Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship has announced a number of changes to their immigration legislation and policies, effective from 1st July 2009.

The majority of fees and Visa Application Charges have increased by 20 per cent. A number of the forms used relating to visa applications have been updated and where changes are essential, a new form must be submitted.

For Subclass 462 (work and holiday) visa holders, granted on or after 1st July and while the individual is outside Australia, they have 12 months (increased from 3 months) to enter Australia after the visa has been granted.

Visa applicants in Queensland and the Northern Territory will be eligible to participate in the health waiver arrangements for the following visa subclasses:

• Subclass 846 - State/Territory sponsored regional established business in Australia
• Subclass 855 - Labour agreement
• Subclass 856 - Employer nomination scheme
• Subclass 857 - Regional sponsored migration scheme

From 1st July, visa applications from same-sex couples will receive the same treatment as opposite-sex de facto couples, including in relation to the children of same-sex couples.

There have been a number of visa changes to Subclass 457:

• Sponsor Attestation - from 27th June 2009, all new and existing un-finalised sponsorship applications require the sponsor to attest in writing that they have a strong record of, or a demonstrated commitment to, employing local labour and having non-discriminatory employment practices.
• From 1st July the Minimum Salary Level increases by 4.1 per cent and applies to all new and existing Subclass 457 visa holders.

For more information:

• The Department of Immigration & Citizenship
• Minister of Immigration & Citizenship Press Release
• Annual adjustment of fees & visa application charges
• Same-sex couples
• Criteria for approval as a Standard Business Sponsor
• Minimum Salary Levels under Subclass 457 programme
• 1st July legislation changes