Australia’s government has finally implemented several immigration changes that will impact current and would-be migrants to Australia. This time the changes are not related to Australia PR points but fees and access to permanent residency. The latest changes will streamline the key to permanent residence for skilled migrants who chose to reside in Australia during the Covid-19 outbreak.
As the Australian economy recovers from the pandemic, 2022 brings some alterations focusing on economic growth and addressing labor shortages across several industries.
Below are the critical changes Australia has implemented to its migration system from July 1.
A new pathway for TSS visa holders in short-term occupation
From July 1, 2022, TSS visa holders with occupations on the short-term list can Apply for permanent residency SC 186 after meeting the eligibility requirements for temporary residence.
Grandfathering arrangements
The government also announced the extension of the grandfathering provisions in place of 457 visa holders, who have held subclass 457 visa as of April 18, 2017. This arrangement was about to end in March 2021. However, the government provided the extension to 457 visa holders, further allowing them access to PR visa without meeting the age requirements.
Replacement Stream for Temporary Graduate Visas SC 485
With effect from July 1, the Graduate visa holders (Subclass 485 that expired on or after February 1, 2020) are eligible to apply for another visa 485 visa under a new replacement scheme if they couldn’t stay in Australia due to the pandemic restrictions.
Increase in visa application fees
The Department of Home Affairs has increased the visa application charges by 3% from July 1.
No skills assessment required for Subclass 485- Graduate work stream
From now, the applicants of subclass 485 visa are exempt from the skills assessment process of their nominated occupation.
Please note that the changes are applied to applications filed between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.
Working holiday visa
Australian Citizenship Application Payment
From July 1, 2022, your Australian Citizenship application payment must be in AUD instead of foreign currencies.
Ministry approval before changing the course
All international students applying for a visa post-July 1, 2022, must adhere to visa 8208, which requires obtaining written approval from the Minister of Home Affairs (MHA) before undertaking a critical technology-related course.
Studying in Australia will instantly increase your Australia PR points and make you eligible for permanent residency under many pathways.
Change to Job Ready Program (JRP)
The government has streamlined the Job Ready Program from four to three steps.
Increases in Fair Work High Income Threshold
From July 1, the Fair Work High Income Threshold has been increased from $158,500 to $162,000.
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