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With the start of the 2023-24 financial year on 1 July 2023, there are several important updates to take note of. From new arrangements for Work and Holiday Makers to extended stays for select qualification holders, these changes aim to streamline processes, expand opportunities, and enhance Australia’s workforce.
Let’s dive into the key updates:
7 Key Changes to Australia Migration: What You Need to Know from 1st July 2023
1. Higher Income Threshold for Skilled Migration
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been increased to $70,000. Initially introduced in 2009, the TSMIT underwent annual indexation until 2013, at which point it was set at $53,900 and remained unchanged thereafter. This amendment represents the government’s initial response to the Independent Review of the Migration System and reflects the government’s policy objective of ensuring that skilled migrant workers have adequate means to support themselves in Australia.
2. Work & Holiday Makers
As of 1 July 2023, Papua New Guinea (PNG) has become the newest participant in the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program. This new agreement will enable up to 100 citizens of PNG to journey to Australia using the Work and Holiday visa. Individuals who have completed a minimum of two years of post-secondary study in Papua New Guinea can now apply for the Work and Holiday visa.
There’s also great news for applicants from the United Kingdom. The age limit for the Working Holiday visa has been extended from 30 to 35 years old. This change allows more UK citizens to embark on an adventure Down Under.
In the context of the WHM Program, as of 1 July 2023, Condition 8547 has also been reintroduced for participants of the program. This condition applies to individuals holding either Subclass 417 or Subclass 462 visas and restricts them from working with a single employer for more than six months. Relevantly, this change does not apply retrospectively, and any work carried out by a WHM prior to July will not be counted towards their six-month limit with the same employer.
3. Increase in Visa Fees
As part of the recent changes, Visa application charges (VACs) have also been adjusted in line with the 2023-24 forecast CPI. Most visa categories have experienced a 6% increase above CPI, with exceptions for certain visas. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most popular subclasses:
