Migration Amendment (Extension of Temporary Graduate and Skilled Regional Provisional Visas) Regulations 2022 [Regulations], dated 17 February amends the Migration Regulation 1994 to extend previously granted temporary graduate and skilled regional provisional visas whose holders have been impacted by COVID-19 related international travel restrictions.
The amendment regulations provides additional time for the temporary graduate and skilled regional provisional visas holders who have been impacted by COVID-19 international travel restrictions since February 2020.
Schedule 1 Extension of Certain Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas:
The Department of Home Affairs announced the introduction of replacement subclass 485 visa for the subclass 485 visa holders who were outside of Australia at any time between 1 February 2020 and 15 December 2021. However, the replacement visa would be open for applications from mid-2022. Schedule 1 to the Amendment Regulations amends the Migration Regulations to provide for the extension of periods of certain subclass 485 visas until 30 September 2022, to allow subclass 485 visa holders to live, study and work in Australia, until they are able to apply for, and be granted, the replacement visa. The extension is also applicable for the secondary visa holders.
Schedule 2 Skilled Regional Provisional Visas:
Schedule 2 to the Amendment Regulations amends the Migration Regulations to extend the skilled regional provisional visas by three years from their original cessation date. This extension is applicable to all skilled regional provisional visa holders where the primary visa holder who holds or held a subclass 489, 491 or 494 visa, was outside Australia on any day during the travel restriction period (1 February 2020 to 14 December 2021). The extension is also applicable for the secondary visa holders.
The Instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 17 February 2022 and commenced on 18 February 2022. It is currently in force.
To access the instrument, click here.
