In this blog, we will cover the latest Australian immigration news including student visa caps, visa processing times, the 189 visa invitation round, Medicare for temporary visas, Global Talent visa and updates on state nominations.
Student Visa Cap
The Australian Government has announced a cap on student visas starting in 2025, with a total of 270,000 international students allowed to study in Australia, a reduction of 53,000 from the previous year.
The cap breakdown is as follows:
- 145,000 new student visas for public universities
- 30,000 for other universities and non-university higher education providers
- 90,000 for the vocational education and training (VET) sector
Exemptions:
- School students
- Higher degree by research programs
- English-language providers (ELICOS)
- Non-award programs
Potential Impact:
- Harder to get enrolment for vocational and university courses in Australia.
- Less enrolments for prestigious universities in Melbourne and Sydney.
- Some students may have their enrolments withdrawn before the visa is granted and not get the visa.
- More enrolments for regional universities.
- It will be harder to do a second or third course once in Australia. For example, if you enter Australia as an English student and then want to apply for a VET course.
- No caps at all for English courses or school students, so these will become more popular.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your Australian visa application, feel free to book an appointment.
189 Invitation Round
A new 189 visa invitation round took place on 5 September 2024. The occupations invited include Teachers, Engineers, General Practitioners, Accountants, and trades.
Here are some key points from this round:
- Painting Trades Workers and Carpenters: Invited with 65 points
- Construction Managers: Invited with 75 points
- Medical Practitioners: Invited with 80 points
- Architects: Invited with 75 points
Both onshore and offshore applicants were invited. Click here to check all the occupations invited.
State Nomination 190 and 491 Visa Updates
Most states have opened for Expressions of Interest (EOI) and Registrations of Interest (ROI) submissions, with New South Wales opening in October.
This year, some states are moving away from prioritising high points, focusing instead on factors such as:
- Salary
- Relevant work experience
- English proficiency
- Partner skills
- Education level
- ANZSCO classification
Click here to learn more about the 190 Visa.
Click here to learn more about the 491 Visa.
Temporary Visas Eligible for Medicare
All permanent visas can enrol in Medicare, but did you know that some temporary visas can also enrol in Medicare?
Temporary visas eligible for Medicare:
VETASSESS Processing Times
VETASSESS has reduced the processing time for skills assessments in professional and non-trade occupations. The typical processing time has decreased from 10-15 weeks to 8-10 weeks.
Global Talent Updates
The Global Talent Visa is expected to close in late 2024, with the National Innovation Visa set to replace it.
Here are some recent updates regarding the Global Talent Visa:
- We are still successfully receiving invitations for our clients.
- There have been reports of quick Expression of Interest rejections, sometimes as fast as two weeks for some applicants.
- Current visa processing times for the Global Talent Visa are estimated between 9 to 12 months.
- The Department of Home Affairs is increasingly checking the credentials of nominators and referees, with more scrutiny than before.
Visa Processing Times (September 2024)
Here are the current processing times for some key visas:
- 190 visa: 50% processed in 16 months, 90% in 17 months
- 491 visa: 50% processed in 17 months, 90% in 23 months
- 482 visa (Short and Medium Term): 50% in 1 month, 90% in 5 months
- 186 Transition Pathway: 50% in 6 months, 90% in 14 months
- 820 Provisional Onshore Partner visa: 50% processed in 12 months, 90% in 26 months
- 801 Permanent Onshore Partner visa: 50% processed in 11 months, 90% in 30 months
Check all the visa processing times here.
Do you need help to apply for an Australian Visa?
If you need assistance with applying for an Australian visa, please contact us.
You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.
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.
Sources:
https://ministers.education.gov.au/clare/improving-sustainability-international-education
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds
https://www.vetassess.com.au/news/shorter-assessment-times-for-professional-and-general-occupations
