July 6th, 2024 at 02:52 am

7 New Australia Visa Changes From July 1, 2024 | Australia Visa Update

As part of the new migration strategy, the Australian government announced modifications to visas late last year. These changes will affect Australian students and current and prospective migrants. The plan, according to the Australian government, would solve the labor and skill imbalances in the nation, increase system efficiency, and help prevent the mistreatment of long-term visa holders and migrant workers.

Several new policies entered into effect on July 1, 2024, however, some changes have already been implemented.

Visa Restrictions for Migrants and Students

While in Australia, some holders of temporary visas will not be eligible to apply for a student visa. The Australian government states that individuals holding Temporary, Graduate, Visitor, and Maritime Crew visas are among those covered by this.

These regulations aim to address the issue of “Visa hopping,” wherein former international students continue to live in Australia on a series of temporary visas, by requiring eligible students to apply from outside of Australia.

Increase in Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)

The $70,000 salary criteria was raised to $73,150 to qualify for Temporary Skilled Migration. This increase shows the government’s commitment to ensuring that temporary skilled workers receive fair compensation and contributes to the protection of the Australian labor market. Companies that want to sponsor qualified workers have to follow this new requirement.

Changes to Visa Conditions of Sponsored Visas

Extra flexibility has been added to requirements 8107, 8607, and 8608 for visa holders under the Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482, Temporary Work Skills Subclass 457, and Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Provisional Subclass 494 visas.

To arrange their departure from Australia, apply for a fresh visa, or locate a new sponsor. Currently, visa holders have a maximum of 180 days at a time, or 365 days overall, over the life of their visa.

Updates to Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa Program

The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 program has undergone substantial adjustments, one of which is the renaming of the Graduate Workstream to the Post Vocational Education Workstream. Furthermore, a 35-year age restriction has been put in place, except for British National Overseas passport holders and those from Hong Kong, who are allowed to continue being eligible for up to 50 years.

With the possible exception of Master’s research and PhD graduates, who may be eligible for a maximum of 50 years, the age limit for the Post Higher Education Workstream will similarly be 35. The second Post-Higher Education Work Stream will remain named after it changes, whereas the Replacement Stream will be discontinued. The changes are meant to be in line with Australia’s evolving economic climate and skill requirements.

New Exemptions for UK Citizens on Working Holiday Visas

The Working Holiday Visa Scheme currently offers new exclusions to UK nationals. The removal of the specified work criterion and the increase in the permissible age range from 30 to 35 are two of these exemptions. Generally speaking, some prerequisites must be met to qualify for a second or third Visa.

Philippines passport holders eligible to apply for a work and holiday Visa

Philippine people can now benefit from Australia’s upgraded Work and Holiday Subclass 462 Visa program if they are between the ages of 18 and 30. They can work part-time and travel freely around Australia for up to 12 months with this visa. To be eligible, candidates must hold a tertiary qualification or have completed at least two years of bachelor or higher study.

Closure of Skilled Recognized Graduate Subclass 476 Visa

As of July 1, 2024, the Skilled Recognized Graduate Subclass 476 Visa is permanently closed and will no longer be accepting applications. The removal of this visa, which was formerly restricted to engineering graduates from specific universities, is a step in the direction of other skilled immigration pathways.