Since July 1st, 2023, a series of changes affecting foreign nationals wishing to travel and work in Australia have taken effect. As outlined by Australian Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, these amendments have brought about substantial alterations to the migration rules prior to that date. The reforms were designed to:
- Streamline the selection process for highly-skilled overseas migrants.
- Improve labor market flexibility for temporary migrants.
- Incentivize international students to prolong their stay in Australia.
Moreover, these changes now have implications for current and prospective visa holders, expatriates, and businesses requiring access to in-demand workers. With increased visa filing fees, it's crucial for all relevant parties to understand these new process requirements and navigate potential cost implications proactively.
Since July 1, 2023:
- Changes have affected foreign nationals wishing to travel and work in Australia.
- Employers are provided with the ability to select highly-skilled migrants from overseas, increasing labor market mobility for temporary migrants and encouraging international students to stay in the country.
From July 1, 2023:
- The overall cost of international assignments to Australia may have increased due to raised visa filing fees.
Starting May 31, 2023:
- Businesses applying for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa for U.K. passport holders no longer need to meet Labour Market Testing (LMT) requirements, courtesy of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (Australia-U.K. FTA).
From July 1, 2023:
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U.K. passport holders aged 18-35 have been eligible to apply for a Working Holiday visa, with the prospect that by July 1, 2024, they will be able to obtain up to three separate Working Holiday visas without specific work requirements.
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New Zealand citizens residing in Australia for at least four years can now directly apply for Australian citizenship without first needing to secure a permanent visa.
For New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category Visa (SCV) (subclass 444) from July 1, 2023:
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Long-term New Zealand citizens in Australia have had their period of permanent residence backdated for citizenship purposes.
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All New Zealand citizens with an SCV are now regarded as permanent residents for citizenship purposes.
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SCVs granted before July 1, 2022, have had their period of permanent residence backdated to that date.
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SCVs granted for the first time on or after July 1, 2022, are considered permanent residents from the date of their SCV grant.
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Any child born in Australia on or after July 1, 2022, to an SCV holder may have automatically acquired Australian citizenship at birth.
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The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) increased from $53,900 to $70,000.
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Visa application charges (VACs) rose by the 2023-24 forecast consumer price index (CPI) of 3.25%.
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Student visa holders have had to adhere to new visa work conditions, with their permitted work hours having increased from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight. Those working in the ‘aged care’ sector have unlimited work rights until December 31, 2023.
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Working Holiday Maker visa holders also began following new visa work conditions. Generally, they can only work for one employer for up to six months based on their original visa condition. Work performed for an employer before July 1, 2023, isn't counted towards this six-month period.
The extensive amendments to Australia’s migration rules which started from July 1, 2023, brought significant implications for foreign nationals wishing to live, work, or study in Australia. With these changes, the Australian government aimed to bolster economic potential and growth. Agreements with the United Kingdom and New Zealand mark significant advancements in international relations. However, the cost increase in visa applications means both individuals and businesses need careful planning and budgeting. Being informed and prepared for these changes is crucial for those engaging with Australia's changing migration scene.