Internationals planning to head to Australia should be aware of some recent changes that the country has introduced to its visa and immigration system.
While it has facilitated visa conditions for some categories, Australia has made it more costly to apply for citizenship, by increasing fees for citizenship applications, VisaGuide.World.
As of July 1, 2024, several immigration changes have been applied by authorities in Canberra.
Extension of Validity of Business Visitor Visa From 3 to 5 Years
Last month, the government of Australia announced that it extended the Business Visitor Visa validity for nationals of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and Timor-Leste.
Australia’s government announced that nationals of the following 11 countries -who filed their Business Visitor Visa applications after April 1, 2024- are now able to apply for multiple-entry visas valid for five years instead of three years:
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.
Increase in Citizenship Application Fees
Among the changes announced by authorities in Australia was also an increase in citizenship application fees.
Australia’s government announced that applications for citizenship in order to become permanent residents for those aged 18 to 59 would increase to $560 from $540.
At the same time, applications for citizenship through adoption would also surge from $345 to $360 for the first sibling and from $145 to $150 for additional siblings.
However, the government emphasized that Australian citizenship application fees depend on several factors, including application type, age and individual circumstances.
Easier Visa Conditions for Some Categories of Migrant Workers
From July 1, the grace period after cessation of employment for some visa categories has been extended.
It means that holders of the following visa subclasses now have a grace period of up to 180 days or a maximum of 365 days in total to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa or depart from Australia, instead of the previous 60-day period.
- Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage visa)
- Subclass 457 visa
- Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional))
Inclusion of Philippines in Work Holiday Visa Program
From July 1, nationals of the Philippines are eligible to participate in the Work and Holiday visa program (Subclass 462).
Confirming the decision, the Australian Department of Home Affairs said that the new changes came in order to further expand the program.
Increase in Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold by 4.5%
Since the beginning of last month, Australia has increased the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $70,000 to $73,150, excluding superannuation.
This means that since July 1, all new nomination applications submitted have been required to comply with the TSMIT of $73,150 or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher.
Introduction of New National Visa Which Replaces Business & Global Talent Visas
Authorities in Australia announced the introduction of the New National Innovation Visa that would replace the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (BIIP), and the Global Talent Visa.
The BIIP will be closed permanently from July 2024 and new applications for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa will no longer be able to be lodged. The Migration Review concluded that the BIIP is delivering poor economic outcomes for Australia. This has been supported by other studies, including work undertaken by the Treasury, Productivity Commission and the Grattan Institute.
The government said the launching of the new visa would provide a permanent visa pathway for the most exceptionally talented migrants, taking also into account high-performing entrepreneurs, and global researchers.
Suspension of Working Holiday Visa Scheme for Nationals of China
In May this year, Australia suspended the Working Holiday Visa Program for nationals of China.
According to a spokesperson from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, Chinese nationals together with nationals of India and Vietnam would be required to participate in lottery-style bids for the Working Holiday Visa Program in the financial year ending June 2025.
Increase in Minimum Savings Requirement for Student Visas
In May this year, authorities in Australia announced that the minimum savings requirement for student and guardian visas has been increased.
Following the new changes, from May 10, 2024, foreign students planning to obtain an Australian visa are obliged to have at least AUD29,710 ($19,641) in savings instead of the previous AUD24,505 ($16,200) requirement.
Such changes, according to the government, came in order to align with a proportion of 75 percent of the minimum salary in Australia.
TOEFL Test Results Accepted for All Australian Visa Purposes
In addition, in May this year, authorities in Australia announced that the Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL) would be recognized as valid proof for all Australian visa purposes.
The decision to accept TOFEL test results as valid proof for all Australian visa purposes became effective on May 5, 2024.
TOEFL continues to be accepted by 100 percent of Australian universities and more than 12,500 institutions worldwide.
Previously, the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) announced that it decided to temporarily suspend the TOFEL for Australian visa applications. However, from May 5, 2024, TOFEL continues to be accepted for all visa purposes.