Are you a skilled professional looking for a fresh start or new career opportunities? Australia is currently prioritising visa applications for a range of highly sought-after occupations. If your profession is on the list, this is the perfect time to consider emigrating to Australia!

Australia has identified key roles that are essential for its growing economy, and visa applications for individuals in these professions are being fast-tracked. This means if you work in any of the following occupations, you could have an expedited pathway to live and work in Australia:

Occupations in High Demand:

What Should You Do Next?

If your occupation is on this list, don’t wait! Book a consultation call with us today to discuss your options for emigrating to Australia. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through the visa process, help you understand your eligibility, and ensure your application is handled smoothly.

Take the First Step Toward Your New Life in Australia!

Contact us to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards an exciting future Down Under.

Key Updates

Australia is introducing several significant changes to its migration laws, effective in 2024, with specific dates highlighted below:

Permanent Migration Program

• Total Places: The 2024-25 Migration Program will include 185,000 places.
• Skill Stream: 132,200 places (71% of the program) aimed at addressing skill shortages and boosting economic productivity, particularly in regional areas.
• Family Stream: 52,500 places (28% of the program) to support family reunification.
• Special Eligibility Stream: 300 places for unique circumstances such as returning residents.

New Visa Categories and Changes

• National Innovation Visa: By the end of 2024, the Global Talent Visa and Business Innovation and Investment Visa will be replaced by this new visa.
• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): Work experience requirement will be reduced from two years to one year starting November 23, 2024.
• Skills in Demand Visa: Expected to replace the subclass 482 visa, structured into three pathways based on earnings and enhancing worker mobility across industries.
• Work and Holiday Visa: New pre-application procedures will be implemented during the 2024–2025 fiscal year.

Regional Focus

• Priority processing for regional visas to support regional development.
• Support for international student graduates from regional areas to access Temporary Graduate visas of 1-2 years depending on their location of study.

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold

• The threshold will increase from $70,000 to $73,150 starting July 1, 2024.

General Skilled Migration Points Test

• The reformed points test will emphasize education, English language skills, and occupation to reward skill level over perseverance, facilitating faster pathways for skilled international student graduates.

Assistance

If you need help navigating these changes, Intergate Emigration can assist with understanding the new regulations, preparing applications, and ensuring compliance with all requirements. Our expertise can be invaluable in making the migration process smoother and more efficient.

For detailed advice and assistance, you can contact Intergate Emigration through our website (https://lnkd.in/ew2nZc3v) or simply book a consultation with one of the registered migration agents (https://lnkd.in/dQnnptNV)

Navigating the New Terrain

Australia, known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and multicultural society, has long been a desirable destination for migrants seeking new opportunities and a better quality of life. As we navigate through 2024, significant changes to Australia’s migration laws are reshaping the landscape for prospective immigrants. In this article, we’ll delve into these changes, providing essential information for those considering making Australia their new home and how Intergate Emigration (https://www.intergate-emigration.com) can assist you in this journey.

The Appeal of Australia

Before delving into the legislative updates, let’s explore why Australia continues to be a top destination for migrants.

• The country boasts a high standard of living, excellent healthcare and education systems, a stable economy, and a welcoming multicultural society.
• Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth are centers of innovation, culture, and employment opportunities, while the vast outback and stunning coastlines offer unparalleled natural beauty.
• Australia presents abundant career opportunities for skilled workers, reflected in the ongoing demand for professionals from overseas.
• Australian companies provide competitive salaries and significant potential for career growth.
• Consistently ranking highly in global liveability indices, Australia’s cities offer a safe, clean, and pleasant environment for individuals and families. The friendly and diverse communities provide a supportive network for immigrants, enriching both personal and professional lives.

Key Changes in Migration Law

The Australian government regularly updates its migration policies to align with economic needs, security concerns, and global trends. Here are some of the significant changes to migration law in 2024:

1. Skilled Migration Program Adjustments:   The Skilled Migration Program has seen a shift in focus towards addressing skill shortages in critical sectors. The government has introduced new priority occupation lists, emphasizing healthcare, information technology, engineering, and construction. These changes aim to attract professionals with skills that are in high demand, ensuring that Australia can sustain its economic growth and innovation.

