July 1, 2024: Australian Government’s Immigration Policy Changes

Ending Onshore Visa Hopping

The Minister for Home Affairs recently announced significant changes to the Australian migration system aimed at addressing the issue of visa hopping. This practice of temporary visa holders applying for further visas onshore to extend their stay will be curbed starting from July 1, 2024.

• Visitor visa (SC 600) holders and Temporary Graduate visa (SC 485) holders will no longer be able to apply Student visas (SC 500) onshore.
• The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been increased to AUD 73,150 to protect the Australian labour market.

Changes to Visa Conditions for 482, 457, and 494 Visas

To combat worker exploitation and enhance productivity, visa conditions for Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders are being updated. These changes will provide more flexibility for visa holders who may need to find new sponsors or employment opportunities.

• Visa holders will now have up to 180 days at a time, or a maximum of 365 days total, to find a new sponsor or employment opportunity.
• Visa holders are permitted to work for other employers, even in occupations not listed in their initial sponsorship nomination.

New Exemptions for UK Citizens on Working Holiday Visas

UK citizens will benefit from new exemptions under the Working Holiday Visa program, including an age range extension from 30 to 35 years and the removal of specific work requirements. These changes aim to encourage more participation in work opportunities in Australia.

Creation of a New Skills in Demand Visa

A new Skills in Demand visa will replace the TSS 482 visa, offering three pathways for skilled migrants to contribute to Australia’s productivity:

1. Specialist Skills pathway with a minimum annual earning of AUD 135,000.
2. Core Skills pathway for occupations in demand earning at least TSMIT.
3. Essential Skills pathway for workers paid below AUD 70,000.

Reforms in Skilled Migration and Points Test

The Skilled Migration Points Test will be reviewed to attract top candidates to Australia, while the work experience requirement for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa will be reduced from two years to one year.

Conclusion

The Australian Government’s upcoming immigration policy changes are set to reshape the visa landscape and strengthen the country’s workforce. These updates aim to address key issues such as visa hopping, worker exploitation, and skill shortages while providing new pathways for skilled migrants to contribute to Australia’s growth.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your migration matters, feel free to reach out to our team for expert guidance.

Remember, these changes come into effect on July 1, 2024, so be prepared for the updated immigration policies in Australia.

Let’s embrace these changes together for a brighter future in the land Down Under!

Make sure to stay informed and stay ahead of your visa application process as the Australian Government’s immigration policies evolve. For further details and insights, please refer to our latest blog posts and immigration news updates.

For more personalized assistance and tailored advice, don’t hesitate to book a meeting with our migration experts.

Stay updated and stay connected with the latest immigration trends and regulations in Australia.

Feeling a bit lost in the maze of these new immigration rules? Don’t stress! We get it, staying on top of all the changes can be a bit overwhelming. That’s where Study Visa Pro comes in. We’re a team of experts dedicated to helping students like you make their study dreams in Australia a reality.

Think of us as your personal guides through the visa process. We offer free consultations to chat about your specific situation, break down the new rules in simple terms, and create a clear path forward. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’ve already hit a roadblock, we’re here to help you every step of the way. So why not reach out? Let’s chat about your future in Australia – it’s closer than you think!

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