Under the government's Migration Strategy, the age limit on some visas will be reduced and a ballot process will be introduced for others. In December 2023, the federal government announced a raft of changes to visas in its new Migration Strategy, which will affect people currently studying and working in Australia and those who wish to apply.

The government says the strategy will streamline the system, target labour and skills shortages in Australia, and help tackle the exploitation of migrant workers and 'permanent temporariness' among visa holders.

Some changes have already come into effect, but many new measures begin on 1 July 2024.

What visa changes are coming into effect on 1 July?

• Visa Ballot Process

The government is introducing a pre-application ballot process for certain kinds of visas.

From 1 July, nationals of China, Vietnam, and India who want to undertake a working holiday in Australia will first have to apply for one of a limited number of places via a ballot—which costs $25.

They can apply for the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) if selected.

The ballot will replace the current 'first-come-first-served' system, which the government says will make the process fairer and more efficient.

That’s because the Work and Holiday visa has caps: there are 1,500 places in Vietnam. India’s program has not yet commenced, but it's expected to be set at 1,000. China has the highest cap of the three countries, with 5,000 places.

The pre-application ballot will also be introduced for a new visa for young professionals from India.

• A new visa for young Indian professionals

From 1 July, Indian nationals aged 18-30 with qualifications in popular technology fields will be eligible for a new temporary visa of up to two years.

The program is called MATES, which stands for Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme.

It is a pilot program with 3,000 places for primary applicants with qualifications in renewable energy, mining, engineering, information and communication technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and agricultural technology.

Eligible individuals who win a place in the ballot process can then apply for the visa, which costs $365.

Immediate family members on this visa will not count towards the 3,000-place cap.

This visa results from the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement, made in May 2023.

• Onshore student visa applications

A range of measures affecting international students have already been enacted this year. The government is now tightening restrictions on who can apply for Student visas in Australia.

Starting on July 1, specific visitor, maritime, and temporary graduate visa holders will no longer be eligible to apply for onshore student visas.

Holders of these visas will no longer be allowed to apply from within Australia:

• Temporary Graduate (subclass 485)


• Visitor (subclass 600)


• Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)


• Medical Treatment (subclass 602)


• eVisitor (subclass 651)


• Maritime Crew (subclass 988)

• Temporary Graduate visas

The length of stay for Temporary Graduate visa (TGV) holders is being reduced, and a new age limit is being imposed.

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 486) is being streamlined from four streams into three and renamed as follows:

1. Graduate Work Stream → becomes the Post-Vocational Education Workstream


2. Post-Study Work Stream → becomes the Post-Higher Education stream


3. Second Post-Study Work Stream → becomes the Second Post-Higher Education Workstream


4. Replacement Stream → removed

The age limit has been reduced to 35 years of age or under.

After some confusion about how this would affect research students undertaking a master's or doctorate (PhD), the government has clarified that they will still be eligible until age 50. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders will still be eligible until age 50.

The length of stay doesn't change for holders of a TGV in the Post-Vocational Education Workstream — it remains up to eighteen months.

However, for those in the Post-Higher Education Workstream, the length of stay changes as follows: individuals completing a bachelor's degree, including honors, can stay up to two years. For a master's degree by coursework, the maximum stay will be up to two years, and for students studying a master's by research or a PhD, three years.

The length differs for TGV holders who graduated from a regional educational institution and have lived in a regional area for at least two years.

For Indian nationals, initial stay periods won’t change.

• Temporary skills visas

Conditions for migrants on certain temporary visas have also changed. If they stop working with their sponsoring employer, they will have longer to make arrangements.

The changes affect holders of the following visas:

• Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457)


• Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)


• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494)

They will now have longer to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or arrange to leave Australia:

• 180 days at a time, or


• A maximum of 365 days across the entire visa grant period.

Visa holders will be allowed to work for other employers during this time. The changes apply to existing visa holders and those granted a visa on or after 1 July.

• Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP)

The government is closing the Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) visa (subclass 188). This visa allows holders to own and manage a business, conduct business and investment activity, or undertake an entrepreneurial activity in Australia.

