December 16th, 2023 at 03:54 am
Australia 2024 Migration Strategy Action Points | Australia Immigration
The Australian government just published its eagerly awaited migration policy, which includes the biggest immigration reforms in a generation. Australia is changing its immigration laws. The new migration plan was presented on December 11, 2023, with a focus on the international education industry and Temporary Skilled Migration.
The major decisions of the Nixon review, the migration review, and the 483 public comments the government received in its 99-page document served as the foundation for the major initiatives in the government’s migration strategy roadmap, which were developed after extensive consideration.
The plan addresses the commitments that have already been made, the areas that will see changes in 2024, and the areas that will be the focus of additional reform that will be discussed in 2024. In this update, we will walk you through the main steps of this migration plan.
Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa
The government’s new skills-in-demand visa will take the place of the current Temporary Skills Shortage (Subclass 482) Visa. Under the new skills in-demand Visa, temporary skilled workers will have three options. The specialty skills road is called Tier 1, the core skills pathway is called Tier 2, and the vital skill pathway is called Tier 3.
The Newly Needed Abilities
The key components of Visa include;
- Duration for all streams: a 4-year stay is permitted with the visa.
- Three Pathways: The Visa will be available through three separate Pathways.
- Processing time: a guaranteed average processing time of 21 days
- Increased Employee Mobility: Instead of having 60 days to locate a new sponsor if a Visa holder quits their employment with their sponsor, they will now have 180 days to do so.
- Simplified Labor Market Testing: The Australian government has already eliminated the requirement to list job openings through Workforce Australia, citing clarity on overlapping adverts. Additionally, the advertising duration will be increased from four to six months from that point on.
- Additional Pathways to PR: all visa holders will have a path to permanent residency, and time spent working for any approved employer will count toward qualifying for permanent residency.
- Potential for Lower Upfront Employer Expenses: The Australian government is considering shifting employer payments to a monthly or quarterly schedule in an attempt to reduce upfront employer expenses.
- Public Sponsor Register: The Australian government will establish a public register of approved sponsors that will include a list of sponsored workers and their occupations to assist migrants searching for a new sponsor.
Permanent Skilled Migration
The plan takes into account any changes to the permanent skilled migration program, much like the Temporary Skilled Visa program. While providing less clarity on the details of these revisions, employment history at any recognized job will count toward requirements for permanent residency.
To more accurately identify immigrants who would propel Australia’s long-term prosperity, the program modifies the points system. Holders of skills and demand visas will have access to self-nominated Independent permanent Pathways in addition to employer-sponsored pathways. In an attempt to encourage innovative investments and business in 2024, a new talent and innovation visa will be considered.
More consultations regarding the program for permanent skilled migration and strengthening ties in the Pacific will take place with the Australian government. Australia’s distinctive relationship with the Pacific Nations is reflected in its immigration laws. Australia is supporting the economic aspirations of the Pacific area and fostering stronger interpersonal links through the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility Program and the Pacific Engagement Visa.
Furthermore, the government maintained constant communication with its Pacific Partners during the development of the Pacific Engagement Visa, guaranteeing that the initiative takes into account shared interests and objectives. The government would consider additional measures to facilitate the visitation of Australia by notable persons, ordinary visitors, and businesspeople from Southeast Asia.
A new genuine student test will take the place of the current genuine temporary admittance criteria for international students. The government also plans to reduce misuse of Australia’s student visa program and tighten rules for overseas education providers in addition to this new test.
Latest Changes to Australia Partner Visa Program 2024
Australia has announced major modifications to its Partner Visa program, which took effect on November 24, 2023. Please remember that these changes have brought the procedure up to date and given visa applicants more protection. The main modifications for Australia’s Partner Visa program are shown below.
Removal of Onshore and Offshore Distinctions
Remember that there is no longer a distinction made between applicants for an offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) and onshore applicants (Subclass 820/801). In the past, offshore applicants had to be outside of Australia when the visa was authorized, but onshore applicants were required to be in Australia for both the application and decision-making processes.
As of right now, applicants for partner visas are eligible for approval regardless of where they are when the decision is made. This change applies to all visas awarded on or after November 24, 2023, including those submitted before the revisions.
COVID-19 Concession Made Permanent
Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, applicants for offshore partner visas (Subclass 309) initially allowed to remain in Australia at the time of the decision. The revised adjustment now made this concession permanent, allowing these applicants to stay onshore until their visa granted. Originally, this permission initially scheduled to expire on November 25, 2023.
Special Relationship Cessation Provisions Extended
In August 2022, the Department of Home Affairs enhanced special relationship cessation provisions to protect Partner Visa applicants under challenging circumstances. These provisions allow applicants to maintain their eligibility for visa grants if their sponsor passes away, the relationship ends due to domestic abuse, or the partnership ends and the applicant retains custody of the couple’s kid.
This extension remains significant because it shields applicants from the force to continue in risky relationships to obtain a visa.
These changes are a reflection of Australia’s efforts to provide partner visa applicants with more flexibility and stronger protections while also acquainting its immigration laws with the realities of the worldwide pandemic. It exhibits a dedication to upholding international ties while maintaining a reasonable level of immigration control.
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