fbpx
🚨🚨 Instant Visa Recommendations 🚨🚨 Just answers a few simple questions and get Australian visa recommendations instantly.

Upcoming Immigration Changes Australia in July 2024

Updated

Upcoming Immigration Changes Australia: New Visa Program and Expected Visa Fee Changes

The Australian Government previously announced its exciting Migration Strategy, outlining the new visa rules in Australia for 2024 and a new visa update. It is expected to commence in 2024 and most likely come on 1 July as part of regular immigration changes in Australia.

Here are the critical immigration changes in Australia with the expected new visa updates and new visa rules in Australia to commence from 1 July 2024:

Summary of Expected Immigration Changes Details of Expected Immigration Changes
Commencement of New Visa Program
  • The Australian Government plans a new visa program called Skills In Demand Visa. It is expected to replace the current Temporary Skill Shortage Visa program. It will also come with three different pathways:
    • Specialist Skills Pathway;
    • Core Skills Pathway; and
    • Essential Skills Pathway

    The visa program will have a four-year validity period for all streams.

  • The Pacific Engagement Visa is also on the new list and is expected to commence in 2024. The visa program is specified for Pacific Islanders, Timor Leste, and Papua New Guinea citizens and provides direct permanent residency for the targeted countries. Recently, the Government announced the commencement of the visa program on 29 March 2024.
  • As part of the immigration changes, The Australian Government is planning a new National Innovation Visa. This visa, designed to attract a select few highly skilled immigrants, will create a streamlined, single pathway. The visa’s focus on talent and innovation underscores Australia’s commitment to attracting top-tier professionals.
Readjustment for Sponsorship-based Work Visa The primary purpose of the upcoming immigration changes is to simplify the process that skilled workers must go through and make it easier for companies to bring in skilled workers. Thus, the Australian Government:

  • The Australian Government eliminated the requirement to advertise (LMT) positions through Workforce Australia and increased the advertisement validity period to 6 months.
  • The Australian Government also increased the deadline to find a new sponsor by 180 days (previously 60 days). This deadline applies if the employee ceases employment with their sponsor.
  • All visa holders will have access to permanent residency, and employment time with any approved employer will be considered for eligibility for permanent residency.
  • The Australian Government is considering converting employer fees, like the Skilling Australia Fund, to a monthly or quarterly schedule to lower upfront employer costs.
  • To facilitate migrants’ search for a new sponsor, the Australian Government will create a public registry of approved sponsors that shows a list of their sponsored workers and nominated occupations.
Reforming Point Test Program for Permanent Skilled Migration Program
  • The Australian Government will review the points test. More consultations will be held regarding creating a new analysis-based points test to more accurately identify the independent migrants who will contribute to the nation.
  • International graduates working in skilled jobs will have a quicker route to permanent residence through this pathway.
New Visa Update to Student Visa (subclass 500) Australia The immigration changes for Student Visa are significant. It includes:

  • Onshore Student Visa application is not opened for Visitor Visa holders from 1 July 2024
  • The Genuine Student Test, a crucial part of the immigration changes for Student Visa, has been in place since 23 March 2024. This test, which replaces the GTE requirement, assesses students’ genuine intention to study in Australia. It now requires more comprehensive evidence to ensure that only genuine students apply, enhancing the integrity of the student visa system.
  • To fulfil the Genuine Student Test, prospective Student Visa applicants must answer some target questions upon submitting the application. Under the new arrangement, applicants can no longer provide a GTE statement.
  • The English language requirements for student visa applications have increased from 5.5 to 6.0. Meanwhile, students undertaking ELICOS, VET, or higher education courses must provide an IELTS certificate with 5.0 points (previously 4.5). A minimum score of 5.5 is required for students enrolled in university foundation or pathway programmes that provide credible English language training.
  • A new Confirmation of Enrolment can only be issued once students complete six months of study.
  • The required amount of savings increases to AUD29,710.
New Visa Rules for Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) Australia The expected new visa rules for Temporary Graduate Visa Australia in 2024 include:

  • The extra 2-year validity period for eligible graduates will be closed in July 2024.
  • The validity period of the 485 Visa will be reduced to:
    • Two years validity for Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree by coursework;
    • Three years validity for Masters by research and PhD
  • International Graduates might be qualified to apply for the new 4-year Skills In Demand Visa if they secure employment in a skilled position during their post-study work period. The visa offers a more straightforward route to permanent residency.
  • The age limit for the 485 Visa is 35, except for British and Hong Kong nationals and Master’s degree (by research) and PhD graduates.
  • The English requirement increases to 6.5 from 6.0 (for IELTS), and the test validity window decreases to 1 year from 23 March 2024.
Visa Application Fee Increase on 1 July 2024
  • It’s important to note that the visa fee is expected to increase on 1 July 2024. Over the past five years, the fee has seen a range of increases, from 1.7% to 9%. This information is crucial for potential immigrants and companies planning to employ skilled workers, as it allows for better financial planning and preparation.

