As the end of the financial year approaches, many changes are being made to the Australian immigration system. In this article, we will go through some of those changes.

128 New Occupations Added to the SA DAMA

The South Australian regional DAMA and the Adelaide City DAMA have both been extended and expanded.

The SA regional DAMA now includes 128 new occupations across various sectors, including construction, trade, agribusiness, ICT, health, education, and renewable energy.

Some occupations added are registered nurse in child and family health, registered nurse in disability and rehabilitation, winery worker (beneficial for South Australia's Barossa and Clare Valley), sheep farm worker, truck driver, bricklayer, and floor finisher. Truck driver is particularly notable as it was previously a restricted occupation but is now available for the entire state.

Do you want to know more about the new occupations on the SA DAMA? Click here to read the full article.

Student Visa News

Increase in Financial Capacity:

From 10 May 2024, the financial requirement for Student visa applicants will increase from AUD 24,505 to AUD 29,710.

For a spouse or de facto partner of the Student primary applicant, it will increase from AUD 8,574 to AUD 10,394.

For a dependent child, it will increase from AUD 3,670 to AUD 4,449.

The last increase happened in October 2023, and this new increase was not expected for this financial year.

Recent changes to Australian student visa and graduate visa programs signal a significant shift in the landscape of international education and post-study opportunities in the country. Starting from 23 March 2024, these updates include increased English language requirements and the introduction of the genuine student requirement.

TOEFL iBT is now accepted for all Australian visas

TOEFL iBT tests taken from 5 May 2024 are valid for Australian visas and migration purposes. The test must be taken at a secure test center, as the department does not currently accept online English tests.

End of the 476 Visa

As widely expected, the skilled recognized graduate 476 visa will permanently close from 1 July 2024. This is disappointing for many, but it was expected.

Graduate Visa Changes

The main change will be the reduction of the maximum eligible age from under 50 to 35 years and under, proposed to be implemented from 1 July 2024.

Exceptions include Hong Kong and British overseas national passport holders, who will be eligible up to the age of 50.

Other changes for the graduate visa include increasing the minimum English requirement and reducing the validity period for English tests from three years to just one year prior to the application date.

This means applicants may need to check and complete their English tests before applying.

Click here to read more about the Graduate Visa changes.

Skilled Points Review Paper

The Australian Government published a paper discussing potential changes to the points test for the 189, 190, and 491 visas.

The review may alter the available points by removing and reducing factors and adding new ones.

Expected changes include reducing or removing points for regional study and NAATI-approved language.

Points for partners may increase, age points might be allocated on a gradual scale, and English points might also follow a more gradual scale.

New Core Skills Occupation List

Jobs and Skills Australia has opened a consultation about the Core Skills Occupation list.

This list will be for the Core Skills visa, designed to replace the 482 employer-sponsored visa with similar requirements.

The consultation categorizes occupations into three groups:

1. Confident On List – Occupations that Jobs and Skills Australia is certain should remain on the list.

Occupations such as Registered Nurse, Social Worker, Diesel Motor Mechanic, and IT Network Administrator are on the Confident On List.

2. Confident Off List – Occupations recommended for removal based on current labor market insights.

Occupations such as Cafe or Restaurant Manager, Cattle Farmer, ICT Project Manager, and Real Estate Representative are on the Confident Off List.

3. Targeted for Consultation – Occupations that require further input from stakeholders to determine their necessity and priority.

Occupations such as Chef, Cook, Finance Manager, Web Designer, Hairdresser, and Marketing Specialist are on the Targeted for Consultation List.

Will your occupation be on the new Core Skills Occupation List? Full article here.

VETASSESS Skills Assessment

VETASSESS is accepting new applications again for cook, diesel motor mechanic, and motor mechanic.

Some other trade occupations paused in 2023 are not yet accepted by VETASSESS.

State Nominated 190 and 491 Visas

Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory have already closed for expressions of interest. Other states and territories may close soon.

This was a summary of the main news in Australian immigration at the start of May 2024. If you need advice on your specific situation, please book an appointment.

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your visa application.

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.

Sources:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/programs-subsite/migration-strategy/Documents/migration-strategy.pdf

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1196

https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/topics/migration-strategy/draft-core-skills-occupations-list-csol-consultation

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/changes

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/occupation-lists/dama-occupation-list

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/reports-and-pubs/PDFs/points-test-discussion-paper-april-2024.pdf

https://www.vetassess.com.au/news/reopening-new-applications-for-cook-diesel-motor-mechanic-and-motor-mechanic-general

What are the 5 best courses to study in Australia in 2024 to obtain Permanent Residency?