2. Points-Based System Enhancements:   The points-based system, which assesses applicants based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, is said to be refined. The Australian government is looking into revamping the points system to place greater emphasis on younger applicants with advanced degrees and those with job offers in regional areas. This adjustment aims to encourage migration to less populated regions, promoting balanced population growth across the country.

3. Regional Migration Initiatives:   To address urban congestion and boost regional economies, the government has introduced incentives for migrants to settle in regional areas. These initiatives include additional points for regional job offers, faster processing times for regional visas, and increased support for regional employers to sponsor skilled workers. The goal is to distribute the benefits of migration more evenly and support the development of regional communities.

4. Family Reunion Policies:   Family reunion remains a cornerstone of Australia’s migration policy. Recent changes have streamlined the application process for partner and parent visas, reducing wait times and making it easier for families to reunite. The government recognizes the importance of family support networks in successful settlement and integration.

5. Humanitarian Program Expansion:   Australia’s commitment to humanitarian resettlement has been reaffirmed with an expansion of the Humanitarian Program. The country has pledged to accept more refugees and asylum seekers, particularly those fleeing conflict zones and facing persecution. This reflects Australia’s ongoing dedication to providing refuge and support to those in need.

Navigating the Application Process with Intergate Emigration

Migrating to Australia involves several steps, and understanding the updated laws is crucial for a successful application. This is where Intergate Emigration (https://www.intergate-emigration.com) can make a significant difference. Here are some ways Intergate Emigration can assist you:

1. Comprehensive Research and Preparation:   Start by researching the visa options available to you based on your skills, qualifications, and personal circumstances. Intergate Emigration provides up-to-date information on visa categories, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, ensuring you have all the necessary details.

2. Points Calculation Assistance:   If you are applying through the Skilled Migration Program, Intergate Emigration can help you assess your eligibility using the points calculator. They will guide you through the documentation process, ensuring you have all the necessary paperwork, such as educational certificates, work references, and language test results.

3. Professional Advice and Consultation:   Intergate Emigration offers expert guidance through consultations with registered migration agents and immigration lawyers. Their professionals can help you navigate complex regulations and increase your chances of a successful application.

4. Stay Informed with Regular Updates:   Migration laws and policies can change, so staying informed about any updates that may affect your application is crucial. Intergate Emigration provides regular updates and newsletters, ensuring you are always aware of the latest developments.

Conclusion

Australia’s migration landscape is evolving, with new laws and policies designed to meet the country’s economic needs and social goals. Whether you’re a skilled professional, a family member, or a humanitarian entrant, understanding these changes is key to making your migration journey smoother. With its high quality of life, diverse opportunities, and welcoming communities, Australia continues to be a land of promise for migrants worldwide.

As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that preparation, research, and professional guidance are your best allies. Intergate Emigration (https://www.intergate-emigration.com) is here to support you every step of the way, providing the expertise and assistance you need to make Australia your new home. Welcome to Australia – a land of endless possibilities and a bright future.

On 1 February 2024, Australia’s Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs introduced the Migration Legislation Amendment (Specified Work and Areas for Subclass 417 and 462 Visas).

The Amendment extends the scope of ‘specified work’ concerning natural disasters and amends the areas of Australia where such work can take place.

A wider range of ‘specified work’

The Migration Legislation Amendment widens the range of ‘specified work’ activities for holders of the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462).

The scope of work was initially limited to bushfire and flood recovery but now includes aiding in the aftermath of other natural disasters such as cyclones and storm surges.

With these changes, Australia and the Department of Home Affairs recognise the crucial role and support of Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program participants in helping regions, businesses and communities recover in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Expanded geographical areas for recovery work

In addition to broadening the scope of ‘specified work’, the revised regulations also expand the areas of Australia where recovery work can be undertaken after natural disasters.

The Department of Home Affairs made these changes after consultation with the National Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Impact Analysis (OIA) to ensure that the new regulations accurately reflect the range of natural disasters and affected areas.