No new allocations for the BIIP will be provided from 1 July. Instead, a National Innovation visa will be available at the end 2024.

Holders of the provisional BIIP (subclass 188) eligible for subclass 888 — the permanent equivalent — can continue on this pathway after July 2024.

What other changes are ahead in 2024?

• Skills in Demand visa

A significant commitment to the Migration Strategy is the creation of the Skills in Demand visa, which the government will introduce towards the end of 2024.

This four-year temporary skills worker visa is intended to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482), which currently permits holders to live in Australia while working full-time for a sponsoring employer.

The Skills in Demand visa targets three pathways:

1. Specialist Skills: fast-tracks applications from high-earning professionals with skills in areas like technology and green energy industries


2. Core Skills: focuses on areas with shortages to simplify the application process and create an occupation list designed to be regularly updated


3. Essential Skills: targets lower-paid workers in critical sectors like aged care

• A new National Innovation visa

Not many details have been released about this visa, but it is intended to attract high-performing researchers and investors. It will combine and replace the Global Talent visa (subclass 858) and the BIIP.

Kochi, June 11: ACET Migration Services Australia, south India’s biggest migration consultants and Australian government authorized MARA consultants, has launched an awareness drive in Kerala on migration and global careers to help those aspiring for a bright future abroad to avoid scams and pitfalls.

Starting their journey with Ignite Potential Incorporated, an NGO established in 2018, Sulal Mathai and Mathews David worked voluntarily to support new migrants in Australia. They realized the need of initial support for migrants such as how to find professional jobs, any qualification required to get employment, adapting to cultural differences and founded Ignite to support newcomers.

Starting with an employment program, over the years Ignite Potential expanded their programs in the areas of settlement, employment, training, and social enterprise opportunities to migrants arriving in Australia. Ignite receives funding from either State/Territory governments and Australian government, hence all programs are free-of-cost for participants.

Through this initiative, Mathews helped many migrants on migration matters and he ended up studying Migration law and become a Registered MARA consultant. Now as co-founder and Principal Migration Consultant of ACET Migration Australia, he wants to educate people on how not to be trapped in one’s migration journey. “ACET is launching an awareness campaign, called ‘Australian migration – Myths and Facts’, which is aimed to educate people on common myths about international migration and show them how to avoid scams”, he said.

Australia is one of the top five countries which people across the globe consider for migration, ACET officials said. Indians lead the list of migrants into Australia post pandemic, considering it a secure migration destination. Most of them realise their dreams through skilled migration or by choosing an educational pathway to Australia.

“Sadly, realising this demand many consultancies are involved in deception, fraudulent activities and giving false hopes and promises to those seeking the Australian dream”, said ACET Migration co-founder and Career Coach Sulal Mathai.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEjTrlL75ZA
Considering the lack of knowledge for international students who consider the migration option after completing their studies, ACET is planning to bridge the gap by introducing a career aptitude test at the early stages of their admission to help students identify their areas of interest. ACET will also help students in understanding occupations that are in demand so that they can identify potential career opportunities of the future.



ACET aims to work with schools and colleges through informative sessions and aid over half a million students in Kerala over the next five years by providing them amplified guidance for a strong future, the co-founders said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBoavFbqtPk

ACET has offices across multiple continents, including four offices in Australia at Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Darwin. Its other offices are in Dubai, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

For more details, contact Mob:7592992991

 

The Australian Federal Budget was announced on May 14, 2024. Several reforms have been planned for skilled migrants, such as the National Innovation Visa, cutting back on work experiences, and allocating more budgets to immigration-related programs, promising to usher brighter days for migration systems.

Prepare to discover the opportunities that will turn your Australian dream life into a reality!

 

Skilled Migration Takes Center Stage

For the fiscal year 2024-25, the Australian government has prioritized skilled migration in its permanent migration program. Out of the 185,000 spots planned, over 70% (132,200 spots) are allocated to the skill stream. The goal is to tackle the labor market needs and boost their economic growth by recruiting highly qualified individuals who can contribute to key industries.

