Trends on Australian Immigration for FY 2024-25
The Australian Government has released the budget for FY 2024-25, and there were no surprises that it has considered social, economic and government aspects that may have influenced the visa programs.
Below are some aspects that represents the trends of Australian Immigration for the FY 2024-25:
- The Department of Home Affairs will keep prioritising sectors that are in extreme shortage, health, engineering, technology, and science. If applicants do not fall under these occupations, it is very unlikely that they are going to be invited for Skilled Migration Programs. However, the lists change as per the States necessity and some occupations that may be not in shortage in some States, may be in shortage in other States.
- The Australia Department has encouraged international students to move to regional areas by having programs that offer concessions in age, salary, and English requirements, for example. Such programs are, for example, DAMAs, Labour Agreement and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Programs.
- The Department is trying to incentivise the Temporary Skilled Shortage Programs commonly called by internationals as “sponsor visas.” The Department has created a pathway for Temporary Skilled Shortage 482 visa holders to apply for a permanent residency after being 2 years on a 482 visa. These criteria may be eased to 1 year instead by the end of this year upon announcement from the Department of Home Affairs.
- The Department of Home Affairs is more closely assessing Student Visas based on the genuine statement and as per the Direction 107. The sector has seen an increase of student visa refusals as part of the assessment by the Department of Home Affairs since only genuine students must be granted a student visa. Those ones using the student visa program to enter the Australian Employment Market are considered to be non-genuine entrants.
- Extinguishment of COVID-19 stream of 408 visas even though some individuals still hold this visa, but they are not going to be eligible to reapply under the same stream.
- Support on the refugee and humanitarian programs as part of the global immigration crises and Australia’s commitments in support of international matters.
- Integration of Australia’s immigration systems and adjustments for a better processing, outcome, and control from the Department of Home Affairs.
Although the list above is exemplificative, there are various other trends that may impact other visas not listed above and industry sectors.
If you want to know more about Australian Immigration Trends for FY 2024-25, please do not hesitate to contact us on ross@crystalmigration.net or (02) 91892988.