Australian visa system to be simplified, announces DIAC

Under the changes the Government will reduce the number of temporary work visas by 50 per cent by 2012; and by 2015, extend this initiative to all visa subclasses, targeting a reduction of 50 per cent in the total number of Australian visa subclasses.

The Australian Immigration Minister Senator Chris Evans said:  “Australia's visa system is currently highly complex with 90 visa classes and 149 visa subclasses.

“Fewer temporary visa subclasses, simpler assessment criteria and a more streamlined and consistent application process will result in an overall simpler system.

“As a result, Australia’s visa system will be less cumbersome and confusing for individuals and businesses to navigate,” he said.
Senator Evans said the Rudd Government is determined to maintain strong border security and the integrity of the Australian Visa system.

‘Improvements to Australia's complex visa system will be implemented while ensuring the system remains responsive and supportive of government policy and client needs."

The simplification of Australia's visa system would be undertaken as a Better Regulation Ministerial Partnership, which is a key part of the Government's deregulation agenda and to ensure a coordinated approach to regulatory reform.

The Australian immigration system is an important source of skilled labour which contributes to productivity improvements and economic growth.

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The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people lodge their Australia immigration applications with the Australian Embassy.