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.
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.
The Department of Home Affairs has decided to raise the Visa Application Charges (VACs) by varying percentages, depending on the visa subclass. The changes will take effect from 1st July 2023 onwards.
Need help with your Australian Partner Visa application? Our guide offers tips on navigating the process and increasing your chances of success, from understanding the requirements to gathering documents and working with an experienced migration lawyer.
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.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) announced on the 5th April 2020 updates to the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408), in response to the current coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic.
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
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.
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.
Generally, applications for Australian Visas need to be accompanied by evidence that the applicant possesses sufficient proficiency in the English language. There are a number of tests and results which are acceptable to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) when lodging and application, which must have been taken at most two years prior to the application lodgment date.
Which visa is right for you?
Contact us at the Point Migration Agency team office or submit a query online
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