A new criminal and civil penalty regime that was anticipated to come into effect by May 30, 2016 has been introduced earlier than expected and now makes it illegal for a sponsor to be paid by visa applicants for certain immigration events. The laws have also led to changes in nomination and visa criteria to facilitate the practical effect of the new system.

Effective December 14, 2015, visa nominators and applicants must certify whether or not they have engaged in any of the prescribed illegal conduct in relation to each visa application.