Unit rationale, description and aim
Given the complexity of the Australian migration framework, this unit provides students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to analyse visa categories and navigate legislative requirements in a professional context. This unit focuses on providing students with the skills to enable analysis of the different types of substantive visas, their criteria and conditions for grant and providing strategic options and pathways for clients. The course will also cover bridging visas as non-substantive visas and their role in the migration landscape. Effective problem solving skills and the ability to communicate with clients, the Department of Home Affairs and stakeholders is paramount. Completion of this unit will enable students to develop knowledge of the Australian visa system in practice and theory and effectively communicate and implement strategies for clients. The aim of this unit is to equip students with the ability to interpret visa criteria, develop strategic pathways, and continue to build on.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Locate, navigate and interpret Migration legislati...
Learning Outcome 01
Demonstrate knowledge on visa application and proc...
Learning Outcome 02
Strategically analyse and assess client’s visa eli...
Learning Outcome 03
Research, formulate and implement appropriate stra...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
- Migration Act, Regulations and Policy and delegated legislation
- Arrival Presence and Departure
- Valid application and decision making
- Interpretation, definitions and meanings
- Visas - Classes and subclasses
- Visas - Criteria and conditions
- Visas – Bars and Waivers
- Bridging visas
- Visitor visas
- Student visas
- Submission writing and Letters of Advice
Assessment strategy and rationale
This graduate course is the prescribed qualification for registration with OMARA to provide migration advice. On completion of all units, students seeking registration must also sit the independent capstone examination regulated by OMARA.
The assessment tasks in this unit are carefully structured to enable students to achieve the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs), which are mapped directly to the Occupational Competency Standards developed by the Department of Home Affairs. These standards form the foundation of the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment required of migration law practitioners.
Each assessment item builds progressively to test students’ ability to apply migration law in practice. Tasks are designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical problem-solving, ensuring that students can demonstrate competence across a range of scenarios they are likely to encounter in professional practice. This assessment structure provides opportunities for students to engage in authentic, practice-based learning while receiving feedback to support their development in real-time.
To pass the unit, students must achieve at least 50% of the total marks, including successful completion of all three assessment items.
Overview of assessments
Assessment task 1: Discussion Forum and Reflectio...
Assessment task 1: Discussion Forum and Reflection
Details: This assessment comprises weekly discussion forum posts, which directly align with the learning outcomes, and a reflective submission.
Purpose: this task contributes specifically to the development of students’ understanding of unit material.
Format: Weekly discussion forum posts and written reflection.
10%
Assessment task 2: Written Advice to Practical Pr...
Assessment task 2: Written Advice to Practical Problem
Details: this assessment requires students to demonstrate their ability to identify and interpret relevant Migration legislation, basic aspects of the visa system and migration policy.
Purpose: assist students contextualise their learning and use theoretical knowledge in a practical and real-life situation. This task requires students to critically analyse an element of Australian Migration Law and provide conclusions informed by legislation and policy.
Format: written assessment.
40%
Assessment task 3: Oral Presentation Details: t...
Assessment task 3: Oral Presentation
Details: this assessment requires students to demonstrate their ability to identify and interpret relevant Migration legislation, basic aspects of the visa system and migration policy.
Purpose: assist students contextualise their learning and use theoretical knowledge in a practical and real-life situation. This task requires students to critically analyse an element of Australian Migration Law and provide conclusions informed by legislation and policy.
Format: Oral Presentation
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This is the second unit in the Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice. It is the prescribed qualification for initial registration with the Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) as per s289A of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth).
Our strategy is to encourage students to actively engage with unit content and their peers. Up to 80% of graduates will be in practice as sole practitioners. It is envisaged that developing a community of practice within each unit of learning will encourage students to maintain connections with peers into their professional careers.
This subject will be delivered online only. We have taken an online learning approach to provide accessibility and flexibility to our post graduate students and a student focused approach that increases depth of learning and engagement through actively utilising Canvas.
By adopting innovative online assessment strategies, we are enhancing the student learning experience and demonstrating that students can thrive and feel well-supported in an online environment.