Updates on VETASSESS, ImmiAccount, & Subclass 485 Visa Application Challenges

July 10, 2024

Updates on VETASSESS, ImmiAccount, & Subclass 485 Visa Application Challenges

New MIA Member Resources

The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) has introduced new tools to aid its members. The MIA website now provides a Professional Support FAQ resource for users. This FAQ section provides answers to typical questions from members, carefully formulated by the Professional Support team. Additionally, a new Department of Home Affairs policy response page is live, featuring various policy responses received by the team in 2023 and 2024. Both resources are interactive, requiring members to click on a plus sign beside each question to view the responses. These pages will be consistently updated as additional information is released. 

VETASSESS Updates

Starting 15th July 2024, VETASSESS will resume accepting fresh applications for the trade occupations of electrician (general), ANZSCO Code 341111, and metal machinist (first class), ANZSCO 323214. This resumption applies to both Pathway 1 and Pathway 2 applications under the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) and Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) programs. Moreover, the VETASSESS website and application portal have been revised to incorporate adjustments implemented on 1 July to the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa in the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. More information can be located on the VETASSESS website.

ImmiAccount Planned System Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance for the ImmiAccount system is set to occur on the following dates and times:

– 2 pm to 8 pm (AEST) on Saturday, 13 July 2024

– 6 am to 7 am (AEST) on Sunday, 14 July 2024

– Midnight to 4 am (AEST) on Monday, 15 July 2024

Furthermore, payment functionality will be impacted due to maintenance on Friday, 12 July 2024, from 7 pm to 9 pm (AEST). In these time frames, individuals can still initiate, modify, and append files to Visa or citizenship forms, but might encounter difficulties in making payments or finalizing applications. Additional details can be accessed on the Department of Home Affairs portal. 

Challenges linked to Subclass 485 Visa Applications for Graduates on a Temporary Basis 

An issue has come into notice while lodging Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa requests under the Post-Higher Education Work (PHEW) stream for candidates who lodged their initial student visa before 5th November 2011. The Department of Home Affairs is aware of the issue and has scheduled to resolve it by 14 July 2024. It is advised for members to wait before submitting applications until the issue is fixed. However, members must ensure that their clients still meet the Australian Study Requirement (lodging the application within six months of successfully completing an eligible course) and hold an eligible visa at the time of lodgement. For clients who cannot defer their applications without risking ineligibility, members should submit the application and then contact the department’s ImmiAccount Technical Support team for assistance. 

Summary  

This notice provides essential updates and resources for MIA members, including new professional support tools, VETASSESS application resumption for specific trades, planned ImmiAccount maintenance schedules, and guidance on resolving issues with Temporary Graduate visa applications. Members are encouraged to stay informed and utilize these resources for efficient visa processing and compliance with the latest regulations.