Migration and CRICOS Registration

From 22 March 2021 Brennan Law Partners will be proud to offer migration assistance to VACPSP members.

The Migration Amendment (Regulation of Migration Agents) Act 2020 was passed last year which amended the previous registration requirements for lawyers to provide advice on immigration matters. Previously, only lawyers registered with the Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) were able to provide advice on immigration matters.

Once the changes take effect, lawyers will be able to provide migration assistance without having to be registered with OMARA.

Migration and Schools

Principals must be acutely aware of the visa status of their staff and students who are not Australian citizens. At a basic level, non-citizen students must have a valid visa with study rights to enrol at educational institutions whilst non-citizen teachers must have a valid visa with working rights to teach. Whilst it sounds easy to manage, there are strict obligations that come with employing migrants and employers who fail to meet their obligations, such as by allowing an unlawful non-citizen to work or allowing a lawful non-citizen to work in breach of a work-related visa condition, can be fined.

Principals must be across all migration-related issues at their school to avoid running foul of the relevant requirements. Of course, we recognise that schools do not often have the resources or experience to manage these often-complex issues.  Accordingly, we can help you work through and manage the immigration and visa considerations and requirements should you have international students or staff within your school. 

It is also an opportune time to consider whether your school would benefit from registration with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).  CRICOS registration allows schools to accept enrolments from international students which can bring significant financial and cultural benefits to your school’s education offerings.

Brennan Law Partners have assisted Principals to manage and maintain their  school’s CRICOS registration, allowing them to engage with international students and enrich their communities.

Thinking of registering? Talk to us now!

How can Brennan Law Partners assist?