As the 2024 season comes to an end, there are some significant Migration changes in 2024 that have happened. And, there are some expected changes that will be going to take place in 2025.
So, if you are planning to apply for an Australian visa, then it is important to know about all the changes that have been taken throughout and even the expected ones to ensure that the process is smooth and successful.
There are several Australian Visa Updates 2024 in different categories, migration pathways, and education opportunities for international students. So, our team at Visafast decided to compile all the Migration changes in 2024 in the blog and what’s expected in 2025 under MARA’s guidance.
Let’s get into it.
What are the latest updates to the Australian immigration policies for 2024?
There are several Australian Visa Updates in 2024, impacting international students, skilled workers, and other migrants. Here's a recap of the key updates and their implications:
1. Student Visa (Subclass 500) Migration changes 2024:
- Increased English Language Requirements: The minimum IELTS score for student visa applicants increased from 5.5 to 6.0. For those undertaking an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) before their main course, the required score increased from 4.5 to 5.0.
- Higher Financial Proof Requirements: Applicants now need to demonstrate greater financial capacity to support themselves during their stay, ensuring they can cover tuition and living expenses without relying on work.
- Increased Visa Application Fees: The fee for international student visas more than doubled from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600, making Australia's student visas among the most expensive globally.
2. Temporary Graduate Visa Updates(Subclass 485):
- Reduced Age Limit: The maximum age for applicants was lowered from 50 to 35 years, aiming to attract younger talent.
- Shortened Post-Study Work Rights Australia: The duration of post-study work rights Australia was reduced to two years for bachelor's and master's by coursework graduates, and three years for master's by research and PhD graduates. Additional extensions are available for those in regional areas.
- Enhanced English Proficiency: Applicants now need a higher IELTS score of 6.5, up from 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
- Streamlined Application Process: Processing times for the 485 visa have been reduced to some extent to ensure a smooth transition for graduates into the workforce.
- Post-Study Work Rights Australia Expansion: Additional time has been granted to graduates in specific fields, such as engineering, IT, and healthcare, to address critical skill shortages.
3. Introduction of the Skills in Demand Visa:
- New Visa Structure: The Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa was replaced by the Skills in Demand visa, featuring three pathways:
- Specialist Skills Pathway: For highly specialized roles.
- Core Skills Pathway: For occupations on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), identified by Jobs and Skills Australia as being in shortage.
- Essential Skills Pathway: For workers in essential roles earning below AUD 70,000, with details under development.
- Improved Processing Times: A commitment to median processing times of 21 days was established to enhance efficiency
- Extended Mobility: Visa holders now have 180 days to find a new sponsor if they cease employment, up from 60 days, allowing greater flexibility.
- New occupations have been added to the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL), particularly in healthcare, education, and renewable energy sectors.
4. Caps on International Student Enrollments:
- Enrollment Limits: The government introduced a cap of 270,000 on international student enrollments, with specific allocations for each university, to manage migration levels and ensure quality education.
5. Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Visa Considerations:
- Potential Changes: Discussions were held about modifying the 88-day regional work requirement for backpackers, which is crucial for sectors like agriculture and hospitality. However, the stakeholders expressed concerns over potential labor shortages if changes proceed.
6. Closure of the Pandemic Event (Subclass 408) Visa:
- Visa Phase-Out: The Pandemic Event visa, introduced during COVID-19, began phasing out, with final closures completed by February 2024. This visa allowed temporary residents to remain in Australia during the pandemic.
7. Visa for Australia’s Regional Areas
Increased Regional Opportunities: Regional areas have received increased allocations for skilled visas, encouraging migrants to settle in less populated regions with generous incentives.
The Expected Visa Changes in 2025!
As there are some Australian Visa Updates in 2024, there will be some significant expected Visa Changes in 2025 and you should know about it:
1. Skilled Migration Reforms:
- Revamped Points System: The skilled migration points test will undergo modifications to better align with Australia's economic needs. Factors such as education, English language proficiency, occupation, and age will be changed to prioritize applicants who can contribute effectively to the economy.
- Introduction of Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL): A new occupation list, the CSOL, will be introduced to focus on essential skills required in the Australian labor market, replacing the previous lists to streamline the selection process.
2. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) Updates:
- Transition to Permanent Residency (PR): Pathways from the TSS visa to PR will be increased which ensures clear opportunities for temporary skilled workers to obtain permanent residency status.
- Skills in Demand (SID) Visa: A new visa category, the SID visa, will be introduced to address specific skill shortages, allowing eligible workers to obtain visas for up to four years. The work experience requirement for this visa will be reduced from two years to one year.
3. Student Visa Regulations:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Requirement: From January 1, 2025, onshore student visa applicants must provide a CoE at the time of application, replacing the previous acceptance of letters of offer, to strengthen their commitment to studying in Australia.
5. National Innovation Visa:
- Introduction of National Innovation Visa: A new visa category aimed at attracting global talent in innovation and technology sectors will be introduced, replacing the existing Global Talent Visa, to bolster Australia's position in the global tech landscape.
6. Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) Increase:
- TSMIT Adjustment: The minimum salary threshold for temporary skilled migrants will be increased to ensure that migrant workers are provided with fair wages and to protect the local labor market.
At the End!
In the end, there are so many Australian Visa Updates in 2024 and even some major expected Visa Changes in 2025 that you should know. Knowing all of these, navigating the Australian immigration policies in 2024 and in 2025 can be tough.
To ensure the best-in-class results, you should:
- Stay informed about policy changes.
- Plan ahead to take advantage of upcoming opportunities in 2025.
If you are finding it overwhelming to do it all, it is recommended to consult with a MARA-registered agent for personalized advice and compliance. They can understand your personalized needs and curate the application to ensure the best-in-class results.
In case you are looking for a migration agent in Adelaide, our team at Visafast Consultancy can help you out. We’re dedicated to making your journey to Australia seamless and successful. Whether you’re applying for a skilled visa, exploring education opportunities, or seeking family reunification, our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How to apply for a 485 graduate visa in Australia in 2024?
To apply for a 485 Graduate Visa in Australia in 2024, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and gather essential documents such as proof of identity, academic transcripts, health insurance, and English language test results. Submit the application online via the Department of Home Affairs' ImmiAccount portal, pay the visa fee, and await processing.
How to Choose the Best Migration Agent in Adelaide
- Ensure the agent is registered with MARA.
- Look for agents with significant experience in handling your specific visa category.
- Read testimonials to gauge the agent’s reputation and success rate.
- Choose an agent who communicates clearly and provides regular updates.
- Should offer a transparent fee structure.
- Know-how of the latest migration law changes and policies.
- Go for agents who provide tailored solutions based on your needs.
