Updates to Australia Migration 2024-25: Essential Insights from Migration Agents regarding the next procedures and the DoHA strategy 

As we transition into the new financial year, significant updates to Australia’s migration policies and visa regulations took effect from 1 July 2024. These changes are crucial for migration agents and services to understand in order to better assist clients navigating the Australian immigration landscape. We have been studying these and here’s a detailed overview of the key updates you need to know as well as prospects of the new changes that may be implemented in November 2024. 

1. Enhanced Flexibility for Work Visa Holders 

Starting 1 July 2024, the Australian Government is introducing significant improvements to visa conditions (8107, 8607, and 8608). These updates aim to enhance the flexibility for temporary work visa holders, combating worker exploitation and boosting productivity. 

Key Changes: 

• Affected Visas: 

• Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (Subclass 457) 

• Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) 

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) 

• What’s New? 

• Visa holders who cease employment with their sponsor will now have up to 180 days at a time, or a cumulative 365 days over the visa period, to secure new sponsorship or explore other visa options. This is a substantial increase from the previous 60-day limit. 

• During this period, visa holders are permitted to work for other employers, even in occupations different from those listed on their nomination, provided the work aligns with any necessary licenses or registrations for their original occupation. 

Impact: These changes apply to both current visa holders and those granted a visa from 1 July 2024 onward. Days not worked before this date will not count towards the 365-day limit. 

Upcoming Changes: From 23 November 2024, the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) process will be simplified by reducing the required work experience from two years to one year. This change, still subject to Parliament’s approval, will be particularly beneficial for applicants planning to apply for a TSS visa later in 2024. 

2. Increase in Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) 

Effective from 1 July 2024, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) was increased from $70,000 to $73,150. 

What This Means for Employers and Nominees: 

• New nomination applications for relevant visa categories must now ensure nominees receive a minimum annual salary of $73,150 or the market salary rate for their occupation, whichever is higher. 

• Applications lodged before 1 July 2024 will be assessed based on the TSMIT applicable at the time of submission.

3. Major Overhaul of the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa Program

Starting 1 July 2024, the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa is restructured into two distinct streams: 

• Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: For those with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification, aligned with the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). 

• Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For degree-level qualifications or higher, including updated degree specifications. 

Additional Changes: 

• Maximum age limits adjusted to 35, except for specific exemptions. 

• Stay durations adjusted based on qualification levels, with special provisions for PhDs and certain nationalities. 

• Discontinuation of the Replacement Stream and other adjustments aimed at streamlining visa options. 

4. Restricting Onshore Student Visa Applications

To maintain the integrity of Australia’s education system, new rules will restrict certain visa holders from applying for student visas while onshore. 

Who’s Affected? Visa holders of Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485), Visitor (Subclass 600), and other specified visas must now apply for student visas from outside Australia. This measure aims to curb the practice of “permanently temporary” residents. 

5. New Visa Application Charges (VAC) Increase

From 1 July 2024, new visa application charges (VAC) will apply across various visa subclasses. These adjustments align with the annual indexation and the 2024-25 Budget decisions. 

Examples of New Charges: 

• Partner visa: $9,095 (previously $8,850) 

• Skilled visas: $4,765 (previously $4,640) 

• Graduate visa: $1,945 (previously $1,895) 

6. Additional Important Updates

• Legacy 457 Visa Holder Age Exemption: The exemption allowing Subclass 457 visa holders over 45 to apply for permanent residency under the ENS program (Subclass 186) ends on 30 June 2024. 

• Closure of Subclass 188 Visa: No new applications will be accepted from July 2024, but current holders can transition to the Permanent Business Innovation and Investment (Subclass 888) visa. 

• Work and Holiday Visa for Filipino Nationals: Filipino nationals can now apply for the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa. 

• New WA DAMA: Western Australia introduces its fifth Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), expanding opportunities in the Goldfields, Kimberley, Pilbara, and South West regions. 

These updates underscore the dynamic nature of Australian migration policies, highlighting the importance of staying informed to provide the best possible guidance to clients. As a migration agent or service provider, keeping abreast of these changes is essential to ensure successful outcomes for your clients. 

Wanting to know more? If you would like to book a consultation with one of our agents, just call us on (08) 6117 4152 or  click on this following like to book your appointment https://www.getyourvisa.com.au/book-a-consultation/.  

We assist employers and visa applicants to define their journey in the Migration process to Australia.