August 28th, 2023 at 05:01 am
Top 5 Australia Immigration Changes & Updates
This update will discuss recent news and changes in Australia’s immigration and visa laws, with an emphasis on several aspects of that country’s strategy for managing immigration. The following are some crucial points;
- Australian student visa reforms
- Temporary Visa extensions
- Parent immigration visa delays
- Migration policy overhaul
- Migration from Afghanistan
Australian Student Visa Reforms
It should be highlighted that the new changes permit prospective international students to declare their intention to immigrate while applying for an Australia visa. This change is consistent with Australia’s attempts to draw in qualified persons who can boost its workforce and economy.
Temporary Visa Extensions
Are you aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in special clandestine-era permits that have extended the stays of over 66,000 foreign students and temporary workers in Australia? Discussions concerning the impact on overall immigration reform and the workforce have been sparked by this action.
Parent Immigration Visa Delays
Families of migrant workers face protracted processing processes and wait lengths of up to almost 30 years while they wait for parent immigration visas. Families of migrants are now living in a state of uncertainty, and questions have been raised regarding the skill and effectiveness of the Australian visa application procedure as a result of this circumstance.
Migration Policy Overhaul
Did you know that the Australian government is considering revising its immigration regulations and introducing significant changes? The anticipated changes are intended to streamline the process, increase its effectiveness and competence, and attract highly qualified individuals to Australia’s economy.
Migration from Afghanistan
It was noted that concerns concerning abandoned applications and processing delays have been highlighted regarding Australia’s handling of refugee applications from Afghanistan. As this is a developing story, be sure to check back for updates.
Australia Shocking Visa Allocations 2023 – Australia Visa Update
The nation’s immigrant population was astonished by the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ recent announcement of new authorized Visa seats for each state. The nomination space allotted to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and New South Wales for the fiscal year 2023–2024 has been considerably decreased, with the ACT’s allocation being almost half.
ACT, which is well known for having a high demand for skilled migrants, has only been given a modest 1,200 seats for the two categories, 491 and 190 less than in prior years. Notably, there are no reserved seats for the provisional visa category for corporate investment and innovation.
The cutbacks align with broader efforts by the Australian government to address skill shortages and enhance social cohesion through the 2023–24 permanent migration program, which is anticipated to distribute a total of 200,000 slots around the nation.
In this essay, we’ll delve into the technicalities of the Australian State nomination allocations for the subclasses of skilled nominated visas (subclass 190) and visas for skilled workers in regional provisional jobs (subclass 491).
State and Territory Breakdown
- ACT: The Australian Capital Territory will receive a total of 600 seats for skilled nominated subclass 190 and skilled work regional subclass 491 visas.
- NSW: 1,500 spaces for the skilled work regional subclass 491 and 2,650 spots for the skilled nominated subclass 190 visa. There exist visas available for New South Wales.
- NT: There exist 400 skilled work regional subclass 491 visa spaces and 250 skilled nominated subclass 190 visa spots available for the Northern Territory.
- QLD: Queensland also received allocated 650 skilled work regional subclass 491 visa spaces and 900 skilled nominated subclass 190 visa spots.
- SA: South Australia also received 1,100 skilled nominated subclass 190 visa slots and 1,200 skilled work regional subclass 491 visa slots.
- TAS: For the skilled nominated subclass 190 and skilled work regional subclass 491 visa categories, Tasmania received 600 seats.
- VIC: 600 skilled work regional subclass 491 visa spaces and 2,700 skilled nominated subclass 190 visa spots also included in the allocation for Victoria.
- WA: There exist 850 skilled work regional subclass 491 visa slots and 1,500 skilled nominee subclass 190 visa slots available for Western Australia.
Overall Allocation
The overall number of spaces granted for the skilled work Regional subclass 491 Visa is 6,400, whereas the total number of slots assigned for the skilled nominated subclass 190 Visa across all states and territories is 10,300. No funding currently allocated for the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) for the period specified.
Its core component remains the thorough creation of the permanent migration program for 2023–24. Thus, tailored to satisfy specific requirements. The talent stream, which aims to close industry and regional-specific skill gaps and boost national productivity, makes up about 72% of the program.
The department made it very apparent that the categories in this stream, including Employer-Sponsored, Skilled Independent, Regional, State/Territory Nominated, and Global Talent, remain specifically designed to take a variety of skill sets and criteria into account. As the allocation reduction spreads throughout the states, stakeholders in various industries are assessing the potential impact on their workforce requirements and recruitment strategies.
2-Year Extension to Australia Graduate Visa 485 for International Students
Individuals who have finished their studies in Australia are eligible for the Graduate Visa subclass 485. Intriguingly, those with graduate visas can remain in Australia for 18 to 48 months. Additionally, if used wisely, it grants holders full employment rights and offers bright chances for eventual permanent residence.
The Graduate Visa subclass 485’s regulations and requirements may change shortly. Take note if you are an international student studying in Australia.
Recap of The Graduate Visa and Previous Changes
The Graduate Visa has two streams.
- First, Post-study work rights stream – designed for graduates of higher education
- Also, Graduate work stream – designed for students who finished any two-year diploma or trade certificate in any profession.
Previous Changes to The Graduate Visa 485
Beginning on July 1, 2022, all international students completing any two-year trade certificate or diploma in any field at a VET college were eligible to apply for a two-year Graduate visa 485 under the Graduate work stream.
However, all candidates remain affected by this modification, whether or not their profession enlists in the list of medium- and long-term strategic capabilities.
Latest Changes for the Graduate Visa 485
Sadly, the concession mentioned above expired on July 1st, 2023. Thus, to apply for the Graduate visa subclass 485 under the Graduate work stream, candidates must now nominate a skilled occupation listed on the medium and long-term strategic skills list and receive a favorable skills evaluation.
Additionally, the course that applicants complete in Australia must have a strong connection to the profession chosen.
The post-study work rights stream for graduate supply is also subject to adjustments at this point. For instance, the Australian government has chosen to extend post-study employment privileges for foreign graduates with certain degrees who fit the criteria for sectors of confirmed skill shortage by two years.
Work Rights Extension Allocations
- First off, bachelor’s degree graduates will get 4 years instead of 2
- Secondly, master’s degree graduates will get 5 years of extension rather than 3
- Lastly, Ph.D. graduates will receive 6 years of extension instead of 4 years
Candidates will also receive an additional one or two years of work privileges in regional areas in 2022 in addition to this extension. Additionally, the two-year extension is available to graduates who are still in possession of a temporary graduate visa under the post-study employment stream as of July 1, 2023.
Additionally, a two-year extension is also available to applicants who submitted their applications on or after July 1, 2023. To take advantage of all the concessions effectively, the applicant’s qualifications must be on the Department of Education’s list of acceptable qualifications.
Visit Newsnowgh.com for the most up-to-date information on changes to visa criteria, prospective paths to obtaining legal residency, and others.