As we usher in the new financial year, several critical updates have been made to the immigration law effective July 1, 2024. Here’s a summary of the latest updates categorized by visa type:
General Fees Increase (Visa Application Charge – VAC)
- General: In line with the annual indexation and the 2024-25 Budget Decision, VACs have mostly increased by 2.75% across various visa categories. For example:
- Partner visa (Primary Applicant): From $8850 to $9095
- Global Talent (Primary Applicant): From $4710 to $4840
- Citizenship Application Fee Increase: Fees for citizenship applications have increased minimally, reflecting adjustments in administrative costs. For example, the application for ‘Australian citizenship – General eligibility’ has increased from $540 to $560.
- Tribunal Fee Increases: Tribunal fees has increased marginally as well. For example, for a review of a migration decision under Part 5 of the Migration Act 1958: From $3374 to $3496.
Global Talent visa
- High income threshold has increased from $167,500 to $175,000
Employer Sponsored Visas
- TSMIT Increase: The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been raised to $73,150.
- Changes to Visa Conditions (8107, 8607, 8608): These updates enhance employer compliance and protect temporary migrant workers from exploitation.
- FNQ DAMA Updates: Skills assessment authority for Personal Care Assistant and Nursing Support Worker roles will change from VETASSESS to ANMAC.
Partner Visas
- Changes in Partner Visa Requirements: New regulations support partner visa applicants experiencing family violence by expanding eligibility for permanent residency, allowing Prospective Marriage visa holders to apply without being married, and removing in-country application requirements. These changes enhance protection and provide clearer pathways to residency.
Graduate Visas
- Temporary Graduate (Sc 485) Visa: Significant changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) include renaming streams, introducing age caps, and discontinuing the Replacement Stream to align with Australia’s economic and skill needs.
- Closure of the Skilled – Recognised Graduate (Sc 476) Visa: This visa option is no longer available, impacting graduates seeking this pathway.
Student Visas
- Restrictions on Onshore Visa Applications: Visitor visa holders and temporary graduate visa holders can no longer apply for a student visa while onshore.
- Student Visa VAC Increase:
- Base application charge for primary applicant: From $710 to $1,600
- Eligibility for Free Translating Service (FTS): Student visa holders are no longer eligible for this service, impacting document translations.
Working Holiday Maker Program
- Changes for UK Passport Holders: UK passport holders can now be granted up to three Working Holiday (Sc 417) visas without meeting specified work requirements.
- Eligibility for the Republic of Philippines Passport Holders: Nationals from the Philippines can now apply for a Work and Holiday (Sc 462) visa.
Workplace Justice Visa
- Introduction of the Workplace Justice Visa Pilot: The Strengthening Employer Compliance Act introduces laws from July 1, 2024, to combat migrant worker exploitation, enhance employer compliance, and improve workplace justice. New offenses make it illegal for employers and intermediaries to coerce visa holders into breaching visa conditions, exploit their migration status, or engage in abusive practices, such as underpayment or demanding excessive work hours. These measures aim to create a fair work environment and deter misuse of migrant workers’ visa statuses.
Detention
- Daily Maintenance Fee: Updates have been made to the daily maintenance fees for individuals in detention.
These changes reflect the government’s commitment to updating immigration policies to better serve applicants and maintain compliance.
*Please note: This is not legal advice. Ten Heads provides general information on the latest changes.
At Ten Heads Immigration, our expertise ensures you stay ahead of these changes, offering guidance and support through every step of your immigration journey.
If you think any of these changes apply to you and want to discuss with a Migration Agent, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Contact Us for a Personalized Consultation
Ten Heads assists with all stages of all visa processes and provides personalized advice and assistance with your visa application.
Please contact us at:
- Phone: +61 452 577 272
- Email: contact@tenheadsimmigration.com
- Office Address: Brisbane Technology Park, 3 Clunies Ross Court, Eight Mile Plains 4113 QLD Australia
Our team of experienced Migration Agents is here to help you navigate the complexities of the Australian migration process and achieve your goals. For more information about our services, feel free to navigate to our About Us or Visa Services Page.
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