Australia has introduced several new immigration rules for 2024, aimed at addressing labor market demands and refining visa processes.
These changes affect a wide range of visa categories, including Temporary Graduate visas, Employer Sponsored visas, State/Territory Nominated visas, and Regional visas. The updates also include increases in income thresholds, new compliance measures, and provisions for vulnerable groups. This article outlines the specifics of these changes.
Table of Contents
- Temporary Graduate Visas: Significant Adjustments
- Employer Sponsored Visas: Increased Opportunities
- State/Territory Nominated and Regional Visas: Enhanced Allocations
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): A Raise to Benefit Workers
- Pre-Application Ballot Process: Streamlining Visa Access
- Stricter Employer Compliance Under New Regulations
- Changes for Children Born in Australia
- Family Violence Provisions for Permanent Skilled Visas
- Summary
Temporary Graduate Visas: Significant Adjustments
The maximum age limit for Temporary Graduate visa applicants has been reduced from 50 to 35 years, effective from early to mid-2024. Additionally, the visa streams have been reorganized based on the applicant’s level of study:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: Formerly the Graduate Work stream.
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream: Previously the Post-Study Work stream.
- Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: A continuation of the second Post-Study Work stream.
- Replacement Stream: This stream remains unchanged.
The changes aim to better align the visa program with the needs of Australia’s labor market and workforce development.
Employer Sponsored Visas: Increased Opportunities
The planning level for Employer Sponsored visas has increased from 36,825 in 2023–24 to 44,000 in 2024–25. This increase is intended to attract more skilled workers to fill critical labor shortages in sectors such as healthcare, education, and engineering.
State/Territory Nominated and Regional Visas: Enhanced Allocations
The allocations for State/Territory Nominated visas and Regional visas have both been increased to 33,000 for 2024–25. These adjustments are part of efforts to distribute skilled migrants across Australia, particularly in less populated areas that are seeking economic development and workforce support.
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): A Raise to Benefit Workers
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase to $73,150 from July 1, 2024. The increase is designed to ensure skilled migrants receive salaries that reflect Australian labor market standards. Employers must meet this threshold when offering employment to migrant workers under relevant visa categories.
Pre-Application Ballot Process: Streamlining Visa Access
A ballot system has been announced for certain visa categories, including Work and Holiday visas for nationals of China, Vietnam, and India. This system will manage high demand for these visas and ensure an equitable process for applicants. The ballot system adds an additional layer of process but aims to improve allocation fairness and efficiency.
Stricter Employer Compliance Under New Regulations
The Migration Amendment (Infringement Notices) Regulations 2024 introduces stricter compliance requirements for employers hiring migrant workers. Key provisions include:
- Increased penalties for employers who breach migration laws.
- New civil penalties for non-compliance. These measures are part of the government’s efforts to ensure adherence to visa conditions and protect migrant workers.
Changes for Children Born in Australia
Children born and ordinarily resident in Australia are now exempt from mandatory visa medical examinations. This change simplifies the visa process for families and reduces administrative requirements.
Family Violence Provisions for Permanent Skilled Visas
Family violence provisions have been introduced for secondary applicants under permanent skilled visa categories. These provisions allow individuals experiencing domestic violence to continue their visa process independently of their primary applicant, ensuring protection for vulnerable individuals.
Summary
Australia’s updated immigration rules for 2024 include changes to age limits, increased planning levels for skilled visas, higher income thresholds, and stricter compliance measures for employers. Additionally, provisions for children and protections against family violence aim to address specific needs within the migration system. These changes are designed to refine Australia’s immigration program and ensure it meets current economic and social requirements.
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