IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Australia has expanded the list of foreign nationals eligible to submit online applications for Temporary Work visas.

What does the change mean? Online visa applications are significantly faster and easier than paper applications.

  • Implementation timeframe: 23 November.
  • Visas/permits affected: Temporary Work (subclass 400) visas.
  • Who is affected: Nationals of the 59 countries will be eligible to apply online for Temporary Work visas.
  • Impact on processing times: Those eligible to apply online will enjoy faster processing.
  • Business impact: Online submission streamlines the application process for sponsoring employers as it eliminates the need to post or courier paper filings or to make in-person visits.

Background: Under amendments to Australia’s Migration Regulations 1994, the following nationals will be eligible to apply online for Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) subclass 400 visas.

Andorra Croatia Hungary Macau (SAR) Portugal Sweden
Austria Cyprus Iceland Malaysia Qatar Switzerland
Argentina Czech Republic Ireland Maldives Romania Taiwan
Bahrain Denmark Italy Malta Saudi Arabia Turkey
Belgium Estonia Japan Federated States of Micronesia San Marino United Arab Emirates
Brazil Finland Kuwait Monaco Singapore U.K. – British citizen
Brunei France Latvia The Netherlands Slovak Republic U.K. – British national (overseas)
Bulgaria Germany Liechtenstein Norway Slovenia U.S.
Canada Greece Lithuania Oman South Korea Vatican City (Holy See)
Chile Hong Kong (SAR) Luxembourg Poland Spain  

BAL Analysis: The expansion of online application procedures is a welcome development. The ability to apply online significantly streamlines processing. Notably, China and India have not been included in the list of nationals eligible to apply online for Temporary Work visas.

This alert has been provided by BAL Australia. For additional information, please contact australia@bal.com.

MARN: 9683856

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