Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents

Your Australian Visa Our Focus

Section 48 of the Australian Migration Act has long been the bane of many a visa hopeful's dreams. Essentially, the section says that if your visa application is refused, you are barred from applying for any other prescribed visa until you have left Australia (with a few exceptions).  Typically, refused applicants would have simply left Australia and applied for another visa, but Covid has made such trips difficult if not dangerous. In response to this predicament, the Australian Government has amended section 48 (s48) to allow onshore applicants to lodge  applications for three popular skilled visas, even if they have already been refused another application.

The visas that can now be applied for after refusal are:

• 491 Visa - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
• 494 visa - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa
• 190 Visa Skilled Nominated visa

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having access to healthcare in Australia. If you require medical treatment, the out-of-pocket costs can put you under financial strain. If you reside in Australia and hold a valid visa, read more to find out if you are eligible for Medicare.