6 Major Shifts in Australian Visas You Should Know

COVID-19 greatly affected the global economy, and until now, Australia has still suffered from a skill shortage. In order to meet immigration targets, enhance the labor force, and boost the economy, Australia focuses on its Migration Program. Last 1 July 2023, major shifts Australian Visa have come into operation to appease the 2023-2024 financial year.

Here is a list of recent and impending changes affecting skilled migration.

1. Increase in Visa Application Fees

Securing a Visa is one key factor when entering a foreign country. For Australia, the Visa Application Chargers (VACs) were also modified to accommodate the financial change. From 1 July, there had been a significant increase of 6% above CPI.

The list showcases an overview of the change:

​Visa Type	Subclass	Before	From 1st July 2023
Partner visa (Onshore / Offshore)	820/801 & 309/100	$8,085	$8,850
Skilled visas	189 / 190 / 491	$4,240	$4,640
Graduate	485	$1,730	$1,895
Student	500	$650	$710
Visitor (Onshore)	600	$380	$475
600Visitor (Offshore)	600	$150	$190
​Working Holiday Maker	417 / 462	$510	$635
Temporary Skill Shortage (Short Term)	482	$1,330	$1,455
Temporary Skill Shortage (Long Term)	482	$2,770	$3,035
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)	186	$4,240	$4,640
Significant Investor stream	188	$9,195	$13,860
Significant Entrepreneur stream	188	$4,240	$6,395
All other applicants	188	$6,270	$9,450

Here’s a list of the increase among the subclasses:

Visa Classes	Percentage increase over indexation
Visas for visitors, working holidaymakers, people on work and holiday visas, trainees, people on temporary activities, and short-stay specialists.	15%
Business innovation and investment visas	40%
Other Visas	6%

In addition, there is an increase of $10 to the Passenger Movement Charge paid by carriers. However, the costs for the Pacific Engagement Visa and Pacific Australia Labour Mobility visas will remain the same.

2. Increase in Visa Opportunities

As Australia is still recovering from skill shortage, it opened more opportunities for people who want to work in the country. The Australian Government opens 190 000 visas for Australian Migrants which is equivalent to 70% of job opportunities.

The table below shows the distribution of the allotment:

Visa Stream	Visa Category	2023-2024 Planning Levels
Skill	Employer Sponsored	36,825
	Skilled Independent	30,375
	Regional	32,300
	State/Territory Nominated	30,400
	Business Innovation & Investment	1,900
	Global Talent (independent)	5,000
	Distinguished Talent	300
	Skill Total	137,100
Family	Partner	40,500
	Parent	8,500
	Child	3,000
	Other Family	500
	Family Total	52,500
	Special Eligibility	400
Total Migration Programme		190,000

3. Increase in Options for Permanent Residency

By the end of 2023, the restriction that only subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage or TSS) Visa can apply for permanent residency will be abolished. TSS Visa holders are people employed in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Moreover, applicants who meet the requirements of Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) will now be eligible after two years of TSS Visa.

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

Along with positive news in visa opportunities, there had been a sweeping raise in Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) last 1 July 2023. TSMIT is now at $70 000.

Previously set stagnant at $53 900 since 2013, the Australian Government made this amendment as a response to the Independent Review of the Migration System so migrants may sustain their needs.

5. Increase in Student Visa Limitations

Effective from 1 July, student visa holders are not allowed to work full-time but are now permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight.

In addition to this, the following changes are now in effect:

485 visa – Graduate Work stream	· Nomination of occupation is now mandated.
	· Occupation must be on the Medium and Longterm Strategic Skills List in the relevant instrument
	· A skills assessment in the relevant occupation must have been submitted by the time the visa application is made
485 Visa – Select Degrees	· International students in Australia with a degree in Australia in the field of health, teaching, engineering or agriculture may access extended subclass 485 visas
	· Visa periods will be increased to: o 4 years for select Bachelor Degrees o 5 years for select Masters degrees o 6 years for all Doctoral degrees
485 visa – First time applicants	· There will be two additional period of two years.
485 visa – Regional studies	· There will be two additional period of two years except if claimed by other eligibility.

6. Increase Visa Opportunities for Specific Countries

New Zealand

New Zealand citizens who arrived in Australia after 26 February 2011 and have been living in the country for four years are now eligible to apply for Australian citizenship directly.

Disclaimer, this change is only applicable to New Zealand citizens with Special Category (subclass 444) visa or SCV.

For non-New Zealand family members, they can apply for a partner or a child visa.

India

Indian students graduating in Australia are now eligible for post study work visas for at least 2 years depending on the level of educational attainment.

Papua New Guinea

The amendment allows 100 Papua New Guinea citizens to participate in the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program. After two years of post-secondary study in Papua New Guinea, they are now eligible to apply for the Subclass 462 or the Work and Holiday visa.

United Kingdom

The age limit of applicants coming from United Kingdom is now 30 to 35 years old for the subclass 417 or the Working Holiday visa.

Wrap Up

As of 1 July 2023, the Australian Government amended the current visa opportunities to cater to the 2023-2024 forecast for CPI. Along with this, a sweeping number of 190 000 visa opportunities are now offered. These changes are responses to appease the skill shortage, provide more opportunities to skilled migrants, and boost the Australian laborforce.

FAQ's

1. Is securing an Australian Visa harder now?

No, as long as you meet the given requirement. In fact, the Australian government overhauled its immigration policies to offer more visa opportunities to everyone who wishes to relocate to Australia.

2. What type of Visa should I get?

The Australian Government expanded its visa choices and policies to cater to what you want and need with a chance for a permanent residency.

3. When is the best time to apply for an Australian Visa?

With the enhanced visa policies, the best time to apply for an Australian Visa is now. Just recently, the Australian Government opened up to 190 000 visa opportunities distributed to different streams.