Overview Australia is considered to be one of the world’s major ‘immigration nations‘(together with New Zealand, Canada and the USA). Since 1945, when the first federal immigration portfolio was created, over 7.5 million people have settled here and Australia’s overseas-born resident population—estimated to be 28.2 per cent of the population in June 2015—is considered high...

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has expressed 'deep concern' at the government's proposal to ban refugees who arrive by boat from ever entering Australia. The UN body has reminded the Turnbull government that Australia has a responsibility to offer protection to all asylum seekers, regardless of their mode of arrival. Federal Immigration Minister...

The Australian public is invited to provide their views on the development of a new visa for parents of Australians. This invitation is in response to the Government’s election commitment announcement of 21 June 2016 that indicated it would enhance existing visa arrangements to enable sponsored parents to visit their family in Australia for a...

Introduction One of the most significant changes to Australia’s immigration flows over the last two decades has been the growth of long-term (12 months or more) temporary migration. While some of this growth can be attributed to increases in arrivals of overseas students and working holiday makers, a large proportion of it is also due...

Under Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program, young people (aged 18 to 30 years) from certain countries may apply for one of two visas—Working Holiday (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday (subclass 462). The visa available to applicants depends on their country of citizenship, but both visas enable young people to travel in Australia for...