New Changes To Australia Visa And Immigration From August 2024 Affecting Everyone: Australia Visas

Summary

Australia has implemented significant changes to its visa and immigration system, effective from July and August 2024. These include extended validity for business visitor visas for ASEAN countries, increased citizenship application fees, eased visa conditions for migrant workers, and the introduction of a new National Visa. The Philippines has been added to the work holiday visa program, while the scheme for Chinese nationals has been suspended. Additionally, the temporary skilled migration income threshold has risen, and minimum savings requirements for student visas have been adjusted. TOEFL is now accepted as valid proof for all Australian visa applications.

Takeaways

• 📅 Australia implemented several changes to its visa and immigration system effective from July 1st and August 2024.
• 🌐 International travelers should be aware of these updates before planning their trip to Australia.
• 💼 The validity of the business visitor visa has been extended from 3 to 5 years for nationals of ASEAN countries and Chile.
• 💰 There has been an increase in citizenship application fees for individuals aged 18 to 59, and for adoption cases.
• 🕊️ Visa conditions have been eased for certain categories of migrant workers, including an extension of the grace period after cessation of employment.
• 🇵🇭 The Philippines has been included in the work and holiday visa program, effective from July 1st, 2024.
• 💼 The temporary skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT) has been increased by 4.5%, affecting nomination applications submitted from July 1st, 2024.
• 🔄 A new National Visa has been introduced, replacing the business and Global Talent visas, targeting exceptionally talented migrants, high-performing entrepreneurs, and global researchers.
• 🇨🇳 The working holiday visa program for Chinese nationals has been suspended and will be subject to a lottery system for the financial year ending June 2025.
• 💰 The minimum savings requirement for student and guardian visas has been increased to align with 75% of the minimum salary in Australia.
• 📚 The TOEFL test has been accepted as valid proof for all Australian visa purposes since May 5th, 2024, after a temporary suspension.

Q & A

What are the key changes to Australia's visa and immigration system as of August 2024?

The key changes include an extension of the business visitor visa validity for certain countries, an increase in citizenship application fees, an extended grace period for certain visa holders after cessation of employment, inclusion of the Philippines in the work holiday visa program, and a suspension of the working holiday visa scheme for Chinese nationals.

Which countries are now eligible for a business visitor visa with extended validity under the new rules?

Nationals of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are now eligible for a business visitor visa with a validity of 5 years instead of 3 years.

How have Australian citizenship application fees changed under the new rules?

The fees for Australian citizenship applications have increased. For individuals aged 18 to 59, the fee has risen from $540 to $560. For citizenship through adoption, the fee increased from $345 to $360 for the first sibling and from $145 to $150 for additional siblings.

What is the new grace period for visa holders in certain subclasses after cessation of employment?

The grace period for visa holders in subclasses 482 (temporary skill shortage visa), 457 visa, and 494 (skilled employer sponsored regional provisional) has been extended to a maximum of 365 days, up from the previous 60-day period.

What changes have been made to the temporary skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT)?

The temporary skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT) has been increased by 4.5% to $73,000 (excluding superannuation) from the previous $70,000.

How does the introduction of the new national visa impact the business and global talent visas?

The new national visa replaces the business and global talent visas, providing a permanent visa pathway for exceptionally talented migrants, including high-performing entrepreneurs and global researchers.

Which countries are now required to participate in lottery-style bids for the working holiday visa program?

Nationals of China, India, and Vietnam are required to participate in lottery-style bids for the working holiday visa program.

What are the new minimum savings requirements for student visas in Australia?

The minimum savings requirement for student and guardian visas has been increased to $29,710 Australian dollars (approximately $19,641) from the previous $24,505 Australian dollars (approximately $16,200).

Has the TOEFL test been reinstated for all Australian visa purposes?

Yes, the TOEFL test has been reinstated and is accepted as valid proof for all Australian visa purposes as of May 5th, 2024.

Why did Australia make these changes to its visa and immigration system?

The changes were made to streamline the visa process, address labor market needs, ensure fairer competition for visa spots, and align certain requirements with economic conditions, such as minimum savings thresholds and income requirements.