Commencement date of the Amendment

The Migration Legislation Amendment commences on the day after the instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Questions? Book a consultation call

Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have about the Migration Legislation Amendment. Simply book a consultation call to speak with our licensed advisors.

Our advisors can also assist with an eligibility assessment to see if you’re eligible to apply for a Working Holiday Visa. With licensing and registration from MARA, you can rest assured that you’re getting advice you can trust.

On 14 December 2023, Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs Clare O’Neil signed a new Ministerial Direction that formalises processing priorities for student and student guardian visa applications.

This Ministerial Direction builds on ongoing work to strengthen the integrity of the international education sector.

Student and student guardian visa applications from three categories enjoy the highest priority

Following the Ministerial Direction, Australia will give the highest priority to student visa applications that fall under these categories:

• Student visa applications lodged from overseas by:
  • Schools sector, Foreign Affairs or Defence sector, and Postgraduate Research sector applicants
  • Higher Education, English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), Vocational Education and Training (VET), and Non-Award sector applicants studying at an education provider with an Evidence Level 1
• Subsequent entrant applications lodged outside Australia that include an unmarried family member under 18 years. Subsequent entrants are secondary applicants who did not submit their applications with the primary applicant.
• All Student Guardian visa applications, whether lodged from Australia or overseas.

Please also note the following

Secondary applicants, i.e. spouses, de facto partners, or dependent children, who are included in the primary visa application will enjoy the same priority level as the primary applicant.

Where a primary student visa applicant plans on undertaking two or more courses of study, their application will receive the order of priority that applies to the principal course of study, i.e., the course of study with the highest AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework) level.

New ‘evidence level’ system for educational institutions

Australia’s Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) registers educational institutions that accept international students.

The Ministerial Direction has introduced an evidence-level system to decide which applications from international students must be given priority under the simplified student visa framework (SSVF).

This evidence level is determined for each education provider based on a few factors related to international students. It considers factors such as:

• Visa Cancellations (25% weighting): If students’ visas get cancelled.
• Refusals Due to Fraud (40% weighting): If visa applications are rejected because of fraud reasons.
• Refusals (Excluding Fraud) (10% weighting): The rate at which visa applications are rejected for reasons other than fraud.
• Student Visa Holders Becoming Unlawful (15% weighting): If students with visas become illegal non-citizens.
• Subsequent Protections Visa Application (10% weighting): The rate at which students apply for another kind of visa for protection.

Essentially, the evidence level is like a score that helps prioritise applications. Thus, education providers and countries are assigned evidence levels based on the considerations above to streamline the process of deciding which international student applications are prioritised.

The new Minister Direction regulations apply from 15 December 2023

The new Student Visa processing priorities apply to all visa applications lodged on or from 15 December 2023. The priorities also apply to applications lodged before 15 December that are still being processed.

The Department of Home Affairs will continue to process Student Visa applications lodged in Australia according to processing arrangements that were in place before the new Ministerial Direction was released.

Stay up to date with immigration news out of Australia

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On 11 December 2023, the Australian Department of Home Affairs released its long-awaited Migration Strategy.

The Migration Strategy has been put in place to get Australia’s immigration system back on track and to manage migration levels.

Key changes in the strategy revolve around skilled workers to attract the skills Australia needs and tougher restrictions for international students.

The current migration system is ‘broken’

The 2023 Review of the Migration System found that Australia’s migration system is ‘broken’ and ‘not fit for purpose.’ It’s not delivering for workers, businesses, or Australians.

Minister of Home Affairs Clare O’Neil said, “We see too many instances for migrant worker exploitation. There are too many back doors and side doors into the system, undermining the system’s integrity. There is insufficient regard for pressures on housing and infrastructure. And the skilled people we need are turned off by a complex, unworkable system.”

The Australian government has now set itself the task of getting the migration system to work for migrants, local employers, and Australians. It has already put into action some proposals made in the 2023 Review of the Migration System, including:

• Raising the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) to $70,000
• Increasing the amount of savings international students need to be eligible for a student visa by 17% to $24,505
• Increasing skilled migration to help meet labour shortage in regional Australia
• Reducing visa backlogs and improving processing times. For example, the Temporary Skill Shortage visa is now processed in an average of 11 days compared to 50 days previously.

