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 […]
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 […]
Legislative changes offer 482 visa holders pathway to Permanent Residency
Australia has announced a groundbreaking change for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa holders, offering them a clear path to permanent residence from November 25, 2023. The key changes include reducing the required employment duration with the same employer to two years and eliminating skilled occupation lists for transitional Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 applications. While some criteria, like […]
Australia’s Migration System Reforms Announced
As the new fiscal year approaches, changes are coming to Australia’s migration system. The government plans to spend $18.3 million over the next four years, starting in 2024-25, to improve the system, boost the economy, and ensure fairness. A big part of this budget, $15.0 million over three years, will go towards helping migrant workers understand their rights and protections […]
Australia Unveils Permanent Migration Program for 2024-25
On 14 May 2024, the Australian Government announced the permanent Migration Program planning level for 2024–25 at 185,000 places. Of these, 132,200 places (about 70%) will be allocated to skilled workers to support Australia’s economy. From 2025–26 onward, the government will plan migration numbers for four years at a time instead of just one year. (Budget paper 2, p8) This change is […]