The Skilled Independent 189 visa allocations have been nearly halved, from 30,375 in 2023-2024 to only 16,900 for 2024-2025. This significant reduction means that more people will be aiming for state-nominated 190 and 491 visas, making these allocations crucial.
The more state allocations there are, the better your chances of getting a visa.
Analysis and Patterns
The pattern is clear: states defined as regional have received the largest increases in allocations.
The overall strategy appears to focus on increasing the number of 190 PR visas for WA, SA, and NT, while NSW and Victoria saw most of their increases in the regional 491 visa, aimed at dispersing migrants outside Melbourne and Sydney.
Queensland's reduction in numbers was at the request of the QLD government.
It seems the Federal Government is worried about housing shortages and so is looking to give visas for regional areas.
The new financial year has brought significant changes to the Australian migration system. In this blog we will go through the main changes.
1. Visa Fee Increases
From 1 July 2024, most visa fees application increased by 2% to 4%, while student visa fees had a significant increase by 125%.
New Student Visa Fees:
Main applicant: From $710 to $1,600
Additional applicants over 18 years old: From $530 to $1,190
Dependents under 18 years old: From $175 to $390.
This increase will affect many planning to study in Australia. The current application fee for all types of visas are available on the Home Affairs website.
Northern Territory: an increase from 650 places to 1,200.
Australian Capital Territory: an increase from 1,200 to 1,800 places.
NSW and Victoria: both states are expected to remain the same as last year, with 3,150 for NSW and 3,300 for Victoria.
3. TSMIT Increase for employer sponsored visas
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has increased from $70,000 to $73,150.
The TSMIT is the minimum salary that employers are required to pay when they sponsor someone on a 482, 186, or a 494 visa.
Any new nominations from 1 July 2024 must meet this threshold, but existing holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2024 are not affected by this change.
4. Relaxation of Work Visa Conditions for 482, 494 and 457 Visas
Up to 180 days at a time to find a new employer or a maximum of 365 days in total across the entire visa grant period.
During the 180 days, employees who are looking for a new employer, can work in any job for any employer.
Employers and the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF)
With the greater mobility for employees, it's time that the Department of Home Affairs revisits the promise in the Migration Strategy to reform the SAF.
Employers currently have to pay the Skilling Australian Fund upfront, which is a significant amount if an employee then leaves before their visa grant period. Fees: $1,200 per year for businesses with a turnover under $10 million, and $1,800 per year for those over $10 million.
Given the increased mobility within the 482 system, there's a risk that employers may opt out of sponsoring due to these fees, and therefore skill shortages could get worse if the employers don't want to sponsor people anymore.
5. No Student Visas for Visitors and Graduates Visa Holders
From 1 July 2024, Visitors (Subclass 600) and Graduate (Subclass 485) visa holders can no longer apply for a student visa onshore, as well the following visa holders
Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority)
Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment)
Subclass 651 (eVisitor)
Subclass 988 (Maritime Crew)
Subclass 403 (Temporary Work) International Relations – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
Subclass 426 (Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular)
Subclass 771 (Transit)
Subclass 995 (Diplomatic Temporary) – primary visa holders only
6. Graduate Visa Age Limit
Applicants looking to apply for a Graduate Visa must be 35 or under, with exemptions for Masters by research, PhDs, Hong Kong, and British Overseas passport holders up to 50 years old.
The Fair Work High-Income Threshold (FWHIT) has increased from $167,500 to $175,000. This means Global Talent applicants must have a minimum annual salary of $175,000 to apply.
8. Visa Closures
The Skilled – Recognised Graduate 476 visa has permanently closed
Philippines Passport Holders can now apply for a 462 Work and Holiday Visa with 200 places available. To be eligible, applicants must hold tertiary qualifications or have successfully completed at least 2 years of undergraduate study or post-secondary education and be 30 years or under.
UK Passport Holders
UK Passport Holders can now be granted up to three Working Holiday Subclass 417 visas without having to meet any specified work requirements. This is expected to lead to significant interest from young people from the UK, offering a work visa for up to three years in sunny Australia without the need to do agricultural work.
10. Health and Medical Changes
There have also been changes to the health and medical requirements including:
An Increase in the Threshold for Medical Costs from $51,000 to $86,000.
Mandatory Hepatitis B Testing for residents from high-risk countries, who are aged 15 and older.
11. Workplace Justice Visa Stream of the 408
A new visa has been introduced for employees who may have been exploited by their employer to stay and work. The employee will need a certificate stating there has been workplace exploitation. More details will be provided on this visa soon.
This was a summary of the main news in Australian immigration for the new financial year, July 2024. If you need assistance with applying for an Australian visa, please contact us.
