Australia's new Migration Strategy, which takes effect in December 2023, includes significant changes to visa regulations to streamline processes and address labor shortages. These reforms affect both current and prospective visa holders.
Key Changes Effective July 1, 2024:
1. Visa Ballot Process:
Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indian nationals must now apply for limited Work and Holiday visa places through a pre-application ballot, replacing the previous 'first-come-first-served' system.
Caps: China (5,000 places), Vietnam (1,500 places), and India (1,000 places).
2) MATES Visa for Indian Professionals:
Starting July 1, Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 with technical qualifications can apply for the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme (MATES).
Offers up to two years, with a 3,000-person cap excluding immediate family members.
3) Changes to Temporary Graduate visas:
Temporary Graduate visas (subclass 485) are now divided into three categories: Post-Vocational Education, Post-Higher Education, and Second Post-Higher Education.
The age limit has been reduced to 35 years, except for PhD candidates and certain passport holders.
4) Temporary Skill Visas:
Visa holders (subclass 457, 482, 494) have 365 days to find new sponsors if their employment ends, promoting flexibility.
5) Business Innovation and Investment Programme (BIIP):
Closure of the BIIP visa (subclass 188) on July 1, with a transition to a new National Innovation visa by the end of the year.
Upcoming Changes in 2024:
1. Skills In Demand Visa:
Introducing a four-year temporary visa for high-income professionals in the technology and green energy sectors.
2. National innovation visa:
Combines Global Talent and BIIP visas to attract top researchers and investors.
These changes aim to better manage skilled migration, address sectoral needs, and ensure fair visa processes for all applicants in Australia's changing economic landscape.
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