Australia: National Innovation visa, replacing the current Global Talent visa
Australia is launching a new National Innovation Visa to replace the current Global Talent Visa. This change aims to attract top talent in technology, science, engineering, and creative arts, strengthening Australia’s innovation sector. Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke, highlighted the importance of the new visa in a press conference. “The […]
Launch of the Western Australia Designated Area Migration Agreement Program
The Western Australian Government has successfully negotiated the establishment of a new Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) with the Commonwealth Government to address labour shortages in key areas across the state. This program will greatly benefit employers by expanding the list of occupations eligible for skilled migration and offering special concessions for those in the Perth Metro area. […]
Australia Launches MATES Program for 3,000 Indian Professionals
The Australian Government will launch the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) for Indian nationals starting November 1st 2024. This program will allow 3,000 Indian graduates and early career professionals, aged 18 to 30, to live and work in Australia for up to two years. To be eligible for MATES, Indian nationals must be aged 18-30 […]
Extending the validity of the Business Visitor visa for Indian nationals
Australia has extended the validity of the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Business Visitor stream for Indian nationals from up to three years to up to five years. The extended visa validity is intended to strengthen bilateral economic ties between the two countries, expected to generate $435 million in revenue and increase payments by $70.9 million over the next […]
Australian visa updates for China, Vietnam, and India
Starting in 2024-25, the Australian Government will introduce a lottery system for the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa for applicants from China, Vietnam, and India. This new system aims to make the selection process fairer, as the demand for these visas significantly exceeds the available spots. Applicants will need to pay a $25 registration fee (indexed to the Consumer […]
Australia’s Business Innovation Stream to Close, New National Innovation Visa Announced
Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Visa Program (BIIP) is undergoing significant changes. As part of the federal government’s 2024-25 budget, the Business Innovation stream (subclass 188) will permanently close to new applications starting in July 2024. The program, designed to attract business owners and investors, has been found to offer limited economic benefits. The number of spots available […]
Republic of Philippines passport holder eligible to apply for a Work and Holiday (Sc 462) visa
Filipino passport holders aged 18-30 can apply for the Australian Work & Holiday Visa starting July 1, 2024, provided they meet specific eligibility and application requirements. This change is detailed in the Migration (Arrangements for Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) Visa Applications) Amendment (The Philippines) Instrument (LIN 24/041) 2024, updating the previous legislation (LIN 21/019). To […]
Changes to Visa conditions 8107, 8607 and 8608 from 1 July
The Department of Home Affairs has announced some important changes to the visa conditions for 8107, 8607, and 8608 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders, starting from 1 July 2024. These updates are part of the Migration Strategy to help tackle worker exploitation and enhance productivity. Here’s what you need to know: More Time for Visa Holders to […]
Australia increases requirements for student visa applications
Are you thinking about studying abroad in Australia? If yes, understand the four major changes in the rules and regulations for an Australian student visa. Additional changes are anticipated later this year. CHANGE TO EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL CAPACITY The financial requirements for Student and Student Guardian visa applicants have increased on May 10, 2024. To be eligible, applicants must have […]
Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa – work experience changes coming
The 2024/25 Federal Budget revealed several changes to immigration policies, including a major update to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482). Starting from November 23, 2024, the required work experience for the TSS visa will be reduced from two years to one year. This applies to all TSS streams: Short-term, Medium-term, and Labour Agreements. Currently, the Short-term and Medium-term streams require applicants […]