Migration (Australian Values Statement for PIC 4019) Instrument 2025: What You Need to Know
The Australian Government has introduced a new rule. It is called the Migration (Australian Values Statement for Public Interest Criterion 4019) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/086). This new instrument replaces the old 2020 version (LIN 20/166). It also clarifies what visa applicants must do under Australian migration law.
What is PIC 4019?
Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4019 requires certain visa applicants to acknowledge and commit to Australian values. By signing the Australian Values Statement, applicants agree to follow Australian law and values while in Australia.
Key Updates in the 2025 Instrument
The 2025 update maintains the core requirements of PIC 4019 while introducing important changes:
- Requirement remains: Certain visa applicants are still required to sign the Australian Values Statement.
- Subclass 851 inclusion: The instrument now includes the Subclass 851 (Resolution of Status) visa. This visa is one of the permanent visas that need a statement.
- No change to content: The statement continues to cover core Australian values, adherence to law, and for permanent visas, a commitment to learn English and acknowledge citizenship responsibilities.
- Drafting amendments: Minor technical amendments align the instrument with current Office of Parliamentary Counsel standards.
This ensures the Subclass 851 visa aligns with legislative requirements and continues Australia’s values-based migration framework.
Who Needs to Sign the Australian Values Statement?
The instrument specifies two main tables of visa subclasses:
Temporary Visas (Table 1)
Temporary visa applicants listed under Table 1 must sign Part 1 of the Values Statement. Examples include:
- Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage)
- Subclass 309 (Partner – Provisional)
- Subclass 500 (Student)
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
- Subclass 417 (Working Holiday), among others
Permanent Visas (Table 2)
Permanent visa applicants listed under Table 2 must sign Part 1 and Part 2 of the Values Statement. Key examples:
- Subclass 100 & 801 (Partner visas)
- Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent)
- Subclass 851 (Resolution of Status)
- Subclass 186 & 187 (Employer Sponsored)
- Subclass 189 & 190 (Skilled)
Part 2 requires applicants to make reasonable efforts to learn English and recognize future citizenship responsibilities.
What Does the Values Statement Include?
The Values Statement confirms that applicants understand and commit to:
- Respecting the freedom and dignity of the individual
- Observing freedom of religion, speech, and association
- Upholding the rule of law and parliamentary democracy
- Supporting equality of opportunity regardless of gender, age, disability, race, or origin
- Promoting a ‘fair go’ through mutual respect, tolerance, and compassion
- Recognizing English as the national language and a unifying element of Australian society
By signing the statement, applicants pledge to follow these values and comply with Australian law throughout their stay.
How Emigrate Lawyers Can Help
Navigating Australia’s migration laws, including PIC 4019, can be complex. Emigrate Lawyers provides expert legal guidance to ensure:
- You understand the Australian Values Statement and its implications
- Your application meets all legislative requirements
- Questions about Subclass 851 or other visa subclasses are clarified
- You receive personalized support throughout the visa application process
Our skilled migration lawyers are dedicated to helping you follow the law and successfully navigate Australia’s migration system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Who must sign the Australian Values Statement under PIC 4019?
A1 – Some visa applicants need to sign a document. This shows they support Australian values. This includes both temporary and permanent visa applicants, such as those applying for the Subclass 851 visa.
Q2. Has the content of the Values Statement changed?
A2 – No. The 2025 instrument has the same content as the 2020 version. It covers respect for the law, societal values, and English language learning for permanent visas.
Q3. What happens if I don’t sign the statement?
A3 – Failure to sign may prevent your visa from being granted unless compelling circumstances exempt you from the requirement.
Q4. When does this instrument take effect?
A4 – The Migration (Australian Values Statement for PIC 4019) Instrument 2025 began the day after it was registered. It is listed on the Federal Register of Legislation.
Q5. Does this affect all visas?
A5 – No. Only the visa subclasses listed in Schedule 1 of the instrument, including both temporary and permanent visas, are affected.
Conclusion
The Migration (Australian Values Statement for PIC 4019) Instrument 2025 reinforces Australia’s commitment to a values-based migration framework. By following PIC 4019, applicants show respect for Australian society and the law. This is an important step for a successful visa application.
For help with PIC 4019 and other visa requirements, reach out to the experts at Emigrate Lawyers. They will make sure your application meets all legal and procedural rules.
Source: Migration-Australian-Values-Statement-for-PIC-4019-Instrument-2025.pdf and
Migration-Australian-Values-Statement-for-PIC-4019-Instrument-2025-Explanatory-Statement.pdf
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