Upcoming Immigration Changes in Australia: New Visa Programs | Australia Immigration Updates

The Australian Government has announced significant changes to its migration strategy, which include new visa programs and expected adjustments to visa fees. These changes are set to commence on July 1, 2024, as part of the regular updates to immigration policies.

New Visa Programs

One of the key changes is the introduction of the Skills In Demand Visa, which will replace the current Temporary Skill Shortage Visa program. This new visa program will have three different pathways: the Specialist Skills Pathway, the Core Skills Pathway, and the Essential Skills Pathway. Each pathway is designed to cater to different skill levels and job requirements, providing a four-year validity period for all streams.

The Specialist Skills Pathway is intended for highly-skilled immigrants with guaranteed yearly incomes of AUD 135,000 or more, excluding trades workers, laborers, and machinery operators.

The Core Skills Pathway is for occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List with a minimum pay of AUD 70,000. The Essential Skills Pathway, still in development, will target workers earning less than AUD 70,000, currently facilitated through labor agreements.

Additionally, the Pacific Engagement Visa will provide direct permanent residency for citizens of Pacific Island countries, Timor Leste, and Papua New Guinea. This visa program will begin on March 29, 2024. Another new visa is the National Innovation Visa, aimed at attracting highly skilled immigrants and focusing on talent and innovation. This visa will streamline the pathway for top-tier professionals.

Sponsorship-Based Work Visa Adjustments

The upcoming immigration changes also include significant adjustments to the sponsorship-based work visa process. One major change is the elimination of the Labor Market Testing (LMT) requirements, which means employers will no longer need to advertise positions through Workforce Australia.

The advertisement validity period will also be increased to six months. Additionally, the deadline for finding a new sponsor will be extended from 60 to 180 days if employment ceases with the current sponsor. All visa holders will now have access to permanent residency, considering employment time with any approved employer.

To further support employers, the Australian Government is considering converting fees like the Skilling Australia Fund to a monthly or quarterly schedule to lower upfront costs. To help migrants find new sponsors, a public registry of approved sponsors showing sponsored workers and nominated occupations will be created.

Reformed Points Test Program for Permanent Skilled Migration

The Australian Government will review the points test for the permanent skilled migration program. More consultations will be held to create an analysis-based points test for identifying independent migrants who will contribute significantly to the nation.

This reformed points test aims to streamline the process and make it easier for international graduates working in skilled jobs to gain permanent residency.

Student Visa (Subclass 500) Updates

Significant changes are also coming to the Student Visa (Subclass 500). From July 1, 2024, onshore Student Visa applications will no longer be possible for Visitor Visa holders. The Genuine Student Test, which replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, will now require more comprehensive evidence of genuine intent to study in Australia.

The English language requirements for student visa applications will increase from 5.5 to 6.0, and the required savings amount will rise to AUD 29,710. Additionally, a new Confirmation of Enrolment will only be issued after completing six months of study.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Changes

The validity period for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) will be adjusted in 2024. For Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (coursework), the validity will be reduced to two years, while for Masters by research and PhD, it will be three years.

International graduates securing employment in skilled positions during their post-study work can apply for the new four-year Skills In Demand Visa. The age limit for the 485 Visa is set at 35, except for certain nationals and research graduates, with the IELTS requirement increasing to 6.5.

Visa Fee Increase

Another critical update is the expected increase in visa application fees on July 1, 2024. Based on past trends, visa fees have increased by 1.7% to 9% over the last five years. This predicted fee increase is crucial for potential immigrants and companies planning to employ skilled workers, as it allows for better financial planning and preparation.

Migration Planning Levels for 2024-25

The net overseas migration for the 2024–25 migration program is expected to drop significantly to 268,000 places from 528,000 in the 2022–23 period. Of these, 185,000 places are designated for the permanent migration program, with the remaining allocated to various temporary visa programs such as the Student Visa, Work and Holiday Maker, Australian residents, New Zealanders, and humanitarian migrants.

The allocation for the permanent migration program in 2024-25 will be as follows: 132,200 places for the Skilled stream, 52,500 places for the Family stream, and 300 places for the Special Eligibility stream, which includes unique situations like a permanent resident needing to return to the country.

Ending 'Visa Hopping'

To end the trend of 'visa hopping' that promotes permanent temporariness in Australia, new rules will take effect on July 1, 2024. Visitor Visa holders and Temporary Graduate Visa holders will no longer be able to apply for a Student Visa onshore. This measure aims to enforce stricter regulations on the integrity of offshore student visas.

Reduced Work Experience for 482 Visa

Starting on November 23, 2024, the work experience requirements for 482 Visa applications will be reduced to one year from the previous requirement of two years. This change is part of the broader effort to simplify the immigration process and make it more accessible.

Closure of BIIP and Introduction of National Innovation Visa

The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) will permanently close on July 1, 2024. In its place, the National Innovation Visa (NIV) will be introduced, expected to commence at the end of 2024. The National Innovation Visa will replace the current Global Talent Visa and is designed to attract top-tier professionals to Australia.

Work and Holiday Visa Program Changes

To manage the demand for the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) Visa program from China, Vietnam, and India, the Australian Government will introduce a pre-application ballot method. This strategy aims to reduce program demand while accelerating the processing times for these nations. The ballot application will cost AUD 25.

These comprehensive changes are designed to streamline processes, attract top talent, and enhance the integrity of Australia’s immigration system. For personalized guidance through these updates, consult with an immigration expert to ensure a smooth transition and compliance with new regulations.