Critical technology - enhanced visa screening measures from April 1st 2024

On 1 April 2024, the Australian Government activated changes to the Migration Regulations 1994:

• created a Public Interest Criterion 4003B (PIC 4003B) where the Minister for Home Affairs can refuse to grant certain visas if there is an unreasonable risk of unwanted transfer of critical technology by the visa applicant

• created visa condition 8208, requiring Student (subclass 500) visa holders to obtain approval from the Minister for Home Affairs before undertaking a new critical technology-related course in the postgraduate research sector

• provided grounds for the cancellation of a visa where the Minister for Home Affairs is satisfied that there is an unreasonable risk of unwanted transfer of critical technology by the visa holder.

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