Greetings to all aspiring immigrants and those keen on keeping up with the latest developments in Australian immigration. Here's a roundup of the most recent updates you need to know:

VETASSESS Skills Assessment Changes

VETASSESS has stopped taking skills assessments for the trade occupations of Chef, Cook, Diesel Motor Mechanic, Motor Mechanic (General), Fitter (General), Electrician (General), and Metal Machinist (First Class). This change comes as a disappointment to many tradies.

For more information: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f6rVvopc19o

State Nomination Visas 190 and 491 – Cuts and Competition

State Nomination visas 190 and 491 have witnessed substantial cuts, reducing from 62,416 in the previous financial year to 16,700 in 2023-24. This reduction implies that the state nomination program will become highly competitive this year, demanding a strategic approach from applicants.

For more information: https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/state-nomination-visas-190-and-491-are-reduced-by-around-70.html

Open States for Migration

Queensland

Queensland has opened its doors for the migration program, maintaining criteria similar to the previous year. Eligible candidates can lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) by submitting a fresh EOI in Skill Select.

For more information: https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/migration-queensland-program-opening-for-2023-24.html

Victoria

Victoria has also opened up, with no changes to the eligibility criteria for subclass 190. However, there have been noteworthy adjustments for the Subclass 491 visa. Onshore applicants must currently reside and work in regional Victoria at the time of nomination to be eligible.

For more information: https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/victoria-opens-state-nomination-program-for-2023-24-190-and-491-visas.html

We expect that other states will follow suit and open their programs soon.

Exploring other visa options

Considering the substantial reductions in state sponsorship visas 190 and 491, you might be wondering about your options. There are alternative visas to explore, including the Temporary Graduate Visa 485, employer-sponsored visas 482 and 186, Training Visa 407, or Student Visa subclass 500. Our team is here to assist you in finding the best pathway for your continued stay in Australia.

For more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r170Q4VAeo&t=1s

Exciting Changes for Employer-Sponsored Visa 482 to 186 for Permanent Residency

A noteworthy development for the employer-sponsored visa 482 to 186 pathway is on the horizon. Sponsored visa 482 holders will become eligible for a Temporary Residence Transition after just 2 years of sponsorship, as opposed to the current requirement of three years. Special Trade (ST) occupations will also gain access to Permanent Residency (PR).

These changes are expected to roll out in late 2023 or early 2024 when the Department of Home Affairs is prepared. If you are interested in these work visas, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process.

Student News – Financial Capacity Requirement

International students planning to study in Australia need to demonstrate higher financial capacity, with evidence of $24,505 in savings required from October 1, 2023. This represents a 17% increase from previous levels and accounts for rising living expenses since 2019.

Business and Investor visas

Additionally, the 188 Business and Investor visas have received no state allocations and are currently closed. However, we continue to assist investors in preparing for the next visa, which is expected to be similar to the 5 million investment visa. For some individuals, an alternative worth considering may be the Global Talent Visa.

For more information: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GERbsh2XOIw

Sources:

https://www.vetassess.com.au/home/updates/post/pause-in-acceptance-of-new-applications-for-7-trade-occupations

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels

https://migration.qld.gov.au/program-updates/skilled-program

https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/news-events/news/2023/victorias-skilled-migration-program-is-now-open

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1057

https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/tools-and-resources/news/change-to-evidence-of-financial-capacity-for-student-visas.html#:~:text=From%201%20October%202023%2C%20student,to%20cover%20annual%20living%20costs

How can Work Visa Lawyers help?

If you need help with this visa, Work Visa Lawyers can assist you.

Work Visa Lawyers is highly experienced in all parts of an employer-sponsored visa application process. We can assist with all aspects of the application and will provide an eligibility assessment before advising you to proceed with a visa application.

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your potential application(s).

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.