The way forward

The Government’s Migration Strategy outlines a new vision for Australia’s migration system, which builds on the findings of the 2023 Review of the Migration System.

The purpose? Delivering a better-managed migration system.

To deliver on this objective, the Migration Strategy outlines a roadmap for migration reform with eight key actions:

1. Targeting temporary skilled migration to address skills needs

The purpose of Australia’s temporary skilled migration system is to address labour shortages and provide a pathway to residence for eligible migrants.

Unfortunately, the Migration Review found that the current temporary skills program is failing to meet Australia’s skilled workforce needs.

 The plan of action

The Australian Government will introduce a new 4-year temporary Skills in Demand Visa. This new visa will give workers more freedom to move employers and provide clear pathways to permanent residence.

The Skills in Demand Visa will replace the single employer-sponsored Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, and it will have three targeted pathways:

Specialist Skills Pathway	Core Skills Pathway	Essential Skills Pathway
Purpose: To ensure Australia can quickly and easily recruit highly skilled workers.	Purpose: To bring in the skilled employees Australia needs with a simpler, regularly updated skilled occupation list.	Purpose: To serve as a more regulated pathway for lower-paid workers with essential skills.
Eligible Skilled Migrants: Migrants who meet the general eligibility criteria and who are: – In any occupation except trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers – Earning at least $135,000 (the Specialist Skills Threshold) and no less than Australian workers in the same occupation	Eligible Skilled Migrants: Migrants who meet the general eligibility criteria and who: – Work in an occupation on a new Core Skills Occupation List, and – Receive a salary at or above the TSMIT, which will be renamed the Core Skills Threshold, or the relevant average market salary where it is above the TSMIT	Eligible Skilled Migrants: The Australian Government is still developing the third pathway, the Essential Skills Pathway. The Pathway would be sector-specific, capped, embedded with stronger regulation and minimum standards, and subject to further advice from Jobs and Skills Australia.

The Migration Strategy commits the Australian Government to a service standard of an average visa processing time of seven days for the Specialist Skills Pathway.

If the Australian Government manages to deliver on this commitment, it’ll establish Australia as one of the most attractive countries worldwide for highly skilled migrants.

2. Reshaping permanent skilled migration

Australia’s permanent skilled worker programs have always greatly benefited Australia’s economy.

However, the Migration Review found that the permanent program in its current form is skewed too much to visas that perform more poorly in economic terms over the long run.

Furthermore, the Review found there’s a lack of clear and fair pathways to permanent residence for temporary skilled migrant workers.

The plan of action

To address the shortcomings of the skilled migration program, the Australian Government wants to develop:

• a simpler points test that’ll favour skill level, and
• clear and fair pathways to permanent residence for temporary skilled sponsored migrant workers.

Furthermore, the government is considering developing a new Talent and Innovation visa to drive growth in sectors of national importance.

3. Strengthening the integrity and quality of international education

International students contribute $30 billion to the Australian economy per annum.

Unfortunately, some unscrupulous education providers have systematically exploited Australia’s education system and broken migration laws.

It’s not just the educators that are guilty of ‘working the system’, though.

International students and graduates make up the largest share of ‘‘permanently temporary’ migrants. The Review found that 108,000 international students and graduates have lived in Australia for five or more years.

These students and graduates prolong their stay in Australia by shifting from one student visa to another or by shifting back to a student visa from a graduate visa.

The plan of action

The Australian Government has committed to implementing the following measures:

• Higher English language requirements for international students and graduates
• More scrutiny of high-risk student visa applications
• Restrictions on onshore visa hopping which drives ‘permanent temporariness’
• Tougher and simplified Temporary Graduate visa settings

With regards to English language requirements, the Government will implement the following increases in early 2024 to required test scores:

Visa / Student Type	2023 IELTS Score	2024 IELTS Score
Temporary Graduate Visa	6.0	6.5
Student Visa	5.5	6.0
Students undertaking an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students before their main course of study	4.5	5.0
Students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training		5.5

4. Tackling worker exploitation and the misuse of the visa system

The Australian Government has made tackling migrant worker exploitation one of its main priorities.

