New Australian Migration Policies 2024

Australian settlement streams

The Australian Department of Immigration offers various Australian visas for permanent residency tailored to your specific migration needs. Common types of Australian visas for PR in 2024 include:

• Subclass 189: Skilled Independent visa allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia without requiring sponsorship.
• Subclass 186: Employer Nomination Scheme visa: allows skilled workers sponsored by an employer to work and reside permanently in Australia.
• Subclass 801: Partner Visa (apply in Australia)
• Subclass 101: Child visa: sponsor your biological child or stepchild.
• Subclass 103: Parent visa: sponsor your parents to Australia
• Subclass 116: Carer visa: sponsored by a relative to care for an Australian in need.
• Subclass 888: Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa

Australian migration policy for marriage

According to the Partner visa policies Australia 2024-2025, the Partner visas remain unchanged at 40,500 places, the same as the previous financial year.

If you and your partner are not yet married, you can apply for the Australian Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300). This is a temporary visa for applicants outside of Australia. Once granted, you will have 15 months to travel to Australia and marry your partner.

In the case that you are already married and want to settle in Australia, you can apply for a Partner Visa (subclass 309/100 or subclass 820/801). The subclass 309/100 visa is for applicants outside Australia, while the subclass 820/801 visa is for applicants already in Australia.

Our consultant, Mr. Peter Cao, a registered migration agent (MARN: 1577877) and member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648), advises that a meticulously prepared and timely submitted application significantly enhances your likelihood of visa approval. For more details about Australian migration policies and personalized guidance, please reach out to VEM.

Australia’s immigration policy for families

This policy exemplifies the humanity of Australia, allowing you to reunite with your loved ones under a humanitarian visa Australia. You can even apply for Australian citizenship if you meet all the requirements.

Parent visas for Australia PR

According to the latest family visa policies Australia, you can bring your parents to Australia on a subclass 103 Parent visa, which is a non-contributory parent visa.

However, the processing time for the 103 Visa is often quite long. Therefore, you may consider applying for the 143 Visa, which is a contributory parent visa.

In addition, if your parents qualify for the age pension in Australia, the Aged Parent Visa subclass 804 allows you to sponsor your parents while they are already in Australia (instead of applying for the 103 Visa offshore). They will also be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) to stay in Australia during the waiting period for the 804 Visa.

Similarly to the 143 Visa, you can sponsor your parents with the 864 Visa once they qualify for the age pension in Australia. They will also be granted a BVA to remain in Australia while waiting for the 864 Visa to be processed.

In case your parents do not yet meet the Australia PR requirements for any above Australian visas, they can consider other types of Parent visas. They can also apply for a temporary visa first and later transition to a parent visa for Australia PR if eligible.

In the financial year 2024-2025, Australia is expected to issue 8,500 Parent visas and 500 other family visas.

Child visas for Australia PR

Australian permanent residents can sponsor their children to reunite with them in Australia. Depending on your situation, 101 visa, 102 Visa (adoption visa), or 445 Visa (dependent child visa).

According to Australia’s latest immigration strategy, the quota for child sponsorship visas in the 2024-2025 financial year is 3,000, the same as the previous financial year.

Other family visas for Australia PR

Australia also offers options for sponsoring other family members. If the applicant is your remaining relative, the 115 Visa is the best choice.

If your relative needs care due to a relative with a long-term medical condition, you can apply for the 116 Visa (Carer Visa).

For aged relatives dependent on you, the 114 Visa allows them to live permanently in Australia with their family.

Australia’s immigration policy for workers

Australian migration policies for workers are divided into two main categories: General Skilled Visas and Employer-Sponsored Visas.

General Skilled Visas include subclass 189, 190, 491, and 191 visas. These visas necessitate qualifications, skills assessments, and work experience. A key factor in applying for General Skilled visas is the Australian points-based immigration system, which determines eligibility and invitation for application.

Employer-Sponsored Visas include subclass 494, 482, and 186 visas. Unlike General Skilled Visas, Employer-Sponsored Visas do not require migration points but hinge on employer sponsorship and applicant qualifications.

