Leslie Massey
Australia's Migration Strategy, released on 11 December 2023, outlines significant long-term reforms to the country's immigration system, with changes taking effect in 2024. The strategy aims to simplify the migration process, address labour shortages, and boost the economy. Key changes include a new points system for permanent skilled migration, a Skills in Demand Visa, and targeted changes to temporary visas, including Student and Temporary Graduate visas. The government also plans to explore a reformed points test for permanent skilled migration that uses factors such as education, English language skills, occupation, and age. These changes aim to ensure migration supports regional development, addresses skill needs, and promotes worker mobility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Migration strategy | To simplify the immigration system and create a new visa for skills shortages |
| New visa | National Innovation Visa |
| Available to | Foreign nationals who can drive growth in sectors of national importance |
| Eligibility | Global researchers, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, athletes, and creatives |
| Commencement | Before the end of 2024 |
| New Skills in Demand Visa | Available on 7 December 2024 |
| Based on | Three pathways based on the foreign worker's proposed earnings in Australia |
| Core Skills Occupation List | Applicable to the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand Visa |
| New points system | Education, English language skills, occupation, and age |
| Targeted changes | Student and Temporary Graduate visas |
| Implementation of reforms | Phased approach throughout 2024 |
| International students | Welcomed and valued |
| English language requirements | Increased from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent) for Temporary Graduate visas |
| Minimum test score | Increased from IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent) for Student visas |
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What You'll Learn
A new points system for permanent skilled migration
Australia issues around 190,000 permanent visas per year, most of which are for skilled migration. These permanent residency visas are divided into two categories: Independent Skills Visas and Employer-Sponsored Visas.
The Australian government has implemented a points-based system for skilled migration visas, with each visa type having its own minimum points score. For example, a minimum of 65 points is required to submit an expression of interest for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). The Department of Home Affairs has an online Australian PR points calculator to help applicants determine their eligibility.
The points are awarded based on various personal factors. For instance, applicants can claim extra points if they are invited to apply for a visa by a state or territory government agency. Additionally, applicants can gain five extra points if their spouse or de facto partner possesses competent language skills. Single applicants are entitled to an additional 10 points, whereas previously, there were no points awarded for single applicants.
The points system for Australian General Skilled Migration Visas (subclass 189, subclass 190, and subclass 491) underwent changes in November 2019. It is important to stay updated with the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for any further changes to the legislation.
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New National Innovation visa
The National Innovation Visa (NIV/858 visa) is a new Australian migration option designed to attract a diverse group of highly skilled individuals with international recognition. The visa aims to drive growth in sectors of national importance by attracting top talent in future-focused fields.
The NIV is open to applicants of any age, although those under 18 or over 55 must demonstrate that they will be of ''exceptional benefit' to the Australian community. The visa is targeted at researchers and thought leaders, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, and athletes and creatives representing Australia internationally.
Researchers and thought leaders eligible for the visa include global experts in academia with substantial publication records and high citation counts. For example, those published in leading journals or with significant numbers of citations. Entrepreneurs eligible for the visa include both established and emerging innovators, especially those with experience in successful state and territory-led programs.
The 'innovative investors' category focuses on the quality of investment rather than simple financial thresholds. Athletes and creatives eligible for the visa include those who represent Australia on the global stage in sports, the arts, or other creative domains.
Applications for the National Innovation Visa are by invitation following the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI). This ensures a streamlined selection process that identifies only the most exceptional and talented individuals.
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Targeted changes to temporary visas
Australia's Migration Strategy, released on 11 December 2023, includes targeted changes to temporary visas, such as Student and Temporary Graduate visas. These changes aim to strengthen the integrity and quality of Australia's international education programs and better protect international students.
One significant change is the increase in the minimum English language proficiency requirement for Student visas. The score has been raised from 5.5 to 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or its equivalent. Similarly, for Temporary Graduate visas, the required IELTS score has increased from 6.0 to 6.5, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component. These changes ensure that students have adequate English skills to support their learning and future employment outcomes.