ONEderland Consulting is here to guide you through these changes and provide the necessary assistance and services to ensure a smooth immigration process.

Migration Planning Levels 2024-25

The net overseas migration for the 2024–25 migration program is expected to drop significantly to 268,000 places (from 528,000 places in the 2022–23 period), with 185,000 designated for the permanent migration program. The remainder will be allocated to various temporary visa programs such as Student Visa, Work and Holiday Maker, Australian residents, New Zealanders, and humanitarian migrants.

The allocation for the permanent migration program in 2024-25 will be as follows:

  • 132,200 places for Skilled stream
  • 52,500 places for the Family stream
  • 300 places for the Special eligibility stream. It includes unique situations, like a permanent resident needing to return to the country.

New Visa Update Australia

New visa updates are expected to commence in and after July 2024.

Ending of ‘Visa Hoping’

On 1 July 2024, the following will take place to end the trend of ‘visa hoping’ that promotes permanent temporariness in Australia:

  • Visitor Visa holders cannot apply for a Student Visa onshore. This action blocks a route that has been exploited to evade the Government’s more stringent regulations on the integrity of offshore student visas.
  • Temporary Graduate Visa holders cannot apply for a Student Visa onshore. It emphasizes that international graduates in Australia must find a job and become permanent residents or return to their home country.

Reduced Work Experience Requirements for 482 Visa

Starting on 23 November 2024, the Government reduced the work experience requirements for 482 Visa applications to only one year. Previously, candidates must have at least two years of professional work experience to be eligible for the 482 Visa. 

Closure of BIIP and Introduction of National Innovation Visa

The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) will permanently close on 1 July 2024.

In addition, the Government will introduce a new National Innovation Visa (NIV), which is expected to commence at the end of 2024. The National Innovation Visa will replace the current Global Talent Visa.

Work and Holiday Visa Program for China, Vietnam and India Nationals

The Government intends to introduce a pre-application (ballot) method to accommodate applicants from China, Vietnam, and India for the limited Work and Holiday (subclass 462) Visa program.

The ballot strategy seeks to reduce program demand while accelerating the time these nations take to process applications. The ballot application will cost AUD 25.

More visa changes will come into effect on and after 1 July 2024. You can find them here

How will The Upcoming Immigration Changes in Australia Affect You?

The immigration changes in Australia are like a flipped coin for migrants. Some land on opportunities, while others might face new challenges. And ONEderland Consulting has summarised them for you below:

Immigration Changes Impact on Skilled Workers in Australia

The upcoming immigration changes provide many opportunities for skilled workers, with the Skills In Demand Visa, Pacific Engagement Visa, and National Innovation Visa. These visas are expected to offer a clear pathway to permanent residency, the number one dream for skilled workers worldwide.

Skills In Demand Visa may catch your interest the most with its three pathways that are:

  • Specialist Skills Pathway: for highly-skilled immigrants who boost productivity in Australia, with guaranteed yearly incomes of AUD 135,000 or more, but not less than those of Australian workers in the same occupation. All professions will be eligible for this stream, except for trades workers, labourers and machinery operators.
  • Core Skills Pathway: for candidates whose occupation is included in a Core Skills Occupation List, which corresponds to professions that Jobs and Skills Australia has determined are in low demand and pay at least the TSMIT (AUD 70,000).
  • Essential Skills Pathway: This is still in the development stage and will be available to workers who possess the necessary skills and make less than AUD 70,000. Presently, labour agreements serve as the means of sponsorship for workers under this pathway.

The Skills In Demand Visa covers all workforces, from highly skilled workers to lower-skilled workers, bringing equal chances for all workers in Australia. It is hoped that unskilled workers won’t face significant difficulties finding the best work visa.

You can find the details of the new visa update for the Pacific Engagement Visa here: Pacific Engagement Visa: A New Visa Program for Pacific Islands and Other Countries

New Visa Update Impact on International Students

The immigration changes in Australia might put international students in a pretty challenging situation. If you plan to continue your studies in Australia after July 2024, significant new visa rules will be in place.

From 1 July 2024, an onshore Student Visa application will not be possible if you hold a Visitor Visa. However, you can still study in Australia. In this case, consider the offshore Student Visa, which may provide more benefits for you, including less money to spend as you can stay in your home country while waiting for the decision for your Student Visa application.

In addition, there are other ways to get the onshore Student Visa; for example, you can come to the country on a Working Holiday Visa, which is even better because it gives you a chance to work in the country to save up some money for your study.

One Student Visa change already in place is the Genuine Student Test. The Genuine Student Test commences on 23 March 2024, requiring the prospective Student Visa applicants to answer some target questions about:

  • Information about their present circumstances, including their relationships with family, friends, jobs, and economic situation,
  • a justification for their course selection and Australia as a study destination,
  • the advantages the course offers the applicant,
  • for those who have previously studied in Australia, a summary of their academic record,
  • for those who currently hold a visa other than a student visa, the purpose behind their application for a student visa, and
  • any additional pertinent data the applicant feels compelled to submit.

