Update on Australian Visa Changes Effective from 1 July 2024

Australian visa updates

As of 1 July, several significant changes to Australia’s visa policies have come into effect, impacting various visa categories and application processes. These updates are crucial for individuals planning to work, study, or migrate to Australia, and it’s essential to understand how these changes may affect you or your clients.

Summary of 1 July 2023 Australian Visa Updates

Stay updated on recent changes to Australia’s skilled migration program. This summary provides insights into modifications made to immigration regulations, including the fast-tracking of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement, increase in visa application charges, changes to Australian citizenship eligibility for New Zealand citizens, visa implications for SCV holders, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) increase, expanded pathways to permanent residence, and work limitations for student visas.

News: Upcoming Updates to Australian Visas for 2023 – 2024

The Australian migration system is undergoing a major overhaul, with 38 reform directions delivered following a scathing review. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil has already announced several changes, including a citizenship pathway for New Zealanders and a new visa for Pacific migrants. Other changes include modifications to student visas and Working Holiday Maker visas, a minimum salary increase, and a review of the points system for selecting migrants.

Skilled Visa updates: New Subclass 491, 494 and 191 Skilled Regional Visas

New Subclass 491, 494 and 191 Skilled Regional Visas

As of the 16th November 2019, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has replaced two previously existing regional skilled migration visas with two new subclasses, with a third to come in November 2022. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 replaces Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489). This is a points tested visa which will … Read more

Understanding the Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL) for Australian Visas 2019 – 2020 (Updated)

Skilled Occupations List for Australian Visas 2018 2019

The approved occupations included on the Skilled Occupation List are regularly reviewed by the Department of Jobs and Small Business, to ensure that they are relevant to the needs of the Australian labour market. The latest update to this list was on 18th March 2018, which also coincided with the introduction of the new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa Subclass 482, which replaced the previous Subclass 457 Visa.

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)

Designated Area Migration Agreements DAMA

The introduction of the new Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage visa last year saw a 28% decline in the amount of sponsored visas being granted, which created a severe skills shortage across affected businesses. In order to rectify this issue and also distribute the migrant population outside of major Australian cities, the Australian government has created a new Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). This scheme will enable specific regions to resolve workforce shortages with experienced, skilled or semi-skilled overseas workers, as well as offer a pathway to permanent residency for successful migrant applicants.