November 2005 Legislation and Policy Changes

Professional development program sponsorship and visa applications lodged on or after 1 November 2005 will be affected by the following legislation and policy changes.

Longer Professional Development programs

Programs may be up to 18 months in duration. In special circumstances, approval may be granted for programs of more than 18 months duration.

New flexible funding

Australian sponsors and other parties to a professional development agreement can now fund applicants. Other than tuition costs, the overseas participant can partially fund their own participation. Agreements between sponsors and employers must specify funding arrangements and responsibilities.

Bond changes

The sponsor security bond has been reduced from AUD$100,000 to AUD$15,000.
Note: A bond is not usually required if participants are nationals of an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) eligible country, or are sponsored by an Australian federal government agency.
See: Electronic Travel Authority eligible countries

Where a bond is required, sponsors are to provide a security bond of AUD$15,000 per program, which should be in the form of a bank guarantee.

Sponsors are required to sign a new undertaking requiring them to 'top up' any forfeited security amounts within 28 days of being requested by the department in writing to do so, or any further period allowed.

Exemptions from nomination application fee

Previously, Australian federal government agencies who applied to become a sponsor were required to pay the same sponsorship application fee as other applicants. New legislation exempts these agencies from this fee.