New Australian Immigration Updates for 2024-2025- A Guide!
New Australian Immigration Updates!
The Australian Government has unveiled its Migration Program 2024-25 targets as part of the latest Federal Budget. Significant adjustments have been introduced affecting various visa categories including Skilled Visas, Work Visas, and Family and Spouse Visas. Key highlights are:
1. The ceiling for Permanent Resident Visas is set at 185,000, emphasising skilled migration. Prospective applicants for Australian PR Visas should take note of this change.
2. Increased funding allocated to worker education and enhanced employer compliance measures.
3. Work experience prerequisites for TSS Visas have been halved, easing entry for eligible candidates.
4. The Business Innovation and Investment Visa and Global Talent Visa are slated to conclude in 2024, paving the way for a new National Innovation Visa.
5. Starting the fiscal year 2025-26, a shift towards a Multi-Year (4-year) Planning Model will be initiated.
6. The Migration Plan is strategically aligned with long-term housing, infrastructure, and service requirements.
These revisions reflect Australia’s proactive stance in managing immigration dynamics while addressing broader economic and societal needs.
Goals
- Tackling skill shortages in critical industries and maintaining an up-to-date Australia Skilled Occupation List
- Expediting the processing of Regional Subclass Visas as a priority
- Strengthening community and familial ties
- Enhancing workforce numbers and participation rates
Migration Program Planning Levels: 2024-25
| Category | Subclass Visa | PR Visa Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Skill | Employer-Sponsored | 44,000 |
| Skilled Independent | 16,900 | |
| Regional | 33,000 | |
| State/Territory Nominated | 33,000 | |
| Business Innovation & Investment | 1,000 | |
| Distinguished Talent | 300 | |
| Skill Total | 132,200 | |
| Family | Partner 1 | 40,500 |
| Parent | 8,500 | |
| Child1 | 3,000 | |
| Other Family | 500 | |
| Family Total | 52,500 | |
| Special Eligibility | 300 | |
| Total Migration Program/PR Visas | 185,000 |
Program Structure and Objectives
Skill Stream: Constituting 71% of the program, totaling 132,200 places.
Family Stream: Comprising 28% of the program, with 52,500 places allocated.
- Mainly Partner visas (40,500).
- Child visas (3,000).
- Special Eligibility Stream: Reserved for 300 places, accommodating individuals in unique circumstances, including returning Permanent Residents.
Employer-Sponsored Category Visa
- Expanded to 44,000 visas from 36,825.
- Enhanced pathway to permanent residency.
State/Territory Nominated Visa
- Increased to 33,000 visas.
- Supports regional economic and labor needs.
Skilled Independent Visa
- Reduced to 16,900 places from 30,375.
- Still elevated compared to pre-COVID levels.
Business Innovation and Investment Program
- Decreased to 1,000 visas from 1,900.
- Scheduled closure in July 2024, to be succeeded by the New National Innovation Visa.
Global Talent Visa Category
- Reduced to 4,000 visas.
- Transitioning to the National Innovation Visa.
Family Stream
- Parent visa set at 8,500 places.
- Other Family Visas allocated 500 places
- Child Visa remains at 3,000 places, adjusted according to demand.
- Maintained at current levels.
- Partner Visa is demand-responsive, aiming for flexibility and reduced processing times.
Enhanced Focus on Compliance
Australia’s government has intensified efforts to enforce employer compliance through significant financial commitments to immigration reforms. A total of $15 million has been allocated over the next three years for various initiatives. These include educating immigrant workers on workplace safety and compliance protocols.
Additionally, funds have been set aside for a Data-Matching Pilot program involving the Australian Taxation Office and the Department of Home Affairs. This initiative aims to scrutinize employment and income data more effectively.
Updates for Indian Nationals
To manage demand effectively, Work and Holiday Visas for India will now require a pre-application ballot process.
The validity of the Subclass 600 Business Visa for Indian citizens will be extended to 5 years, up from the current 3 years.
Introducing the MATES Visa – Mobility Arrangements for Talented Early-professionals Scheme for young Indian professionals, set to launch in November 2024. Initially, 3,000 visas will be available to applicants aged 18 to 30, possessing skills and expertise in targeted fields of study. Visas will allow a maximum stay of 2 years in Australia and will be allocated through a ballot process.
For those considering Australian Permanent Residency, contact the leading Immigration Consultants in Delhi NCR, Universal Adviser, for expert guidance.
