Some Visa Extensions

Extended Visas and Immigration Lawyer Sydney

From 18th February 2022 (today) there will be an extension granted to some holders of the temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). The Visa will be extended to 30th September 2022. Eligible individuals will be notified by the Immigration department.

This change allows these temporary Graduate Visa holders held back by Covid-19 restrictions to enter and remain in Australia until they can apply for and obtain a replacement Visa. It is understood that many individuals on these temporary Visas can be helpful in rebuilding the economy in the country.

Temporary Graduate Visa Eligibility Extension

The individuals must have held a Temporary Graduate Visa by 15th December 2021.
Their current visa expires before 30th September 2022.
They were in Australia when the Visa granted.
The individual visa holder has been outside Australia for any period between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 (inclusive)
Their visa has not been cancelled for any reason since 15th December 2021
There has not been a new Visa granted since 15th December 2021.

The Visa extension will also cover any family members that were covered by the previous Visa. It allows the individual Visa holder to study and work in Australia while waiting for a bridging Visa.

The Visa extension will not incur any cost.

Immigration Lawyer Sydney

Some Visa and immigration laws have been temporarily altered during lockdown. These can be advantageous, so talk to our immigration Lawyer Sydney.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. No individual should take, or refrain from taking, any action solely based on the material contained in this article. While we aim to offer accurate and timely information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on the date of receipt or in the future. If you require more information or seek relevant legal advice specific to your circumstances, please contact our office.

Borders Reopening to Tourists

Opening Borders and Immigration lawyer Sydney

From February 21st Australia will reopen its borders to all fully vaccinated Visa holders, according to a Press statement issued on the 7th of February. This will include those travelling for business, study and for general tourism.

These changes should improve the economic situation without compromising the health conditions. With the 80% full immunisation goal being reached in the general population, and a recent 23% decline in COVID Hospitalisations, the Australian health system has demonstrated considerable resilience.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated may be able to enter the country if they have a valid Visa and are granted travel exemption. They will be subject to various quarantine laws when arriving in the country.

Prior to the Covid situation Tourism generated about $60 billion annually for Australia. The tourism industry also entailed approximately 660 000 jobs in the country.

Since the Australian borders were partially opened in November 2021 there have been 580 000 arrivals in the country. These arrivals were individuals with study or work Visas, and occasionally those being reunited with family. The further opening of borders will greatly increase these total number of people arriving in the country, as tourists can enter for any reason as long as they are fully vaccinated.

Talk to Our Immigration lawyer in Sydney

Visa requirements have changed during the pandemic. Talk to our immigration lawyers about Visa issues and Permanent Residency.

Changes in Student Visa Subclass 500

Immigration Lawyer Sydney – Student Visa Change

Because of current workforce shortages there have been some changes to the work restrictions usually imposed on students with Visa, Subclass 500. These individuals are now permitted to work more than 40 hours per week without being in violation of their Visa conditions.

Previously students could only work once their course of studies had commenced. And then only for a limited number of hours per week. Now they may commence work either as soon as they arrive in the country, or as soon as the Visa is granted. And they may work as many hours as are convenient in their situation.

These changes, the unlimited work hours, are not permanent. They will be revised and possibly changed in April 2022.

The other restrictions still apply:

Student Visa holders must be enrolled in a full-time registered course;
Student Visa holders require satisfactory course attendance
Student Visa holders must have satisfactory course progress.

Failure to meet these conditions can mean a cancellation of the Visa.

Immigration Lawyer Sydney – Visa Fee Refunds

To encourage student Visa holders to return to Australia as soon as possible the Australia government is offering a refund on the Visa Application fee for individuals who travel to Australia between 19th January and 19 March 2022. Applications for this refund must be made before the end of this year (2022).

Students applying for Visa in Australia will need to provide evidence of vaccination (or medical exemption).

Immigration Lawyer Sydney

Student visa and permanent residency requirements are more complex during the pandemic. Talk to an immigration Lawyer Sydney.