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Important changes are coming effective on the First of July 2023  

Following the federal budget for the fiscal year 2023-24, significant changes in Australia’s immigration landscape will be effective from 1st July 2023, as announced earlier this year.
 
The Australian government has implemented several measures to reshape the immigration system and prioritize skilled migration. 
In particular from 1st July 2023 these following changes will be active: 
 
– Visa Fees and Charges increasing
– Temporary Skilled Income threshold from $53,900 to $70,000
– Working hours for Student Visa
– Direct pathway to Citizenship for some New Zealanders 
– Work Limitation for Working Holiday visa 
 
 

|Skilled visa focus

Recognizing the need to bolster the Australian economy and address skill shortages, the federal budget 2023-24 places a strong emphasis on skilled migration.

190,000 places have been allocated for Migration Program 2023-24 , with major focus to skilled visa and family visa, the ratio will be 70 to 30 with 137,100 places for skilled streams, and 52,500 places for family stream. 

 

| Visa Fees and Charges increasing

One significant change in the federal budget is the increase in visa fees. 

Visa application may undergo from a 6% to a 40% price increase, in details: 

  • Visitor Visa, Working Holiday Visa, Work and Holiday visa, Training visa, Temporary Activity visa and Temporary work will increase by 15%
  • Business innovations and Investment visas will increase by 40%
  • Other Visas, (such as the Student Visa) will increase by 6%

 

| Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold Increase

As announced, from 1st July 2023, if a company would like to sponsor a person in Australia, they will have to guarantee a minimum of $70,000 annual salary. The previous threshold wad a minimum of $53,900, the amount hadn’t been touched for 10 years.

This change aim to attract more highly skilled people to work and live in Australia. 

 

| Student Visa Working Hours Increased

To deal with the workforce shortage in Australia during Covid travelling restriction, Australian Government had waived the working restrictions for all student visa, allowing them to work more than 20 hours a week. This will change on the 1st of July 2023. 

Previously limited to 40 hours per fortnight during study periods, students can now work up to 48 hours per fortnight. This change, effective from 1st of July 2023, aims to enhance the overall experience of international students, allowing them to balance their studies and gain practical skills through employment.

Moreover, from 1st July 2023, visa subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate visa- will be allowed to stay in Australia for longer periods of time: 

  • Bachelor’s degree graduate: 4 years
  • Master’s degree graduate: 5 years
  • Doctoral graduate: 6 years

 

|Direct pathway to Citizenship for New Zealand citizens

From July 1st, 2023 New Zealand citizens living in Australia for four years or more, will be able to apply for a direct pathway to the Australian Citizenship without apply for a Permanent visa first. This changes apply to New Zealand citizens holding a subclass 444 visa who arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001. 
 
 

|Work Limitation for Working Holiday visa

From July 1st, Working Holiday visa makers will be able to work for the same employer for a period of maximum 6 months. 
This condition was relaxed during the Covid period and extended up until the 30th of June 2023. Consequentially, from 1st July 2023 Working Holiday Visa makers can work for the same employer for no longer than 6 months. 
This applies to all the Working holiday visa types. 
 
Concluding: 
The federal budget 2023-24 brings significant changes to Australia’s immigration landscape, with a focus on skilled migration, family reunification, and enhanced support for international students. As prospective immigrants navigate these changes, it is crucial to stay informed and seek professional advice to ensure a smooth transition into the Australian community.

 

If you would like to book a consultation with one of our agents. Just call us on (08) 6117 4152 or write us at hello@getyourvisa.com.au or click on this following like to book your appointment https://www.getyourvisa.com.au/book-a-consultation/ . We will assess your circumstances, qualifications and experience to design the best option for you and your future!

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