanent residency as a postdoctoral researcher or academic? Immigration

How can I be sponsored for permanent residency as a postdoctoral researcher or academic?

Securing an academic appointment at an Australian university is often a challenging and competitive process. However, securing such a position potentially also opens a lesser known, direct and streamlined pathway to permanent residency. In short, certain “academic applicants” can be sponsored immediately for permanent residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186) visa. Please see below for further information.…
Jordan Tew
22 June, 2021
What is a Global Talent visa (formerly Distinguished Talent visa)? (updated: 7 August 2023) global talent858Distinguished TalentGlobal Talent IndependentImmigration

What is a Global Talent visa (formerly Distinguished Talent visa)? (updated: 7 August 2023)

The Global Talent visa is one of the more interesting and unique visas to Australia, offering permanent residency to individuals who have an “internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement” in an eligible area. The purpose of this visa is to attract highly skilled/talented individuals in their field to come to Australia, where they would elevate Australia’s standards internationally,…
Jordan Tew
28 May, 2021
Can an agent’s actions constitute “factors beyond control” in Schedule 3? A case note: Wong (Migration) [2021] AATA 537 (19 February 2021) australian resident visaImmigrationSchedule 3

Can an agent’s actions constitute “factors beyond control” in Schedule 3? A case note: Wong (Migration) [2021] AATA 537 (19 February 2021)

Ms Wong (the applicant) and her family applied for Temporary Business Entry (Class UC) (Subclass 457) (457) visas on 2 March 2018. At the time of application, the applicant did not hold a substantive visa. Among other things, the primary criteria required that if the applicant were in Australia at the time of application and did not hold a substantive…
Emily Young
6 May, 2021
What is a bridging visa, and what’s the difference between them? australian resident visaBridging VisaImmigration

What is a bridging visa, and what’s the difference between them?

Foreign residents in Australia normally hold “substantive visas” with clear expiry dates. A substantive visa is any visa which is not a bridging visa or a criminal justice visa or an enforcement visa. When people normally mention that they are holding a visa (e.g. a Visitor visa, a TSS visa, a Partner visa) they are usually referring to a substantive…
Mihan Hannan
1 April, 2021
The Joint Standing Committee on Migration releases its interim report on Australia’s Skilled Migration Program 482CovidEmployer SponsoredENS VisasImmigrationLabour Market TestingTSS

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration releases its interim report on Australia’s Skilled Migration Program

On 18 March 2021, the Joint Standing Committee on Migration (the Committee) presented an interim report for its inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program. It makes 12 welcome recommendations focused on Australia’s recovery from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also makes submissions in relation to Australia’s international competitiveness in attracting entrepreneurs, venture capital, start-ups, and the best…
Mihan Hannan
20 March, 2021
COVID concessions for Australian visas australian resident visaImmigration

COVID concessions for Australian visas

Since 19 September 2020, a number of concessions have been available for certain visa holders impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the Department have announced further concessions where COVID-19 travel restrictions are affecting visa applicants, particularly in relation to applicants for family visas who are currently in Australia. Partners and Child visas - Onshore grants from 27 February 2021 Changes…
admin
13 February, 2021
Visas for Innovation – Our recommendations for the 2020/21 Migration Program Year 858Distinguished TalentGlobal Talent IndependentImmigration

Visas for Innovation – Our recommendations for the 2020/21 Migration Program Year

On 6 October 2020, the Australian Government is expected to announce its 2020/21 budget, which amongst other things, will include the planning levels for the migration programme year. Hannan Tew Lawyers (Hannan Tew) anticipates that along with a greater push for regional migration, innovation will feature heavily under the “skilled” stream of the migration programme year as part of a…
Jordan Tew
1 October, 2020
Australian government announces immigration changes to support international students (updated 17 Aug 2020) australian immigration practiceImmigrationStudent

Australian government announces immigration changes to support international students (updated 17 Aug 2020)

On 20 July 2020 the Australian government announced a number of changes to student visa arrangements to ensure Australia remains a priority destination for international students post COVID-19. International students are not only able to obtain world class education in Australia, but many go on to further temporary visas after their studies and even obtain Australian citizenship (for example, through…
Mihan Hannan
17 August, 2020
Australian Government announces special visa arrangements for Hong Kong Global Talent IndependentImmigrationStudent

Australian Government announces special visa arrangements for Hong Kong

On 9 July 2020 the Australian Government announced that it will introduce new measures for students, temporary graduates and skilled workers from Hong Kong who want to live, work and study in Australia (see here). Specifically, the Prime Minister stated that: Temporary graduate and skilled workers will be offered an additional 5 years of work rights in Australia on top…
Mihan Hannan
15 July, 2020
A welcome guide: permanent residence in Australia CitizenshipImmigrationPermanent ResidenceResident Return Visa

