Recent Updates at the Department of Immigration

On July 1 2015 Australian Customs and Border Protection Service was officially disestablished, and together with the pre-existing Department, the new Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) was created. The DIBP will still be responsible for visa applications, while the Australian Border Force will be the operational arm of the new-look Department, with responsibilities covering the compliance, investigation, detention, and enforcement functions of the DIBP.

Another recent development relates to the use of visa labels for Australian visas, and as of September 1 2015 the Department of Immigration and Border Protection will stop the issue of labels for Australian visas, in a move to “streamline visa processing and encourage digital service use”. Most visa applications are already made online, and visa holders are currently able to check their Australian visa status in real-time through the use of the Visa Entitlement Verification Online service or the myVEVO mobile app. After September 1, visa holders are simply able to show their passport or Immicard to which their visa is linked as evidence of their current visa entitlements.

If you have any questions regarding applying for an Australia visa please contact our team of Registered Migration Agents and Immigration Lawyers. We would be more than happy to discuss your immigration options.