The Migration Strategy also introduces a new Skills in Demand visa, offering a clearer pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers. This visa has three streams based on the foreign worker's proposed earnings in Australia. Businesses sponsoring foreign nationals under this visa will benefit from faster processing times and greater flexibility in occupation lists, promoting innovation and job creation.
Additionally, the Australian government is committed to prioritising visas for regional Australia. They will evaluate the Working Holiday Maker program and regional migration settings to ensure that migration supports development objectives in these areas. This includes addressing skills needs, promoting worker mobility, and simplifying the migration system to drive long-term prosperity in regional Australia.
The Australian government started consultations in early 2024 to gather feedback from stakeholders, industry bodies, and the public on the conditions for each visa program under review. The implementation of these reforms is expected to occur in a phased approach throughout 2024.
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Commitment to regional Australia visas
Australia offers a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional areas. This visa is available for specific states, including Victoria and New South Wales (NSW). To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet the basic criteria set by Home Affairs and the specific requirements of the state they wish to migrate to.
For Victoria, applicants must be committed to living and working in regional Victoria and have their Registration of Interest (ROI) selected. They must have a valid skills assessment in an occupation on the eligible skilled occupation list, achieving at least 65 points on the Australian Government's points test. Applicants must be under 45 years old and have at least competent English skills, with a valid English language test at the time of application.
In NSW, there are three pathways to nomination for the subclass 491 visa. Pathway 1 is for those currently employed by a regional NSW employer, Pathway 2 is by invitation from Investment NSW, and Pathway 3 is for recent graduates from a Regional NSW institution. Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree or higher from an institution in a designated regional area of NSW and be eligible to claim points for 'Study in regional Australia', which must be listed in their SkillSelect EOI.
The subclass 491 visa allows skilled migrants to live, work, and study in designated regional areas for a period of five years. It is important to note that state nominations cannot be transferred between states, and applicants should ensure they meet the requirements for their desired state before submitting their Expression of Interest (EOI).
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New measures to strengthen the integrity and quality of Australia's education programs
Australia has recently announced a series of new measures and reforms to strengthen the integrity and quality of its international education sector. These changes are designed to combat fraud and exploitation in the country's student visa system, underscoring the nation's commitment to providing quality education and protecting students.
The new measures include banning agent commissions on student transfers between Australian institutions and barring education agents from holding ownership stakes in Australian education providers. The government is also strengthening the monitoring of the system, focusing on identified risk indicators such as student attendance, to ensure compliance and address non-compliance among providers.
A new integrity unit is being established within the VET regulatory authority, with expanded powers to take action for non-compliance. The government has also announced plans for a strengthened monitoring framework to ensure compliance by education providers, giving them greater access to agent performance data such as student completion and visa rejection rates.
These measures are informed by reviews and reports, such as the Nixon Review and the 2023 interim report of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, which identified the need for increased monitoring and integrity in the international education sector. The reviews also highlighted the activities of education agents and their interactions with providers in Australia as an area of concern.
The Australian government recognises the importance of international education as the country's fourth-largest export industry. These new measures aim to protect the sector's integrity and quality, ensuring its long-term success and sustainability while also maintaining Australia's reputation as a global leader in education.
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Frequently asked questions
The Migration Strategy is a roadmap to significant long-term reforms to Australia's migration system, with the goal of achieving sustainable and pre-pandemic migration levels. It was released on 11 December 2023.
The Strategy introduces a new Skills in Demand Visa with three pathways based on foreign workers' proposed earnings. It also includes a new points system for permanent skilled migration, which considers factors like education, English language skills, occupation, and age.
The Australian government started consultations in early 2024 and the implementation of reforms is expected to take place in a phased approach throughout 2024.
Yes, the English language requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas have changed as of 23 March 2024. The minimum test score for a Student visa has increased from IELTS 5.5 to 6.0, and for a Temporary Graduate visa from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5.
The Migration Strategy provides clear post-study pathways for international students, including opportunities to stay and work in Australia for a limited time. For some graduates with skills and qualifications needed in Australia, there are pathways to permanent residency.
