Australia has introduced significant updates to its immigration policies for 2024, aiming to modernize the system, prioritize regional migration, and enhance skilled migration pathways. Here are the key changes you should know:
1. Skilled Migration Enhancements
- Skills in Demand Visa: This new visa will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa, featuring three income-based tiers—Specialist, Core, and Essential Skills pathways. It provides clearer and faster routes to permanent residency and greater flexibility for workers to change employers.
- General Skilled Migration: The points test is being reformed to emphasize factors like education, occupation, and English proficiency over additional credentials, favoring applicants with high contributions to the labor market.
2. Student Visa Changes
- Increased English-language requirements and the introduction of a "Genuine Student Test" aim to improve the integrity of the international education system.
- Temporary Graduate Visa eligibility will be limited to applicants under 35 years old, and the duration of stay will be reduced for most degree types.
3. Regional Migration Focus
- International graduates from regional institutions may receive an additional Temporary Graduate visa, depending on their study location. Processing priority continues for regional visa applicants, supporting regional development goals.
4. Family and Business Migration Adjustments
- Partner visa policies will now better accommodate situations like family violence or the death of a sponsor, ensuring fair treatment of applicants.
- The Business Innovation and Investment Visa program is being overhauled, integrating it with the Global Talent Visa to focus on entrepreneurial and innovative contributions.
5. Labour Market Testing (LMT) Updates
- Employers face streamlined advertising requirements for LMT, with some traditional mandates phased out. Independent assessments of labor market needs will be conducted by Jobs and Skills Australia.
These changes reflect Australia’s strategic move to create a more sustainable and purpose-driven migration program. For detailed assistance, it is advisable to consult migration experts or visit Australia’s Department of Home Affairs website.
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