Australian Federal Budget 2024-2025: What's in for Immigration?

Australia's federal government has released its budget for 2024-2025, outlining significant changes in the migration sector:

TSS Visa Amendments:

Starting November 23, 2024, the work experience prerequisite for the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa will decrease from two years to one year for all applicants.

Enhanced Visa Processing Resources:

Increased staffing and resources will be allocated to address the impacts of understaffing and reduce backlogs in various government departments, including the Department of Home Affairs, aiming to streamline visa processing and reduce waiting times.

Migration Quotas:

The government plans to allocate 185,000 positions for the upcoming fiscal year's permanent migration program. Among these, 132,200 spots will be designated for the Skilled Stream to fulfill Australia's long-term skill requirements. The projected net overseas migration is 260,000, down from the previous year's 375,000.

Introduction of New Ballot Programs:

Starting from the fiscal year 2024-25, a $25 ballot system will be implemented for working and holiday visas, benefiting applicants from China, Vietnam, and India. Additionally, from November 1, 2024, a quota of 3,000 visas will be available for Indian graduates and early-career professionals in specific sectors, facilitating their stay and work in Australia for up to two years, with a nominal entry fee of $25 and a subsequent visa fee of $365 for successful applicants. Furthermore, Indian nationals visiting under the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Business Visitor stream will now enjoy an extended maximum validity of up to five years, reflecting Australia's strengthened partnership with India.

Employer Sponsored Initiatives:

A budget allocation of $100.0 million will support Australian Border Force operations, immigration compliance activities, and the maintenance of essential systems. Additionally, $1.9 million will fund a data-matching pilot between the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Taxation Office to address underpayment and exploitation of migrant workers.

Emphasis on Global Talent and Business Innovation:

Commencing late 2024, a new National Innovation visa will replace the existing Global Talent visa (subclass 858), targeting exceptionally talented migrants vital for driving growth in key national sectors. Furthermore, the Business Innovation and Investment visa program (BIIP) will be discontinued from September 2024, with provisions for refunds on visa application charges.

Regulation of Students and the University Sector:

International student enrolment will now be capped, though the specific number is yet to be determined. Education providers must restrict the maximum number of new international student enrolments annually. Institutions exceeding this limit must develop purpose-built student accommodation, benefitting both domestic and international students. Moreover, higher education providers facing serious regulatory breaches will be barred from recruiting overseas students, and newly registered institutions must demonstrate a proven track record of quality course delivery for domestic students before admitting foreign enrolments.

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