What's New for Specialist Entry Visas
Changes to processing location for the following specialist entry visas
All new Visiting Academic (subclass 419) nomination, sponsorship and visa applications lodged in Australia are now processed at the department’s Hobart Visiting Academic Processing Centre.
All new Sport (subclass 421), Exchange (subclass 411) and Religious Worker (subclass 428) nomination, sponsorship and visa applications lodged in Australia are now processed at the department’s Specialist Temporary Entry Processing Centre in New South Wales.
Changes to processing location for Distinguished Talent visas
From 2 April 2011 all applications for Distinguished Talent (subclass 858 and 124) visas will be assessed and decided at the Perth office. All Distinguished Talent (subclass 858 and 124) visa applications lodged at the ACT and Regions Office (ACTRO) prior to 2 April 2011, where no decision has been made, will be transferred to Perth for processing.
From 2 April 2011, all new applications for Distinguished Talent (subclass 858 and 124) visas must be lodged by post or courier to the Perth office for processing.
Changes regarding certain classes of temporary work sponsors
From 2 April 2011 foreign government agencies will be able to be approved as temporary work sponsors for the following visa subclasses:
- Exchange (subclass 411)
- Entertainment (subclass 420)
- Sport (subclass 421)
- Media and Film Staff (subclass 423)
In addition, from 2 April 2011, government agencies (both Australian and foreign) will be able to be approved as temporary work sponsors for the Sport visa (subclass 421).
As a consequence of these changes, foreign government agencies and government agencies approved as sponsors will be subject to sponsorship obligations and sanctions.