If eligible for a regional provisional visa (subclass 491 or subclass 494), individuals can reside and work in regional Australia for up to five years. After three years in a regional area, application for Australian permanent residency is feasible through the subclass 191 visa.

Graduates in Australia can further their residency prospects via employer-sponsored visas such as subclass 482 or subclass 186.

Australia’s diverse range of skilled visa options attracts numerous qualified professionals. For tailored advice on the most suitable visa pathway, consult VEM. Our registered consultants provide expert guidance to navigate your immigration journey effectively.

Australian migration policies for students

Australia allows international students to stay, work, and eventually apply for Australian permanent residency if they meet the Australia PR requirements.

If you aim to settle in Australia through study, it’s crucial to plan your pathway carefully from the outset. This includes selecting a field of study from the priority occupations list eligible for settlement in Australia. Additionally, ensure the state where you study offers policies allowing students to stay, work, and settle.

After completing your study program with a Australian Student visa, the next step is to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa – Subclass 485 to gain work experience. Ultimately, obtaining a skilled visa is your pathway to remaining in Australia and achieving Australia PR.

Australia also offers the Student Guardian visa – subclass 590, which is designed for guardians of international students under 18 years old. This visa allows parents or other eligible relatives to travel to Australia to take care of their children while they study.

Australia’s immigration policy for tourists

The Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) permits travel for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends without work permission. Conversely, the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) allows holders to work in Australia for up to 1-3 years, depending on the country of origin!

Australia’s immigration policy for investors

Australia’s immigration policy for investors is structured around Business and Investment Visas, presenting appealing business opportunities within the country.

As of the end of July 2024, the Australian Government has discontinued the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa, subclass 188.

However, individuals who already hold a 188 visa and qualify for the subclass 888 visa, which grants permanent residency, can still proceed with this transition beyond July 2024.

Changes in the new Australian migration policy 2024 – 2025

Increased English Requirements for subclass 500 and subclass 485

For Student visa – Subclass 500:

The latest Student visa regulations Australia focus on the English requirements. Specifically:

• Minimum IELTS score increased from 5.5 to 6.0.
• Minimum IELTS score for the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) increased from 4.5 to 5.0.
• No IELTS certificate required for students enrolling only in ELICOS.

For Graduate Temporary visa – Subclass 485:

• Minimum IELTS score increased from 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill (listening, speaking, reading, writing).
• Note: The IELTS certificate is valid for one year from the date of application for subclass 485.

New Test for Student visa

The new Australian migration policies also stated that starting March 23, 2024, changes to the Student Visa (subclass 500) visa application process Australia will come into effect. Applicants will no longer be required to submit a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement.

Instead, the Genuine Student (GS) test will be introduced to assess the genuine intention of students to study in Australia. This new test aims to ensure that applicants genuinely intend to undertake their chosen course of study while in Australia.

Changes to Graduate Temporary Visa (Visa 485)

The Australian Department of Education has announced that the duration for which international students can stay and work in Australia with subclass 485 has been reduced from 4-6 years to 2-4 years.

Additionally, the maximum age for applying for Visa 485 has been lowered from 50 to 35 years from 1/7/2024.

Changes to Visa 482

The DHA recently reduced the work experience requirement for subclass 482 from 2 years to 1 year for all applications submitted from November 23, 2024.

Additionally, Australia plans to replace subclass 482 with the Skills In Demand visa by the end of this year. This new visa will be divided into three streams based on annual income and occupation.

Jobs and Skills Australia has also released a draft Core Skills Occupations List for consultation purposes. This Core Skills Occupations List may be applied similarly to the Migration Skilled Occupation List for Visa 482.

Australian Migration Program Planning Levels for 2024-2025

In the Australian migration policies 2024-2025, Australia has set a total of 185,000 visa places, reduced by 5,000 places compared to the previous year’s (190,000 places).

The Skilled Visas show the most notable changes, accounting for over 70%, totaling 132,200 places, a decrease of nearly 5,000 places from 2023-2024.

Notably, the Employer Sponsored visas have increased from 36,825 places to 44,000 places. This Skilled migration policy Australia aims to facilitate quicker pathways to permanent residency for temporary residents through visas such as the Subclass 482 or Subclass 457.

