September 5th, 2024 at 05:01 am

5 Major Australia Visa Changes in September 2024 | Australia Visa Update

As part of its continual efforts to effectively restrict immigration, the Australian government reviews and changes its visa regulations regularly. Australia has lately made several significant changes to its visa policy, which reflect the country’s changing goals for its foreign policy, the need for skilled labor, and economic expansion.

Numerous visa categories, including skilled migration and temporary visas, are impacted by these changes. This blog post will discuss five significant changes to Australian visas that will take effect in September 2024 and have an impact on international students as well as present and potential migrants.

1. States Open for 190 and 491 Visa

For the 2024–2025 State nomination period, many states and territories—including the ACT, Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania—have already started to accept applications for the 190 and 491 visas. This year’s allocation of visas has considerably increased.

For instance, the number of seats for the 190 Visa has increased by 60%, from 10,300 to 16,500. Accordingly, there are now 9,760 visa slots available, a 53% increase from 6,400, which is great news for prospective immigrants wanting to be nominated.

Make sure you regularly visit the official websites of these states and territories to stay informed about any updates regarding skilled migration. If you are unable to obtain a state nomination, employer-sponsored visas such as the 482, 494, or 186 visas may be suitable choices.

2. Australia’s Strict Visa Cap on International Students

Australia plans to limit the number of new international students it accepts to return total migration to pre-pandemic levels. By 2025, the nation will only be able to admit 270,000 new students, despite having one of the biggest marketplaces for international students in the world.

According to recent announcements from the Australian government, each university would face specific budget cuts, with providers of vocational education and training taking the worst hit. Some universities have called the move “economic vandalism,” which has infuriated the tertiary education sector. However, Canberra maintains the change would improve the industry’s longevity and quality.

3. Changes to 482 Visa

Beginning on November 23, 2024, the current two-year minimum for full-time work experience will be shortened to one year for the Temporary Skill Shortage 482 Visa. This revision is expected to benefit a large number of visa applicants, particularly those who are currently in Australia on Graduate Visas.

But bear in mind that if a qualification is lacking, more work experience will be needed in its stead. When determining whether or not work experience is suitable and how much of it is required, there are additional aspects to consider such as the certification held, the skill level, and the recentness of the work experience.

4. First Act Invitation Round

On August 8, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) held its first round of invitations for skilled migration for the program year 2024–2025. There were 123 nominations for the 190 Visa and 116 nominations for overseas applicants with vital skills for the Subclass 491 Visa.

16 invites with 70–145 points were sent to the 190 Visa, and 40 invitations with 65–145 points were sent to the 491 Visa. The holding stream (190 Visa) received seven invitations for the 457 and 482 Visa, while the 491 Visa received one invitation.

5. Australia New Skills In-Demand Visa Starting Soon

Australia is to launch a new Skills In-Demand Visa that provides a pathway to permanent residency starting in late 2024. The new Visa will be available through three distinct channels and have a four-year maximum validity period. There are three pathways. Tier 1 is for specialist talents, Tier 2 is for core abilities, and Tier 3 is for essential skills.

The Skills In-Demand Visa will take the role of the Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482 Visa. This will benefit skilled migrants as well as Australian companies seeking to hire skilled migrants overseas.

The recently introduced Visa forms are a reflection of Australia’s ongoing efforts to maintain a balance between its immigration regulations and the demands of its economy, society, and international obligations. The Australian government encourages skilled migration to attract and retain talented migrants, support regional development, and foster cross-cultural contact.