Australia implemented migration changes that impact students, skilled workers, and temporary graduates. These updates include stricter student visa requirements, a lower age limit for the Temporary Graduate Visa, and new pathways for skilled migrants, particularly in regional areas. The introduction of the “Skills in Demand Visa” and the overhaul of the visa appeal system also aim to make migration processes more streamlined and accessible.
1.Student Visa Updates :
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English Proficiency : IELTS requirement raised from 5.5 to 6.0 for Student Visa Subclass 500.
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Financial Proof : Students must now show proof of funds aligned with Australia’s national minimum wage to ensure they can support themselves.
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Increased Savings Requirement : Higher financial requirements for students to demonstrate eligibility.
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Genuine Student Requirement : Replaces the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for student visas.
2.Temporary Graduate Visa Reforms :
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Age Limit Reduction : The age cap for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is lowered to 35 (previously 50).
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Shorter Post-Study Work Periods : Bachelor and master’s graduates will get a shorter work visa, but skilled work can lead to permanent residency.
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Pathway to Permanent Residency : Skilled workers under this visa now have a clearer path to residency with the new “Skills in Demand” visa.
3.Skilled Migration Pathways :
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NSW Skilled Migration : New “Regional NSW Graduate Pathway” allows recent graduates in regional areas to apply for state nomination.
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Simplified Expression of Interest (EOI) : All valid EOIs for state nomination in NSW will now be reviewed, making the application process more streamlined.
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Skilled Employment Alignment : NSW now follows the Department of Home Affairs guidelines for assessing skilled work.
4.Visa Appeals System Overhaul :
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AAT Replaced by ART : The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) has been replaced by the new Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) as of October 2024.
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Faster Review Process : ART aims to modernize and speed up the visa appeal process.
5.Skills in Demand Visa Introduction :
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New Visa for Skilled Workers : The “Skills in Demand Visa” will provide a 4-year visa with a pathway to permanent residency.
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Eligibility : Available to graduates and skilled workers in high-demand sectors, simplifying transitions to permanent visa.