Australia 5 Latest Visa Changes in May 2024 | Australia Visa Update

The Australian government has lately made several modifications to immigration regulations to promote inclusivity and productivity. We’ll go over the top five recent revisions to Australian visa laws in this blog post from May 2024.

1. New Changes to the PR Point System

Proposals have been made by the Australian government to alter the Skilled Migrant Point system, which plays a significant role in determining an individual’s eligibility for immigration to Australia. Along with a purposeful reduction in overall immigration, the comprehensive approach aims to lower Australia’s immigration numbers to a manageable or sustainable level and includes measures to modify the skilled migration points test system.

To ensure that the program better satisfies the needs of Australia’s labor market and students’ educational aspirations, a concentrated effort is being made to address the misuse and exploitation that takes place inside the student visa framework. The Australian government has increased oversight and tightened regulations.

2. Update on Core Skills Occupation List

Australia is currently going through a review process for the New Skills In-Demand Visa to determine which jobs should stay on the Core Skills Occupation List and which ones should be removed. It is expected that this new Visa will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa before the year ends.

The Australian government has added several professions to the draft Core Skills Occupations list, including AI specialists, data scientists, general practitioners, and registered nurses, in addition to digital marketing strategists and engineers working in renewable energy. This aims to secure Australia’s sustainability and competitiveness in the future by satisfying Australia’s evolving labor and economic demands.

3. Pacific Engagement Visa Starting June 2024

The Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) will be granted by the Australian government starting on June 3, 2024. Up to 3,000 visa slots, including those for spouses and dependent children, will be given annually through a ballot mechanism by selecting applicants at random to apply for the PEV.

The purpose of the pre-application ballot is to give eligible citizens of the qualifying nations fair access to the PEV. The ballot provides a transparent and equitable process and ensures equal access for people of any gender, ability level, or occupation. You must be between the ages of 18 and 45, a citizen of one of the qualifying nations, in possession of a valid passport, and have completed an online registration form to be eligible to participate.

4. Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa Program

It is proposed that the Graduate Work Stream will become the Post-Vocational Education Workstream and the Post-Study Workstream the Post-Higher Education Workstream. The Post Vocational Education Workstream now accepts applications from applicants up to 35 years old. Nonetheless, applicants from Hong Kong and those with British National Overseas passports may still be accepted until they are 50.

Only individuals holding a trade certificate, associate degree, or diploma that directly ties to a position on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List are eligible to apply for this stream. If you fit the conditions, you can stay for up to 18 months, whereas holders of a British National Overseas or Hong Kong passport can stay for up to 5 years.

The term of stay for the Post-Higher Education Workstream has been adjusted as follows:

• Bachelor’s degree holders are only permitted to remain for two years
• Master’s degree holders are only permitted to remain for two years
• PhD and master’s degree research holders are only permitted to remain for three years.

5. Changes in Skill Assessment for Trade Occupations

Vetassess will be implementing several adjustments to the Trade Skills Assessment process that will take effect for recently filed applications. When you apply for a skills assessment, Vetassess will review the information and supporting materials you provide to ensure they have enough evidence for your assessment.

They are also altering the Pathway 1 application assessment process for all trades, saving refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, electricians, and plumbers. Stage two of the examination process will now consist of three phases: video evidence, online assessment based on Australian industry standards, and technical interview.