The Latest Migration Updates - October 2024 Edition
Since kicking off the 2024-25 financial year, significant changes have been introduced across various Australian migration programs. It’s crucial to stay informed about these updates to ensure you’re taking the best approach for your migration goals. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new:
Key Points:
Fee Increases
Visa Application Charges (VAC): The VAC for most visa categories has risen by 2.75% in line with CPI, with rounding to the nearest $5. Notably, the Pacific Engagement (subclass 192) and PALM stream visas remain unchanged.
AFP National Police Certificate: The fee for this essential document has increased from $47 to $56.
Citizenship Fees: Australian citizenship application fees have also been indexed, though some smaller fees remain unchanged due to rounding.?
Tribunal and Court Fees: Costs for migration decision reviews have increased. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal fee now stands at $3,496, while Federal Court applications are up to $3,920.
?General Migration Updates?
Mandatory Hepatitis B Testing: Starting 1 July 2024, visa applicants aged 15 and over, born in countries deemed high-risk for Hepatitis B, are now required to undergo mandatory testing as part of their health examination process.
Closure of the Business Innovation & Investment Program (BIIP) Subclass 188: This visa has closed to new applicants, with the government shifting focus to a new National Innovation Visa expected later this year. Refunds for the BIIP Visa Application Charge (VAC) will be available starting September 2024.
Increased Significant Cost Thresholds: The Significant Cost Threshold (SCT) has jumped to $86,000 from $51,000, and the High Income Threshold for Global Talent visa applicants now sits at $175,000.
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2024-25 NSW Skilled Migration Program
The New South Wales (NSW) skilled visa nomination program for 2024-25 is now open, featuring updates aimed at simplifying the process and addressing critical skill shortages across NSW Priority Sectors.
Updated Skills Lists
NSW has released updated skills lists for the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491), specifying eligible occupations. It’s important to verify if your occupation qualifies before proceeding with a skills assessment. Regular invitation rounds for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) will occur until all positions are filled. Ensure your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) is up to date and supported by valid documentation to ensure eligibility.
New Pathways for Subclass 491 Visa
Two pathways, Pathway 1 and Pathway 3, for the Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) will soon open. A new Regional NSW Graduate Pathway under Pathway 3 allows recent graduates from regional NSW institutions to apply directly for NSW nomination. Pathway 1 applicants may be eligible for a 10% concession on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), reducing the financial requirements for certain occupations. Check the TSMIT Concessions List on the Department’s website for details.
Simplified Skilled Employment Criteria
NSW has simplified its approach to skilled employment by aligning with the Home Affairs definition of skilled employment. This means that the previous restrictions on what the employment can be claimed in your EOI have been removed.
This above-mentioned change in NSW approach to skilled employment is as a direct result or our Principal Agent and Managing Director, Michelle Le’Fevre, and the NSW/ACT Committee of the Migration Institute of Australia, who endlessly advocated for this change directly with the NSW Director Anne McCotter. We are delighted with this change in approach by NSW.
Application Fee Increase
The application fee for NSW nomination has increased to $315, plus GST if applying from within Australia, reflecting CPI adjustments.
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Working Holiday Makers - New Opportunities
No ‘specified work’ requirements for UK passport holders: Thanks to the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement, UK citizens can now apply for up to three Working Holiday visas (subclass 417) without needing to meet any specific work requirements. This applies to applications submitted from 1 July 2024 onward.
New Pathways for the Philippines: Republic of Philippines passport holders are now eligible to apply for the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462), giving them exciting opportunities to experience Australia while working and travelling.
Employer-Sponsored Visa Updates
Extended Time for Job Seekers: Holders of Temporary Work (subclass 457), Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482), and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visas now have up to 180 days to find a new sponsor or apply for another visa if they leave their current employer. Previously, this grace period was only 60 days.
Important note – during this 180 day period, so long as the visa holder has ceased employment with their sponsoring employer, they can work for any other employer, in any occupation, without needing to meet the temporary skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT). However, their visa must be transferred within the 180 day period, to work beyond the 180 days. Any period working on a 482 visa, without a sponsor, cannot be used towards the 186 temporary residence transition permanent pathway.
Legacy 457 Worker Age Exemption Ended: The age exemption for workers on a subclass 457 visa applying for permanent residency has now officially closed for applications lodged after 30 June 2024.
Student & Graduate Visa Changes
No More ‘Visa Hopping’ for Student Visas: New restrictions limit onshore applicants from certain temporary visa categories, including Temporary Graduate and Visitor visas, from applying for a Student (subclass 500) or Student Guardian visa (subclass 590).
Temporary Graduate Visa Age Reduction: The maximum age for most Temporary Graduate visa applicants (subclass 485) has been reduced to 35 years, with exceptions for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders and PhD graduates.
Skilled & State Nominated Visa Changes
Western Australia’s Migration Expansion: The state has rolled out a new statewide Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), alongside 10,000 skilled migration places for 2024/25. This significant increase in skilled migration allocations highlights Western Australia’s strong demand for talent.?
Far North Queensland DAMA: The skills assessing authority for Personal Care Assistants and Nursing Support Workers has shifted from VETASSESS to ANMAC, effective 1 July 2024.
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How We Can Help
At First Class Migration Australia, we understand that navigating these changes can be overwhelming. Our team of highly experienced migration agents are here to guide you through the evolving migration policies, offering personalised advice to maximize your chances of successful migration. We stay up to date with the latest developments and provide timely advice to ensure you make informed decisions.
Contact Us
If you have any questions on the above article please do not hesitate to contact us.
Email: enquiry@firstclassmigration
Phone: +61 02 9999 6668