In addition, the Student Visa Declaration will be modified to mandate:

  • that applicants verify that they comprehend the definition of a genuine student to study in Australia;
  • that they have read, comprehended, and agreed to abide by the terms of the student visa;
  • that they will notify the Department of any changes to their circumstances and
  • despite the availability of post-study pathways to permanent migration, only a restricted number of graduates will be eligible, and those who cannot remain lawfully in Australia must leave.

Next, you might be concerned about the new age requirement for a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa. Don’t worry. You can consider another temporary visa, like the Training Visa (subclass 407), which provides work permits without age restriction! Or you can consider continuing your studies to a Master’s in research or a Doctoral degree. These degrees still allow you to submit a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) if you’re under 50. Plus, you will have better qualifications for your Skilled visa application!

We understand the upcoming immigration changes concern you in many ways. Rest assured, because the opportunities are still there! You can consider discussing the chance and option with ONEderland Consulting first. We will guide you thoroughly through all available options and potential risks you may face later.

Potential Rise in Australian Visa Fee

We’ve looked at the changes in the Australian Visa Fee in the last five years (2018-2023), which are surprisingly significant. The Australian Government did not change the fee only once, in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world.

The lowest increase sat at 1,7%, which was in the 2021-22 program year, and the highest was at 9%, which was recently in the 2023-24 program year.

Below, we have summarised the increase in the Australian Visa Fee over the last five years to give you a clearer vision.

Australian Family Visa Program Fee
Image 1 – Australian Family Visa Program Fee
Australian Work Visa Program Fee
Image 2 – Australian Work Visa Program Fee
Australian Student Visa & WHM Program Fee
Image 3 – Australian Student Visa & WHM Program Fee

Let’s take the lowest increase in the last five years, which is 1.7%. In July 2024, the new visa fee update for the Partner Visa Australia Application is expected to be at least AUD 9,000.45. Note that this is the prediction for the lowest increase.

With this in mind, we strongly recommend that you submit your Australian visa application before the new visa rules for Australia come into effect in July 2024 to avoid higher visa application charges.

Also, the overall immigration changes are significant, and you have only a few weeks left to bear with the new regulations. If you will be affected significantly, seeking legal advice now is best to get better immigration planning.

Will Engage with ONEderland Consulting Ease Your Concern?

Sure, we will. We at ONEderland Consulting are mindful that immigration is a unique journey for each individual. We provide customised legal assistance from the time you explore your visa options until the final progress of your visa application.

We ensure that you are making decisions for your future based on the new visa updates or new visa rules, as per the immigration changes Australia made in 2024.

Book an appointment with our Registered Migration Agent now with a 100% refund guarantee if you are unsatisfied with our service. We have a 98% success rate and are experts in complex cases. Call us or click below:

Book Your Appointment Now

Book Your Consultation - 100% Money Back Guarantee 3

How ONEderland Consulting Can Assist You

We at ONEderland Consulting understand how difficult and emotionally draining it can be to deal with the immigration changes in Australia. It is even more challenging when the expected visa rules and visa updates for Australia in 2024 are so significant to your migration plan.

But rest assured. Throughout your journey, we are committed to offering empathetic and customised support while paying close attention to your particular circumstances and goals.

Our team of highly qualified and experienced migration specialists is dedicated to putting in a lot of effort and planning ahead of time on your behalf. We pay close attention to every detail and apply our extensive knowledge to handle even the most complex cases.

Our team of professionals will help you by:

  • Developing a customised document checklist: Ensure you’ve gathered and presented all required documentation in compliance with DHA regulations.
  • Writing a customised statement letter: highlighting the sincerity and strength of your visa application, ensuring all information is delivered professionally yet compassionately.
  • Creating empathetic and compelling narratives: We will help you create a story that speaks to the DHA and clearly illustrates why you should be granted the visa.

We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.

We are complex visa specialists. As a registered Australian migration agent with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Take the first step and get in touch with us. Our team members are professional and honest and speak various languages, such as Mandarin/Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.

Share This Article, Choose Your Platform!

Ready to start your visa application?

DHA recommends for people who wants to obtain Australian visa seeks migration agent help for their visa application to reduces the risk of refusal. We are here ready to help you so you don’t waste your money, time and chances migrating to Australia.


“Massive thanks to all the team specially Indah and Jamie. My visa conditions was very complicated but they did a great job. Definitely one of the best.”

Maria Helen De Guzman

Bridging Visa E

Indah Melindasari MARN 0961 448

Indah Melindasari, B.Com

Lead Migration Agent - MARN 0961 448

1300 827 159

Contact Form EN

By submitting my data I agree to be contacted.