Visa Reforms
The Australian Government recommends the introduction of reforms to the temporary activity visa framework on 19 November 2016.
From 19 November 2016, the following visas would be closed to new applications:
- Subclass 401 Temporary Work (Long Stay Activity) visa
- Subclass 402 Training and Research visa
- Subclass 416 Special Program visa
- Subclass 420 Temporary Work (Entertainment) visa
- Subclass 488 Superyacht Crew visa.
Applications lodged before 19 November 2016 would be processed under pre-19 November 2016 legislation. These visas would be incorporated within the proposed new temporary activity visa framework.
There would be four new visa subclasses introduced from 19 November 2016:
- Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa
- Subclass 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) visa
- Subclass 407 Training visa
- Subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa.
The new framework is designed to make applying for a temporary visa easier. It would reduce red tape for business, industry and individuals by removing sponsorship and nomination requirements for specific short stay activities.
About the Author
Mohammad Reza Azimi
Mohammad Reza Azimi is the principal migration agent in Shada Migration Services and he is the member of the board and current President of Australia Iran Migration Consultants Association (AIMCA). He began his career in Australia's immigration industry in 2009. As an Australian registered migration agent, he holds a Bachelor Degree in English Language Translation and a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University.