The 2019 Migrants Workers’ Taskforce (MWT) found that migrant workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation due to factors such as language barriers and lack of awareness of Australian workplace laws.

In turn, some employers are guilty of misconduct, for example, underpaying workers and putting pressure on workers to do work that is not allowed by their visa conditions.

The plan of action

The Government has already implemented recommendations made by the MWT to address migrant worker exploitation.

Next up is developing a new public register of employers who are approved to sponsor temporary migrant workers, to improve integrity and support migrant worker mobility

This register will help migrant workers find new sponsors and give migrant workers a resource to check that a sponsoring employer is legitimate.

5. Planning migration to get the right skills in the right places

The Review found that the existing short-term planning approach for the permanent Migration Program does not effectively target migrants with the skills Australia needs.

Strategic planning is necessary instead – planning that involves the education, training, and migration systems. Consulting with and involving all three sectors will ensure Australia gets the right skills in the right places.

The plan of action

The Government has made the following commitments to ensure a migration system that serves Australia best:

• Planning migration over a longer-term horizon to better manage the migration intake, with greater state and territory collaboration
• Working with states and territories to ensure population planning is based on the best available data and forecasts
• Establishing a formal role for Jobs and Skills Australia in defining Australia’s skills needs
• Improving the approach to skills recognition and assessment
• Launching an enhanced outreach program to improve access to the migration system
• Bringing an evidence-based, tripartite approach to evaluation and monitoring

6. Tailoring regional visas and the Working Holiday Maker Program to support regional Australia

Many of Australia’s developing economic and social opportunities are emerging in regional Australia. However, regional migration pathways are often too complex and slow, or not conducive to long-term regional development.

Working Holiday Visas also play a part in regional development, especially in the horticulture industry. This industry produces 93% of the food eaten in Australia. Unfortunately, Working Holiday visa holders are often exploited.

The plan of action

To help meet critical workforce needs in regional Australia, the Government has committed to ensuring visas for regional Australia are prioritised first.

The Government has also committed to evaluating regional migration settings and the Working Holiday Maker program. These reforms will help ensure that migration supports development objectives in regional Australia and does not contribute to worker exploitation.

7. Deepening Australia’s people-to-people ties in the Indo-Pacific

Australia sees itself as part of the Indo-Pacific, with deep connections to the region, including family, business, education, and tourism.

Migration reform can help Australia deepen these connections by:

• deepening shared values and aspirations,
• building stronger links with diaspora communities, and
• further integrating the country’s social and economic relationships.

The plan of action

The Australian government wants to adopt a new approach to developing people-to-people links with the rest of the region, including through a direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders. This pathway already came into effect on 1 July 2023.

8. Simplifying the migration system

The Australian Government wants to develop a ‘fast, efficient, and fair’ migration system. Such a migration system will support the other objectives and goals the Government has set itself. It’ll also benefit migrants and Australian employers.

The plan of action

 To simplify the migration system, the Government will streamline visa settings, make the system easier to use, and remove unnecessary and duplicate visas.

To recap

The Australian Government has released a Migration Strategy to Australia’s immigration system back on track and to manage migration levels.

The Strategy has five objectives underpinned by a roadmap with eight key actions, and its purpose is to deliver a better-managed migration system.

To this end, the Government has committed to creating clearer pathways to permanent residence, more strategic migration planning, simplifying the migration system, and shaping up skilled migration.

The Government will also implement measures to provide regional Australia with the skills it needs, get tougher on international students and graduates, and work towards preventing migrant exploitation.

The Australian Government has announced expanded pathways to PR for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) visa holders. Subclass 482 visa holders will also be eligible to apply for permanent residence (PR) after only two years.

What is changing?

1. STSOL occupations to also qualify for PR

Only occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) as well as ROL List are eligible for PR under the current regulations. However, from the end of the month, occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation list will also be eligible for PR.  

2. PR after 2 years

Currently, Subclass 482 visa holders must work in a position with their sponsoring employer for three years before being eligible for nomination for PR. This requirement is changing, and Subclass 482 visa holders will be eligible for nomination after only two years.

