Australia Launches New Mobile App for Biometrics Collection | Australia Visa Updates 2024

The Australian Immi App is a smartphone app that was released by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs to streamline the visa application process. With the help of this app, visitors can apply for certain qualified visas more conveniently and quickly by providing their passport information and face biometrics without having to go to a biometric collecting center.

Introduction of the Australian Immi App for Visa Biometrics

A new free smartphone software called the Australian Immi software was created to facilitate foreign travelers’ visa application processes. With the app, applicants for visas who have already provided their biometrics at a collecting facility can use their cellphones to remotely submit their facial biometrics and passport information.

Eligible Countries for Initial Release

Visa applicants from Samoa, Tonga, Papua, New Guinea, and New Zealand (including foreign nationals living in New Zealand) can initially access the app. The Department of Home Affairs will formally invite qualified candidates to download and utilize the app.

How the Australian Immi App Works

Using the app, candidates can submit their biometric data without having to go to a physical location. Via the app, applicants can expeditiously apply for visas by providing their passport information and face biometrics straight from their mobile devices.

Future Expansion of the App

The Department of Home Affairs has not stated when the app will be available in additional regions; as of right now, it is only available in the aforementioned countries. As further information becomes available, it will be shared.

For individuals who qualify, starting with those in the Pacific, the Australian Immi App represents a major improvement in streamlining the visa application process. Australia hopes to improve the ease of international travel by utilizing mobile technology, and it may soon expand to other nations.

Major Australia Visa Changes in October 2024 You Need to Know!

Australia’s immigration regulations are always evolving, and 2024 is no different as the government makes several noteworthy changes to address skills shortages and population growth. Some of these improvements to the visa are intended to speed up the application process for a visa to Australia, while others are intended to attract skilled labor, international students, and investors.

Regardless of where you are in the visa application process, we will get more into the specific changes in this blog post.

1. States Open for 190 and 491 Visas

Applications for the 190 and 491 visas for the 2024–25 State nomination period are now being accepted from several states and territories, including Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and the Australia Capital Territory and Northern Territory. The largest improvement for this year is the larger number of visas granted.

For example, there are now 16,500 spots available instead of 10,300 for the 190 Visa. In a similar vein, there are now 9,760 Visa slots available, a 53% increase from 6,400. This is a 60% increase. This extension is beneficial to skilled migrants because it provides them with additional alternatives when submitting nomination applications to states or territories.

It is advised that potential candidates frequently visit the official websites of these states and territories to look for updates.

2. Work Visa Changes

The Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa will be extended in October 2024, which will be one of the largest modifications. The work experience requirement for this visa will be lowered from two years to one year as of November 2024 due to Australia’s current severe skills deficit, particularly in fields like education, healthcare, IT, and construction. Those who are currently on a graduate visa or have recently graduated will particularly benefit from this change.

Before applying for a 482 Visa, make sure you meet the necessary educational and work experience requirements. This improvement has made it easier and faster for talented individuals to find employment in Australia. If you’re considering applying for a job, it could be best to use these qualifying conditions.

3. Australia’s Strict Visa Cap on International Students

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students. However, to restore migration figures to prior levels, the government will be implementing stricter visa restrictions. Just 270,000 more overseas students will be admitted to Australia by 2025, meaning that the number of new students will be carefully limited.

This decision, however controversial, aims to improve the caliber and long-term viability of Australia’s educational system. Budget cuts to universities are expected, especially for those that offer vocational education, which will cause the postsecondary education sector to react strongly.

Although some institutions refer to this as economic vandalism, the Australian government emphasizes that this measure will strengthen the long-term stability of the educational system. This change is critical for prospective international students since there will be more competition for student visas. Make sure you submit your visa application as soon as you can, and that it is backed up with reliable financial and educational documentation.

4. Changes to Subclass 462 Visa

The Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa has undergone modifications by the Australian government. With an emphasis on countries with high demand, these changes aim to speed the application process and ensure the fair administration of the Visa program.

A noteworthy change is the inclusion of a pre-application process for some applicants. This process is available to citizens of China, India, and Vietnam who have never before obtained a Subclass 462 Visa.

5. Genuine Temporary Entrance (GTE) Requirements Simplified for 482 Visa

The GTE requirements for the Short-Term Stream Subclass 482 Visa have been simplified by the Department of Home Affairs. The current procedure assumes that the GTE standards are met unless there are serious problems.

The GT is a written statement of the applicant’s anticipated, brief stay in Australia that they provide for their visa. The Department of Home Affairs uses it to determine whether the applicant intends to extend their stay in Australia after their visa expires. It’s also employed to confirm their intentions. Each applicant’s circumstances, including their immigration history and ties to their home country, are assessed by the department.