This course examines the regulatory framework that ensures compliance with Migration Law in Australia. This course develops skills in identifying the requirements and procedures for responding to the regulatory framework. It will cover compliance, sanctions for breaches, refusal of visas merits and judicial review of decisions and ministerial discretion. Students will learn to appraise pathways and options open to clients, determine strategies and formulate submissions.

LAWS8169 covers:

• requirements and procedures relating to refusals, compliance and review
• preparing submissions for administrative review and ministerial discretion
• research skills
• professional conduct
• communication strategies.

At the completion of LAWS8169 you should be able to:

• identify and analyse requirements and procedures relating to refusals, compliance and other sanctions, appeals and reviews
• formulate and implement appropriate strategies for providing effective advice to clients
• plan and prepare communication strategies with key stakeholders including clients and government
• recognise when and how to undertake appropriate research to prepare submissions, and effectively advocate for clients
• demonstrate the ability to discriminate between ethical and unethical operational practices
• plan and prepare communication strategies with key stakeholders including clients and government.

The course aims to equip you with:

• the skills needed to determine and advise on visa options;
• the research capacity to find appropriate legal materials - including researching various legal databases such as LEGENDcom, Austlii and Comlaw.

The graduate attributes you are developing in this course are:

• practical, technical and technological knowledge
• critical and analytical thinking
• problem solving
• effective written communication
• self-reliance
• legal research and critical evaluation skills
• a knowledge of relevant social and ethical issues.

At the completion of the course you will be expected to understand and demonstrate values that support professional practices and development.

A mix of assessment tasks to test competencies including written assignments, case studies and simulated client interviews will be used in the program.

An invigilated exam will be held in this course. Students will be provided with details of exam centres. Enrolment in the exam will be necessary.

Students are generally expected to devote approximately 10-15 hours per week to this course.  This will include participation in independent study, preparation and assessment, as well as either weekly online activities or 4 days intensive lecture/seminars (depending on the mode of study chosen).

This course does not assume you have knowledge of Australian Law or legal research skills.  However if you have a background in a legal area or have previously studied law, you will be able to use this to assist in your study of migration and immigration law.

LAWS8167 - Australian Migration Law and MARA

LAWS8168 - Australia's Visa System

None

Suhad Kamand, Rowena Irish, Peter Bollard, Kerry Murphy and Mark Webster  Immigration Kit Federation Press 8th ed, 2008

Students are expected to conduct extensive online research and wide reading during their study. Prior to the start of the course students should familiarise themselves with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), ComLaw and Austlii websites.

tHE reading guide will be available on the course website.

This course makes extensive use of online technology for accessing resources, activities and assessment.  It is in your best interests to ensure you have a secure computer, preferably at home, where you can access all on-line information without restriction or difficulty.

If you intend using IT supplied by your employer, please be aware that you are likely to experience difficulties accessing key on-line resources due to firewall and security restrictions.

The computer you intend to use should meet the following minimum specifications:

Hardware

• CD ROM/ DVD Player
• Sound Card and speakers
• Video Card
• Modem
• Broadband (dial-up access is not recommended) access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
• Printer

Software

• Firefox is the recommended web browser
• Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free download)
• Real Player (Free download)
• Microsoft Word

WATTLE relies heavily on the use of "pop ups". You will need to disable "pop up blockers" for WATTLE on your internet browser and or Firewall/Anti virus software and toolbars.