A welcome guide: permanent residence in Australia

First of all, congratulations on your Australian permanent residence. In some cases, this could be the culmination of years of effort and dedication. Whatever your journey, welcome to Australia. Now that you are here, this guide provides a few pointers on what it means to be a permanent resident in Australia, and if you choose to, take the next steps…
Mihan Hannan
8 May, 2020
Australian citizenship and permanent residence for New Zealanders: A Quick Guide CitizenshipImmigrationNew Zealand

Australian citizenship and permanent residence for New Zealanders: A Quick Guide

New Zealanders who enter Australia on a New Zealand passport are granted a Special Category (Subclass 444) visa (SCV) upon arrival. This visa enables New Zealander to remain in Australia indefinitely, work without restriction, and study. New Zealanders in Australia enjoy access to many benefits which are not available to citizens of other countries, such as eligibility for Medicare, or…
Edison Zhang
29 April, 2020
Received a visa refusal? Here’s 6 tips on how to make the most of your appeal australian resident visaImmigrationVisa refusal AAT

Received a visa refusal? Here’s 6 tips on how to make the most of your appeal

Having an unexpected visa refusal is always upsetting and stressful. Fortunately, for some visa refusals, there is an appeal mechanism for a “merits review” of the visa refusal. This means that an independent entity will review your application from fresh, while still having access to all the documents/information you previously submitted. Generally, visa refusals are appealed to the Migration and…
Jordan Tew
17 April, 2020
What are the English Language requirements for an Australian visa (in plain English)? 189190EnglishGuidelinesImmigration

What are the English Language requirements for an Australian visa (in plain English)?

Depending on the visa you apply for in Australia, a visa applicant may need to provide the Department with evidence of your English language ability. Which visa are you applying for and what are the English requirements? The below table sets out the general English requirements for some common visa applications (noting that certain applicants may be exempt from English…
Mihan Hannan
13 January, 2020
Immigration policies encouraging the Technology and Innovation sector towards South Australia 457 visaImmigrationInnovationLabour AgreementsStart UpTSS

Immigration policies encouraging the Technology and Innovation sector towards South Australia

On 13 May 2019, Immigration South Australia (SA) released further information relating to two Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) for the State, one of which targets “innovation and technology”. Over the past year, the Australian Government have been implementing Immigration policies in a bid to increase a greater push in innovation and tech towards South Australia. This is primarily captured…
Jordan Tew
16 May, 2019
Navigating the health requirements for your Australian visa application ENS VisasHealthImmigrationTSS

Navigating the health requirements for your Australian visa application

Applicants and members of the family unit who apply for a visa may need to undertake health examinations to prove that they meet the health requirement. In some cases, non-applying family members may also need to undertake health examinations. Who needs to undertake the health examinations? Usually, it is the visa applicant and members of their family unit who are…
Mihan Hannan
7 March, 2019
Why Mike Cannon-Brookes’ “radical” idea may not be so radical after all australian partner visas457 visaGeneral Skilled MigrationImmigration

Why Mike Cannon-Brookes’ “radical” idea may not be so radical after all

In a recent interview with StartupSmart, Queensland’s chief entrepreneur Steve Baxer (also of Shark Tank fame) recently revealed a conversation held with Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes where they discussed solutions to attract more skilled tech workers  locally. The idea proposed by Cannon-Brookes involved picking “the top 50 universities in the world, and tell their graduates if they have good enough…
admin
23 January, 2018
Case Note: Zhou and Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (Migration) [2017] AATA 2386 (27 November 2017) australian resident visaCancellationCharacter testDirection 65Immigration

Case Note: Zhou and Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (Migration) [2017] AATA 2386 (27 November 2017)

Ms Zhou (the Applicant) was the holder of a permanent Subclass 100 visa (Spouse visa). Following a police raid in 2013, she was charged with two offences of: importation of unregistered fire arms and tier 2 goods without approval and possession of unregistered fire arms and tier 2 goods without approval She pleaded guilty to the two offences on the…
admin
6 December, 2017
Australian permanent residency for New Zealand citizens who arrived on or before 19 February 2016 child migration australiaCitizenshipImmigration

Australian permanent residency for New Zealand citizens who arrived on or before 19 February 2016

Provided they meet certain health and character requirements, New Zealand citizens are automatically granted a Special Category (Subclass 444) visa on arrival which enables them to remain in Australia indefinitely, work and study. However, except for in limited circumstances, Australian citizenship was only previously available to New Zealand citizens if they followed the regular channels to first become an Australian permanent…
admin
9 August, 2017