Australia is home to 43 universities, some of which are among the world's top 100. Australia is a safe and welcoming country attracting many students who want to settle in Australia and obtain Australian Permanent Residency. So, let's get started!

After completing their studies, there are two main visa paths students can follow to obtain PR:

• Skilled Visa (Subclass 189, 190 and 491)
• Employer-Sponsored 482 and 494 Visas
• DAMAs

The courses we are mentioning have strong options in both paths. If you are interested, please book an appointment here.

Number 5: SOCIAL WORK OR COMMUNITY SERVICES

Social work is becoming increasingly popular for securing permanent residency in Australia.

• A bachelor’s degree in Social Work is usually a 3-year degree with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 18,000 per year.
• Ensure the degree you enrol in is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).
• Social Work is on the medium-term list and can lead to a Skilled Independent visa or 190 or 491. Employer sponsorship is also an option.
• Under a Ministerial Direction, Social Work currently receives priority processing.
• Skills assessment: The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Number 4: CARPENTER

With a shortage of houses in Australia, the Government is encouraging the construction of more houses. Carpenters are in high demand in terms of employability:

• Diploma-level qualifications related to Carpentry is a two-year course with a tuition fee of approximately AUD 10,000 per year.
• This is a very good option if you are looking for a trade course that may lead to PR.
• Trade occupations must complete a job-ready program to get a positive skill assessment from TRA with a minimum of 12 months of full-time work experience or equivalent.
• Be aware that graduates of trade courses can only obtain an 18-24 month temporary graduate visa 485.
• Skills assessment: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

Here are some common types of carpenters in Australia:

• Joiner carpenter
• Framework carpenter
• Formwork carpenter
• Green carpenter

Number 3: CIVIL CONSTRUCTION DESIGN

• Advanced Diploma in Civil Construction Design is a two-year course with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 12,000 per year.
• One of the advantages of the course is that you can get a skills assessment done by Engineers Australia without any work experience and apply for a 485 Graduate Visa, and then further for any of the GSM visas.
• The occupation related to this course is on the medium- and long-term skills list, which means that this occupation is eligible for all three GSM visas, including 189, 190, and 491.

After obtaining this qualification, potential job roles may include:

• Civil Engineering Technician
• Civil Engineering Design Draftsperson
• Civil Engineering Draftsperson
• Senior civil construction designer
• Structural Engineering Drafting officer
• Road Design Draftsperson

Number 2: TEACHER

 A Bachelor of Teaching is a 4-year degree with a tuition fee of approximately AUD 18,000 per year.

• For those with a relevant degree, a Master of Teaching is a two-year course.
• Teachers are on the medium-term list with several PR application options, and they are also a high priority in processing, similar to Registered nurses.
• Different universities have different admission criteria, so be sure to check with us if you are interested in this course.
• Under a Ministerial Direction, Teaching currently receives priority processing.

Skills assessment: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

To work as a teacher, you will need to register as a teacher after completing your course.

In-demand teachers in Australia include:

• Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
• Middle School Teacher
• Primary School Teacher
• Secondary School Teacher
• University lecturer
• Special Education Teachers

Number 1: REGISTERED NURSES

Registered Nurses have the highest priority in processing.

• Registered nurses are on the medium-term list with several PR application options such as Skilled Visa (Subclass 189, 190, and 491), Employer-Sponsored Visa, and DAMAs.
• A Bachelor of Nursing is a 3-year degree with a tuition fee of roughly AUD 30,000 per year.
• One of the basic requirements for enrolment in this course is an English test result equivalent to IELTS 7 bands in each module.
• Skills assessment: Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

As a Registered Nurse, you may choose from various specialties, including:

• Aged Care
• Mental Health
• Critical Care and Emergency
• Medical
• Perioperative
• Midwife

GUIDE TO OBTAINING PR AS A REGISTERED NURSE IN AUSTRALIA

Many more course options can provide you with a pathway to permanent residency. Please contact us if you are looking for something that suits your career needs.

