A new state-wide Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for Western Australia came into effect on 1st July 2024. The WA DAMA, combined with WA’s existing State Nominated Migration Program, will enable up to 10,000 overseas workers to settle in WA annually and help address critical workforce shortages in the state. WA Employers will continue to […]
Student Visa Application Fee Increases
As of 1 July 2024, the fee for international student visas will increase from $710 to $1,600. Alongside this change, a number of previously announced elements of the Migration Strategy also come into effect, including:
Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa program
Overview The Australian Government announced changes to the Temporary Graduate visa programs in its recent Migration Strategy. These changes should take effect from 1 July 2024, subject to the passage of legislative amendments. Clarification of these changes is listed below. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream The maximum eligible age will be reduced to 35 years of age or under. […]
Ending ‘Visa Hopping’ in the Migration System
Australia’s migration system is facing significant changes as the government introduces stricter visa regulations aimed at curbing exploitation and improving planning. From 1 July 2024, Visitor Visa holders will not be able to apply for Student Visas onshore. The visitor to student pathway has become increasingly prevalent, with over 36,000 applications since 1 July 2023 […]
Increase in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) to $73,150
Raising the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold From 1 July 2024, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase from $70,000 to $73,150. New nomination applications from this date will need to meet the new TSMIT of $73,150 or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. This change will not affect existing visa holders and nominations […]
New The Genuine Student Requirement (GS) in Australian student visa
Genuine Student Requirement As announced in the Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023, the Australian Government is replacing the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for grant of a Student visa with a Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Through consultation and discussion with representatives of the education sector, the new GS requirement for international students will […]
Increase to the Financial Capacity Requirement for Student visas
From 10 May 2024, the amount of money that Student and Student Guardian visa applicants need to have to be eligible for the visa is increasing. The financial capacity requirement has been updated to align with a proportion (75 per cent) of the national minimum wage. This will better indicate the amount of money considered reasonable to […]
English Language Requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas
The Australian Government has made changes to English Language Requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas. This change was announced as part of the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023 and applies to all Student and Temporary Graduate visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024. The Migration Strategy outlined how the English […]
Australian Visa application fees Increased – 2024
Australian Visa application fees Increased – 2024 As licensed migration agents, we’re always up to date with the latest developments in visa application processes and fees. In July 2023, the Department of Home Affairs updated the Australian visa application fees, reflecting changes in the economic landscape and the department’s operational costs. Just and idea – […]