Temporary activity visa framework changes
From 19 November 2016 a new temporary activity visa framework will be implemented which is designed to make the process of applying for a temporary visa or sponsoring an applicant simpler for business, industry and individuals.
Key changes
The attached diagram provides an overview of how the current visas are incorporated within the new temporary activity visa framework. The changes include:
- a reduction in the number of subclasses from seven to four
- sponsors and applicants will be required to lodge their applications online using ImmiAccount with the exception of the subclass 403 International Relations visa, which will also retain a paper visa lodgement option
- if you apply for a subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa:
- you will not need a nomination
- you will not need to be sponsored if you applied from outside Australia and you intended to stay in Australia for three months or less
- you will need to be sponsored if you applied from inside Australia, regardless of how long you intend to stay
- you will need to be sponsored if you applied from outside Australia and you intend to stay in Australia for more than three months.
- if you apply for a subclass 407 Training visa, you will need a nomination and sponsorship, regardless of how long you intend to stay. No nomination is required if the sponsor is a Commonwealth agency.
- a single sponsorship (temporary activities sponsor) will replace six existing sponsorship types (long stay activity, training and research, professional development, entertainment, special program and superyacht crew), which will be valid for five years.
Changes for Sponsors of Partner and Prospective Marriage visa applicants
The Australian Government is committed to reducing violence in the Australian community, including family and sexual violence. As part of this commitment, amendments to the Migration Regulations 1994 will come into effect from 18 November 2016.