Australia Visa Updates in April 2024: 4 Major Changes | Australia Visa Update

Significant reforms to Australia’s visa policies have recently taken place intending to enhance responsiveness and flexibility. The Australian government is changing immigration routes to better suit economic needs. Changes to the Subclass 485 Visa age restriction and a complete overhaul of the Australian Visa program are just two examples.

Additionally, Australia intends to phase out the 482 Visa throughout 2024 in favor of the Skills In-Demand Visa, which will have a 4-year validity duration and a three-tiered approach to temporary skilled migration. We will discuss the four significant changes to Australian visas in April 2024 in this article.

1. Australia’s Proposed Visa Ban on Some Countries

A measure that would allow Australia to designate entire nations on a blacklist from which its citizens are prohibited from applying for Australian visas is now being drafted. Australia may impose travel restrictions on nations that refuse the compulsory repatriation of their citizens, as per the proposed Migration Amendment Law.

If put into effect, this policy may significantly affect applicants from South Sudan, Russia, Iran, Iraq, and possibly other nations that the Australian government has not mentioned. As the Senate deliberates this new law, the implications of such limitations on immigrant communities, diplomatic relations, and humanitarian standards are still being keenly monitored and considered.

2. 491 Visa Changes for New South Wales

A major step forward for skilled migration in the state has been declared by the government of New South Wales on revisions to the Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491 under route 1, which went into effect on April 3rd, 2024. With this change, it will be simpler for qualified migrants in Regal, New South Wales, to fulfill the prerequisites, facilitating nomination and promoting regional economic development.

The New South Wales government has acknowledged that a flexible visa application process is required to meet the evolving needs of the local workforce. The requirements have changed dramatically, with the minimum job period now only being six months instead of twelve.

Rather than requiring the first 12 months of employment, skilled professionals who reside and work in New South Wales’ designated Regional areas can now be nominated under pathway 1 after six consecutive months of employment.

3. Conversion of Tourist Visa to Other Visas Scrapped

Tourist visa holders almost always try to apply for alternative visa streams after they arrive in Australia. However, Australia has now taken action to stop this misuse of tourist visas. The recently suggested modification would have a substantial impact on the purposes of prospective immigrants as well as how Australian tourist visas are employed.

There used to be several alternatives available to visitors to Australia, such as business, family-sponsored, and other Pathways. The Australian government is evaluating the integrity checks of applications for international student visas by enforcing the “No further stay condition,” which is recognized by condition 8503 on visiting visas and is meant to prevent visa abuse.

This restriction prevents the bearer of the protection visa from applying for any other important visas while they are in Australia, in addition to a protection visa.

4. Update on Migration Skill Assessment Fees

Your talents must, per the migration skill assessment, fit the job you’re seeking within the category of your chosen visa to apply for certain skilled visas. A modest rise of three to four percent has been approved by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to raise the cost of engineering services. Skill Assessment for Australia based on the Consumer Price Index

Your skill assessment cost is one of the most crucial considerations to make while preparing to apply for an Australian visa, as of July 1st, 2024. The pricing schedules of most migration skills assessment companies are readily available on their websites.

By adjusting to these changes in Australian visa requirements, prospective migrants, employers, or migration agents can guarantee a more seamless and effective migration process that is in line with Australia’s changing needs.