3. Multiple Subclass 482 applications allowed

From the end of the month, the limit of two Subclass 482 applications per short-term stream visa holder ceases to exist. Subclass 482 visa holders will be allowed to submit three or more visa applications to extend their stay in Australia before applying for PR.

Why are the changes being made?

The Australian Government wants to attract the skilled workers Australia needs, retain skilled workers already in the country, and provide employers who sponsor these workers with more certainty.

These reforms follow the development of the Outline of the Migration Strategy and are in response to the Review of the Migration System 2023.

What skilled workers will benefit from the changes?

Skilled workers with occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) will be eligible for the positive changes announced by the Australian Government.

Some of the occupations on this list include:

• Poultry Farmer; Sales and Marketing Manager; Human Resources Manager; School Principal; ICT Project Manager; Hotel Manager; Photographer; Print Journalist; Financial Investment Adviser; Web Designer; Primary School Teacher; Retail Pharmacist; Nurse Educator; Web Developer; Baker; Florist; and Jeweller.

You can view all the occupations on the Australian Government’s website.

When are the changes coming into effect?

The changes to the Subclass 482 visa will apply to new applications lodged on or after 25 November 2023, subject to the approval of regulation changes.

Contact us today to apply for your Subclass 482 visa

Intergate Emigration’s team have assisted countless migrants to successfully apply for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) visas.

Let us do the same for you!

The first step is booking a consultation call with our licensed advisor Katrin Maja O’Flynn .

Katrin will determine your eligibility to apply for a Subclass 482 visa and discuss the best way forward. You’ll also get to ask any questions you may have about the immigration process. Our team will then work with you to compile and submit your visa application.

However, if you’d prefer to do your immigration yourself, you can purchase our Migration Report. This Report is specifically for skilled workers interested in immigration to Australia.

The Migration Report includes an eligibility assessment, visa information, and information about living in Australia. It also includes a free 30-minute consultation call with a licensed advisor.

Whichever route you choose, we look forward to speaking with you soon.

On 26 July 2023, the Australian Department of Home Affairs announced that it is temporarily not accepting TOEFL iBT tests for Australian visa applications.

The pause is due to ETS, the organisation that conducts TOEFL, revising the TOEFL iBT test. The Australian government is reviewing the changes, and the test is unavailable during the evaluation.

At this stage, it’s unclear how long the review will take.

What is changing?

ETS (Education Testing Service) made changes to the TOEFL iBT test to optimise the test-taking experience for candidates. Test takers can expect the following from the enhanced test:

• Shortened TOEFL iBT test: The test will now take less than two hours to complete, as opposed to three hours previously, due to:
  • Streamlined instructions and navigation throughout the test
  • A new, more modern “Writing for an Academic Discussion” task, which replaces the previous Independent Writing task
  • A shorter Reading section
  • The removal of all unscored test questions
• Simplified registration process: Test takers can create an account and register for an available TOEFL iBT test date quicker and easier than before. In addition, more localised benefits, such as additional local payment options, will be available in select markets and expanded over time.
• Increased score transparency: Test takers will see their official score release date upon completion of the test, in addition to getting real-time notification of changes to their score status.

“ETS is driving the future of assessment through product innovations across education and learning, and TOEFL is core to that effort,” said Amit Sevak, CEO of ETS. “TOEFL has been an industry standard for nearly six decades, and these enhancements further underscore its position. Most importantly, these enhancements were developed through the lens of our customers and stakeholders — because they are our highest priority to serve.”

What about migrants who took the TOEFL iTB test before the pause came into place?

Migrants who took the old TOEFL iTB version on or before 25 July can rest assured that their test results will remain valid. Please speak to your licensed immigration advisor if you require more details.

Are the Department of Home Affairs still accepting other English proficiency test results?

The Department of Home Affairs still accepts these English proficiency test results:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Cambridge English (CAE), also known as C1 Advanced
• Occupational English Test (OET), for health professionals

To recap

The TOEFL iTB is on a temporary pause while Australia’s Department of Home Affairs reviews the enhanced test introduced by ETS, the organisation that conducts TOEFL. In the meantime, the Department of Home Affairs is still accepting all other English Proficiency Tests. Test results of migrants who took the TOEFL iTB before 26 July 2023, when the pause came into effect, will remain valid.

