Australia's Game-Changing Immigration Updates | Australia's 2024 Visa Changes
Australia will implement major immigration changes from July 1, 2024, including a higher TSMIT, flexible visa conditions for skilled workers, and new visa opportunities for UK and Filipino citizens.
Starting July 1, 2024, significant changes to Australian immigration policies will take effect, impacting various visa programs and conditions. Here are the key updates:
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) Increase: The TSMIT will rise from AUD 70,000 to AUD 73,150 to ensure fair compensation for temporary skilled workers and protect the Australian labor market. Employers must adhere to this new threshold when sponsoring skilled workers.
Changes to Visa Conditions for 482, 457, and 494 Visas: Holders of Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482), Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457), and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visas will now have up to 180 days at a time, or a cumulative maximum of 365 days, to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or arrange their departure from Australia. During this period, they can work for other employers in any occupation to support themselves.
New Exemptions for UK Citizens on Working Holiday Visas: UK citizens aged 18 to 35 can now apply for Working Holiday Visas without the ‘specified work’ requirement. This change encourages more young UK citizens to experience cultural exchange and work opportunities in Australia.
Philippines Passport Holders Eligible for Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) Visa: Filipino citizens aged 18-30 can now apply for the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa, allowing them to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. Applicants must have a tertiary qualification or have completed at least two years of undergraduate or post-secondary education.
Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) Replaced: The BIIP is closed and will be replaced by the National Innovation Visa, aimed at fostering innovation and attracting high-caliber entrepreneurs and investors, with a streamlined application process and better support for business ventures.
Impacts of the 2024-25 Budget on Immigration: The Permanent Migration Programme cap is set at 185,000 places, with 132,200 allocated to the Skill stream, reflecting the government’s focus on long-term skill needs.
Visa Hopping Restrictions: Temporary visa holders, including those on Temporary Graduate, Visitor, and Maritime Crew visas, will face restrictions on applying for student visas while in Australia to address 'visa hopping.' Genuine students must apply from offshore, and Temporary Graduate Visa holders are encouraged to seek skilled employment or other visa pathways.
Updates to the Temporary Graduate Visa Program: The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) program now includes an age cap of 35 years, except for certain passport holders eligible up to 50 years. The program also introduces changes to stream names and discontinues the Replacement Stream.
Closure of Skilled-Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) Visa: The Skilled-Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) visa, previously available to engineering graduates from specified institutions, is now permanently closed.
Support for Partner Visa Applicants in Family Violence Cases: New regulations support partner visa applicants experiencing family violence, expanding eligibility for permanent residency and providing a clearer pathway for affected applicants.
Migration Amendment Strengthening Employer Compliance: The new regulations introduce stricter employer compliance measures, including increased penalties for civil penalty provisions and new provisions targeting employer misconduct.
Increase in Student Visa Fees for International Students: From July 2024, the Australian Government has announced a significant increase in student visa fees for international students. The fee for a student visa application will more than double, rising from AUD 630 to AUD 1,600.
This increase is part of broader measures to manage the influx of international students and ensure the financial sustainability of Australia's education system. The change is expected to impact prospective students' decisions and the overall international student market in Australia.
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