September 26th, 2024 at 04:47 am

8 Changes to Australia Visa Policy in 2024 | Australia Visa Update

Australia is renowned for having complex and dynamic immigration regulations that aim to combine economic growth with regional development. In 2024, the Australian government implemented several noteworthy changes to Visa categories, as a result of the ongoing necessity to tackle population issues and talent shortages related to regional development.

This blog discusses eight significant changes to visas in 2024 related to skilled migration, temporary employment, and student visas, as well as the implications for potential future migrants.

1. Skilled Migration Visa Reforms

In 2024, the Skilled Migration Program underwent significant modifications aimed at drawing in skilled workers and fostering Australia’s economic growth. This approach streamlines the application process for employers and applicants by consolidating relevant job postings into a single list that is directed towards sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction that are experiencing acute shortages.

2. Changes to the PR Points-based System

One of the primary areas of future change will be investigating a revamped points system to more precisely identify immigrants who will Propel Australia’s long-term growth. As per the migration strategy, candidates in domains such as healthcare, engineering, and information technology, which are deemed crucial for Australia’s sustained growth, will now score higher.

Candidates under 45, with years of work experience in their field, and with advanced English language competence will also receive extra points.

3. Emphasis on Regional Migration

The purpose of the changes to the Regional Employer-sponsored Visa Subclass 494 and the Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa Subclass 491 is to encourage immigrants to settle in regional areas. This is part of the skilled migration strategy, which also includes fostering regional development.

An accelerated path to permanent residency will now be available to migrants in Regional Australia who are working and staying there under these visas to encourage long-term Regional settlement.

4. Visas 482, 494, and 457 Changes: Conditions 8107, 8607, and 8668 are changing

After their employment expires, sponsored workers with these visas will have more time to find a new sponsor, reapply for a different visa, or arrange their departure from Australia. Instead of 60 days, workers receive 180 days at a time or a maximum of 365 days during the Visa period.

Additionally, while they search for a new sponsor, they are allowed to work for other companies without an authorized nomination.

5. Visa Policy Changes to TSS Visa

One notable change to the 482 Visa is that the requirement for work experience will be lowered to qualify. This change is expected to take effect in late 2024. The condition that job experience be gained within the last five years has been eliminated, subject to parliamentary approval, which is a significant improvement.

As a result, applicants can now take into account a greater variety of experiences, including those from their early careers.

6. Employer-sponsored Migration Changes

The Australian government has revised the Employer-sponsored migration Pathways, making it easier for employers to sponsor skilled migrants in key areas. Under the Employer Nominated Scheme Subclass 186 Visa, which has undergone adjustments to streamline and expedite the application process, employers can now sponsor employees for permanent residency.

Businesses in severely understaffed industries like healthcare and construction benefit from accelerated immigration and nomination processes.

7. Changes to Onshore Student Visa Applications

It will no longer be possible for some visa holders, such as those with temporary graduate and visitation visas, to apply for student visas while they are in Australia. The practice of permanent temporariness—in which individuals repeatedly apply for visas to prolong their stay even though they might not be eligible for permanent residency—is the reason behind this move.

8. Introduction of Workplace Justice Visa

The Australian government has implemented a special visa known as the Temporary Activity Visa for any temporary immigrants who claim to have been victims of labor exploitation. The Workplace Justice Pilot is a two-year program designed to assist temporary workers who believe their employers have taken advantage of them.

You may stay for up to six months if reporting workplace exploitation would profit from it, and up to twelve months if it is necessary and in the public interest to report workplace exploitation claims