Thousands of migrants move to Australia each year through state sponsorship.

Several state-sponsored visa programs have recently undergone changes, and some programs have closed until the new financial year.

For these reasons, we wanted to summarise the status of Australia’s state-sponsored visa programs. Please find the details below.

Australian Capital Territory 

• The next SkillSelect invitation round will be held before 14 July 2023.
• The ACT Nomination Guidelines have been updated:
  • The eligibility criteria have been adjusted, and
  • changes have been made to the Canberra Matrix.
• The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) has closed for this financial year. 

New South Wales

• The state nomination program appears to remain open.

Northern Territory 

The Northern Territory has new offshore General Skilled Migration nomination criteria, including:

• Reduced work experience requirement – one year down from three years for most occupations
• More occupations added to the Priority Occupations Stream
• Expansion of the Family Support Stream to enable regional provisional (Subclass 489, 491 and 494) visa holders and those who hold bridging visas after having applied for regional permanent residency (Subclass 887 and 191 visas) to support family members who are applying for nomination

Queensland 

• The state nomination program appears to remain open 

South Australia 

• General Skilled Migration Programs (Registration of Interest, Subclasses 491 and 190, 491 and 190 and the Business Innovation and Investment Program) closed to new applications on 8 June 2023. South Australia will:
  • delete any applications that had commenced but weren’t lodged before 8 June 2023 from the system, and
  • continue to assess existing applications that were lodged before 8 June 2023.
• Pending an allocation of Subclass 190 visa nominations from the Commonwealth Government for the 2023-24 program year, applicants who are assessed as eligible for Subclass 190 visa state nominations will receive a nomination in the upcoming program year. 

Tasmania 

• The state nomination program appears to remain open. 

Victoria 

• The Victoria state nomination program has closed to Registrations of Interest (ROI). Submitted ROI will continue to be assessed and selected for invitations to apply for Victorian visa nomination. If an ROI is withdrawn, applicants won’t be able to submit a new one until the 2023-24 program opens. 

Western Australia 

• The state nomination program appears to remain open.

Want to find out more about state sponsorship? 

Book a consultation call with our licensed advisor if you want to know more about immigration to Australia through state sponsorship.

Our advisor can also assess you against its requirements to see if you can apply for one of the available work or business visas.

You’ll get all the details during your call and get the chance to ask any questions. 

The Australian Department of Home Affairs recently announced changes to the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa and the Student (Subclass 500) Visa.

From July 2023, eligible graduates can live and work in Australia for longer, and Subclass 500 visa holders can work more hours while studying.

Extension of post-study stay for eligible Subclass 485 visa holders

From 1 July 2023, Australia is extending the post-study stay for Subclass 485 visa holders who graduated from Australian higher education providers with eligible qualifications by two years:

• From two years to four years for select Bachelor’s degrees
• From three years to five years for select Master’s degrees
• From four years to six years for all Doctoral degrees

The eligible qualifications are in areas such as science, medicine, healthcare, engineering, and technology, which were chosen to address the demand for specific qualifications in the Australian workforce.

The extension of the post-stay duration will also support businesses across Australia by increasing the availability of a well-trained and highly capable workforce. Furthermore, Australia hopes the extension will help rebuild the international education sector following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Increase in permitted working hours for Subclass 500 visa holders

In January 2022, the Australian Government temporarily relaxed a limitation on the number of hours Student Visa holders could work during their studies. This measurement allowed Student Visa holders to work unlimited hours to address workforce shortages.

On 30 June 2023, the temporary relaxation comes to an end. After this date, Australia will again cap work hours for international students. However, the number of hours will increase from 40 to 48 per fortnight for Student Visa holders and associated bridging visas.

The Government says this increase will enable international students to gain valuable work experience in Australia and contribute to Australia’s workforce needs.

The only exception to the new measurement is Student Visa holders already working in the aged care sector on 9 May 2023. These students can continue to work unrestricted hours in the aged care sector until 31 December 2023.

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