The Rudd Government is moving quickly to implement the recommendations made by an External Reference Group (ERG) established to improve Australia’s temporary skilled migration program.
From 26 April 2008, people granted student visas will automatically receive permission to work with their visa grant. Most student visa holders will no longer need to apply separately in Australia for permission to work.
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The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today unveiled a package of migration measures designed to address Australia's skills and labour shortages.
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The MIA has made representations to new Immigration Minister Senator Chris Evans seeking to have an alternative pathway opened to assist the limited number (but potentially up to 2,000) of people who applied for General Skilled Migration visas prior to 1 September 2007, with the expectation that they would be able to lodge a designated security of $100,000 with State governments to obtain five additional points in order to qualify for a visa.
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There has been uncertainty about whether further Contributory Parent visas will be issued in the 2007-08 program year in light of letters from the Perth Offshore Parent Centre (POPC) of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
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