In December 2023, the Australian Government introduced in the Migration Strategy the Skills in Demand Visa with three pathways: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills. The new Skills in Demand visa will replace the Temporary Skills Shortage 482 Visa and provide more flexibility to workers and employers. The Skills in Demand Visa are set to be implemented in late 2024.

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your visa application.

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.

In early 2023, regional migration visas in Australia were under a cloud of uncertainty. The Parkinson Report Migration, released in March 2023, failed to offer any guidance or support for regional migration options.

The final report suggests a recalibration of the skilled points test and even proposes the removal of points for regional study. It states, “In conjunction with this measure, existing regional concessions in mainstream permanent phases, such as additional points for regional study, could be removed to ensure those programs are strongly focused on selecting migrants who will best meet national economic objectives.”

Additionally, state nomination applications in Australia across all states were reduced by 70% from July 1, 2023, marking a significant downturn in the 2023-24 financial year.

However, early 2024 has seen positive developments in regional migration policy.

Migration Policy Developments 2024

Regional employer-sponsored nominations visas such as 482, 186, 494, and DAMAs are now the top priority in ministerial processing directives. This means they are processed above all others, including professions in teaching and health that were previously given high priority.

This shift demonstrates the Federal Government is encouraging migration to regional areas.

The new Skills in Demand Visa Australia includes an "Essential Skills" category visa for lower-skilled occupations, such as carers, with potential salaries below A$70,000. These visas aim to supply workers to regional areas for both caregiving and agricultural roles.

For the 2024 to 2025 financial year, skilled points visas, including the 189, 190, and 491 visas, will remain unchanged. The 491 Visa, designed for regional areas, continues to be available, dispelling rumors of its abolition in the Migration Review.

Click here to read more about the Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa.

Why is regional migration regaining favour?

Several factors are at play, including a strong demand from industries and communities in regional Australia for migrants. Furthermore, the housing crisis has prompted the federal government to encourage migration away from Australia's largest cities, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

How can Work Visa Lawyers help?

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.

For visa application assistance in Australia, you can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Sources:

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/reports-and-publications/reviews-and-inquiries/departmental-reviews/migration-system-for-australias-future

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/reports-and-pubs/files/review-migration-system-final-report.pdf

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/skilled-visa-processing-priorities

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State Sponsorship 190 and 491 Visas

The Australian states are now open for sponsorship under the 190 and 491 visas. Check the eligibility criteria for your desired state or territory to see if you qualify.

We have some articles for more information: South Australia / Queensland / Victoria / New South Wales.

Victorian Invitation Rounds

Victoria recently held an invitation round, inviting professionals in various occupations, including Marketing Specialists and Accountants. Having high points for a job in Victoria with a good salary seems to be a relevant consideration from the Victorian Government.

The Victorian Government said that for offshore applicants they are only considering Health, Education, and Social Services.

Selection rounds will continue through September 2023, with the program closing in early 2024. Submit your Registration of Interest as soon as possible.

Western Australia

Western Australia also had the first invitation round for 190 and 491 visas. Some occupations invited were in priority WA Industries: building and construction; healthcare and social assistance; hospitality and tourism; and o education and training. The invitations were to people living in WA, living in other states, and offshore.

Employer-Sponsored 482 to PR in Two Years

If you have held a 457 or 482 visa for over two years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Click here to read more about Permanent Residency for employer-sponsored 482 visa holders after 2 years.

Big news coming soon

It is expected that the Minister for Home Affairs will announce the plans for reforms in the next few days or weeks.

One of the changes that may be coming is Refining the Points test

In addition to points we have already covered; the table says better targeted skilled migration will:

• Introduce new permanent skilled visa settings, including exploring a revised points test
• The points reforms could include more points for skilled partners. 
• A more granular system in terms of age and points, for example not losing 10 points when you turn 40. There is also the possibility of cuts to regional points.

South Australia (SA) offers many opportunities for skilled migrants. With 503 occupations listed on the SA Skilled Occupation List and four available streams, you may be eligible to apply.

South Australian Graduates Stream

International graduates who have selected South Australia as their study destination are given preference within the General Skilled Migration program.

The criteria to apply include:

• Have completed your qualification at a South Australian education provider
• A minimum of 50% of your qualification must have been completed in South Australia
• Must have resided in South Australia for at least one year during your studies
• Have been residing in South Australia for at least the last 12 months
• Have been working for the last 6 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time (at least 30 hours per week) job that is relevant to your nominated occupation

You can check all the criteria here.