We highlight the key changes that have taken effect from the 1st of July. These changes are set to impact current students, workers in Australia, and future applicants. Aimed at streamlining the immigration system, addressing labour and skill shortages, and reducing the exploitation of migrant workers, the strategy introduces several new measures starting from July 1, 2024.
1. Visa Ballot Process
A new pre-application ballot process will be introduced for certain visas. Nationals from China, Vietnam, and India looking to apply for the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) will now need to enter a ballot for a limited number of places. This process comes with a $25 fee. If selected, they can then apply for the visa. The ballot replaces the current ‘first-come-first-served’ system, making it fairer and more efficient.
2. New Visa for Young Indian Professionals
Starting July 1, 2024, the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) will launch, offering Indian nationals aged 18-30 with qualifications in high-demand technology fields a temporary visa of up to two years. This pilot program has 3,000 places and includes fields like renewable energy, mining, ICT, AI, fintech, and agritech. The visa fee is $365, and immediate family members do not count towards the cap.
3. Onshore Student Visa Applications
New restrictions are being imposed on who can apply for Student visas while in Australia. Holders of certain Visitor, Maritime, and Temporary Graduate visas will no longer be eligible to make onshore Student visa applications.
4. Temporary Graduate Visas (TGV)
Changes include a new age limit of 35 (with exceptions for research students and certain passport holders up to 50), and streamlined visa streams:
– Graduate Work Stream becomes Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
– Post-Study Work Stream becomes Post-Higher Education stream.
– Second Post-Study Work Stream becomes Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
The duration of stay for TGV holders in the Post-Higher Education Work stream varies by degree level, with up to three years for PhD graduates.
5. Temporary Skills Visas
Changes affecting Temporary Work (Skilled), Temporary Skill Shortage, and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa holders include an extended period of up to 180 days to find a new sponsor or make other arrangements if they stop working with their sponsoring employer. This period can be extended to a maximum of 365 days across the entire visa grant period.
6. Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP)
The Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) visa (subclass 188) will be closed to new applicants from July 1, 2024. However, a National Innovation visa will be introduced by the end of 2024. Current BIIP holders can still proceed to the permanent subclass 888 visa.
Navigating these changes can be complex, but Regional Migration Australia is here to assist you. Our experienced team stays up-to-date with all policy updates and provides personalised advice tailored to your needs. Whether you’re affected by these new measures or planning to apply for a visa, we can help you understand and manage the process. Book a consultation with us today!
For more information on how these changes might impact you, get in touch with Regional Migration Australia today. Our dedicated team is ready to provide the support and guidance you need to navigate Australia’s evolving migration landscape.
Source
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/your-guide-to-australian-visa-changes-for-2024-25
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media
Disclaimer – Content in these articles does not constitute immigration or legal advice, it is not intended as a substitute for such advice and must not be relied upon as such. This material is designed to provide informative guidelines for general informational purposes only. The information provide is accurate during the time of publication. Please consult with our Australian MARN registered agents via our content forms on our website or call on 1800 567 663 to make an appointment.
