EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Migration Regulations 1994
VISA APPLICATION CHARGE EXEMPTION FOR FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- This Instrument is made under Subclause 1208 of the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’).
2. Subclause 1208 of the Regulations provides that a reference in sub-subparagraph (2)(a)(ia) includes an applicant of a kind that is specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing.
3. The purpose of the Instrument is to specify a nil Visa Application Charge (VAC) for applicants for a Government Agreement Class TH (Subclass 406) visa and are Fulbright Scholars of the United States of America.
4. The instrument operates to allow Fulbright scholars to travel to Australia with nil VAC. This would reinstate the previous reciprocal arrangement.
5. Consultation was undertaken before the instrument was made as follows:
There has been consultation undertaken between the Department and the International Group of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and the United States Branch of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
6. The Office of Best Practice Regulation has advised that a Regulatory Impact Statement is not required (OBPR Reference 13216).
7. This instrument, IMMI 11/074 commences on 1 January 2012.