We have noticed a gradual increase in processing times for decisions to be made by the Australian Department of Immigration so we are sending you the current published processing times to enable you to make the best informed decision about the time frame involved in your expatriate movements to Australia.
Australia: Purchase of housing for 457 visa holders increased from 1st December
From 1 December 2015 there will be a fee for all foreign investment applications, including 457 visa holders who wish to purchase a house in Australia.
For a property where the value is up to AUD $1 million, the 457 visa holder will pay the Australian Government an extra AUD $5000 AUD. This fee will increase according to the value of the property purchased and the relevant fees are tabled below.
Why is this happening?
Due to the recent increased scrutiny of overseas citizens purchasing property in Australia without seeking FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) approval, it has come to the attention that there has been abuse of the process.
The Australian Government needs money and 457 visa holders are not permitted to vote and so the Australian Government have provided $47.5 million over four years to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to improve compliance and strengthen the enforcement of these rules.
What does this mean for foreign national and employers?
A Fact Sheet provided by FIRB giving full details of the penalties can be found here.
Australia: Regulatory amendments for 457 visa program
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection will implement changes to the 457 visa regulations on December 1, 2015 that clarify some 457 visa conditions, namely those concerning mandatory licensing requirements, and strengthen existing policies in relation to 457 visas obtained via work agreements or enterprise agreements. The changes are largely a response to the negotiation and implementation of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).
Australia: Changes to 457 visa program to take effect 1 December 2015
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has announced changes to the 457 program to strengthen work agreement and enterprise agreement requirements, and provide further clarification on existing 457 visa conditions. The changes will take effect from 1 December 2015.
From 1 December 2015, changes to the 457 visa regulations will be implemented to clarify and strengthen existing policy in relation to work agreements, enterprise agreements and some 457 visa conditions. These changes are largely a response to the negotiation and implementation of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).
Australia: Changes to health requirements for all Australian visas to take effect on 20 November 2015
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has announced a number of changes to health requirements for Australian visa applications, to take effect from 20 November 2015. As part of the changes, a new health matrix will be issued determining who is required to undertake medical examinations. The changes will also abolish streamlined health processing arrangements for 457 visa applicants which can affect the processing times.