Additionally, Regional Skilled visas have increased from 32,300 places to 33,000 places this fiscal year. State and Territory Nominated visas also account for 33,000 places.

The Skilled visas program aims at attracting skilled labor to address Australia’s economic challenges and support economic recovery efforts. If you’re considering applying for a Skilled visa, it’s important to check the priority occupations list for 2024.

For personalized guidance on immigration pathways, please contact VEM. Mr. Peter Cao, a registered migration agent, accredited by MARA, can provide specific advice tailored to your situation.

Restricting onshore visa hopping to the Student visa (Subclass 500) program

According to the new Australian migration policies, from July 1st, 2024, Visitor visa and Temporary Graduate visa holders will no longer be able to apply for Student visas (subclass 500) onshore.

This change is made because there were more than 36,000 applications to transition from a visitor visa to a student visa from 1st July 2023 to the end of May 2024.

The change also makes it clear that graduates should either find skilled jobs and become permanent residents or depart the country to avoid staying temporarily forever.

Benefits of Australian permanent residency policies

Permanent residence benefits

The new Australian settlement policy has introduced many wonderful benefits:

• You will get an Australian passport – one of the “powerful” passports of the world.
• If you are an Australian permanent resident, you will live in Australia indefinitely.
• With an Australian passport, you can visit 157 countries without having to apply for a visa.

Health insurance benefits (Medicare)

Medicare (established in 1984), is Australia’s national health service. This is also seen as a great benefit in immigration policy in Australia.

• All Australian permanent residents are entitled to a Medicare support package.
• Retired permanent residents and Australian citizens both receive benefits. Besides, if they have an income below the specified level, they will have the opportunity to receive incentives. Or get some Medicare health care services for free.
• Medicare covers 75% – 100% of public healthcare costs.

Selling real estate in Australia

• Get tax incentives the first time you buy property in Australia.
• Perpetual ownership of real estate is allowed.
• Receive some financial incentives from the Australian Government when buying property.

Lower tuition fees

• Pay lower tuition fees than international students. For high school, your child is 100% supported by the Government.
• There is an opportunity to apply for about 60% of tuition fees support from the Australian Government (CSP Program).
• There is no limit on the number of degrees you want to pursue.
• Support for preschool tuition fees from the Australian Social Welfare Center.
• You can borrow money from HELP (the federal government’s education loan program) to pay for your tuition. Also, you don’t have to pay off debt until your income is high enough

The advantages of becoming an Australian citizen

Many people want to get Australian citizenship after permanently residing in this country as it brings the below benefits:

• Study, live and work in Australia.
• There is no restriction on the length of stay in Australia as a permanent resident.
• Right to vote.
• Enjoy full benefits in terms of health, education, social security.
• You can apply for citizenship for your children if they meet the Australian citizenship requirements.

How much money do you need to migrate to Australia?

As mentioned, there are currently many Australian immigration programs for you to choose from.

In addition, the amount of money you have to spend to settle in Australia depends on the type of visa you choose. 

The costs associated with each visa stream are detailed on the Department of Home Affairs’ website. For personalized advice and assistance, feel free to reach out to VEM.

Successful Australian settlement experience

Before you begin your Australian visa application journey, you should get updated from the latest Australian migration policies and consider learning from the experiences of those who have already successfully settled in Australia.

At VEM, many of our clients, like Mr. Dean, have achieved their goal of settling in Australia after receiving thorough assessment and guidance from our team. Mr. Dean, for example, chose VEM for assistance in sponsoring his wife to live in Australia, highlighting our expertise and support throughout his visa application process.

For an insightful review of Mr. Dean’s experience and to hear firsthand about his journey with VEM, watch the video below. It’s a valuable resource to understand the visa application process Australia and make informed decisions about your own visa application.

Expert Advice from Mr. Peter Cao, Licensed Australian Migration Consultant

Mr. Peter Cao, a professional migration consultant licensed by the Australian Government, has contributed to this article to assist you and your family in achieving the Australian dream efficiently.

Australian migration laws are subject to regular updates, and at VEM, we ensure we are always informed about the latest changes.

At VEM, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge necessary to achieve your aspirations in Australia. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. We’re here to help.

By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent

(MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648)

Frequently asked questions