 

Reduced work Experience Prerequisites

The government will lower the work experience requirement for the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa from two years to just one year, effective November 23, 2024, onwards, expecting to increase the pool of skilled and eligible visa applicants with an anticipated surge in receipts and expenditures.

 

Four-Year Planning Horizon 

For improved stability and predictability, the government will implement a new strategy starting in 2025-26, expanding the permanent migration programs planning horizon to 4 years from 1 year, enabling better planning for both government and potential migrants and resource allocation due to this expanded time frame.

 

Investing In improvements 

The Australian government has allocated $18.3 million over the next four years to reinforce its immigration framework. Some of their key initiatives are as follows- 

• Information and Education Initiatives ($15 million): Spread across three years, this initiative aims to equip migrants with adequate knowledge and skills to comprehensively understand their legal rights, workplace integrity, safety procedures, and immigration conformity.


• Data Matching Pilot Program ( $1.9 million ): Addressing the exploitation of migrant workers and safeguarding the integrity of their labor market and migration framework.

The goal is to protect the rights and well-being of all migrant workers while upholding the integrity of the Australian Immigration system.

 

Opportunity for Indian Nationals.

The announcements contain some exciting news for Indian Nationals. At least 3,000 graduates and early career professionals between the ages of 18 and 30 will be provided employment opportunities in Australia for a duration of two years.

This opportunity is put forth by the Mobility and Talent Exchange Scheme (MATES), recruiting those with expertise in specific fields of study.

Additionally, the Australian government has increased the visa validity of Subclass 600 for Indian business visitors to 5 years. This is to attract skilled Indian talent to contribute to the Australian workforce while strengthening their ties with the Indian front.

 

National Innovation Visa and BIIP Update 

The government is all set to introduce a revised National Innovation Visa aimed at attracting and inviting exceptionally skilled migrants who can spur development in sectors of national significance. 

Furthermore, applicants withdrawing from the Business Innovation and Investment Visa Program (BIIP) applications can expect refunds starting in September 2024. The conclusion of the BIIP program signals a shift in focus toward other visa programs for business investment.

This update focuses on revealing the new streamlined immigration system, which highlights the Australian government's commitment to and prioritization of skilled migration, protection of workers' rights, migrant integration, and economic growth. Stay tuned for further updates!

Australia brings a kaleidoscope of trends with diverse landscapes and unique charms. It invites you to explore the chance to acquire your golden ticket with ACET migration. We at ACET meticulously track Australia's constantly evolving migration trends to help our clients confidently navigate the changing terrains. 

 

Understanding Australia’s Growth 

 

Net Overseas Migration, or NOM, determines Australia's Population. This significant figure reflects the number of people entering the country as opposed to those who leave. The NOM is influenced by International Students, Professionals, and humanitarian cases seeking refuge. . 

 

Skilled Migration—The purpose of skilled stream migration is to draw immigrants who significantly boost the Australian economy and fill job vacancies. Due to the extremely high rates of labor force involvement, skilled migrants contribute to economic growth and the creation of new job opportunities. This year, the Australian government prioritized skilled migration as part of its permanent migration program agenda. Additionally, the skilled stream contributes significantly to regional development by supplying labor and skills not readily available locally.

 

Student Visa - Australia's general migration trend has been impacted by its student visa policies. International student enrolment in Australia has increased significantly in recent years, particularly post-pandemic, and reached a record high of over 713,000 as of February 2024.

 

Employer sponsorship visa- The employer sponsorship visa enables Australian companies to appoint highly qualified immigrants and hire those who can fill skill shortages. This invariably results in improved productivity, creativity, and the introduction of new ideas, stimulating economic growth.

 

Family visas - These enable permanent residents to reunite with their family members, strengthening social coherence by enabling families to connect and be together and resulting in a more nuanced cultural diversity.

 

Humanitarian program - Australia has a long tradition of accepting refugees and asylum seekers for resettlement through its humanitarian programs. These programs are dedicated to providing protection for people who arrive lawfully, demonstrating Australia's international obligations and compassion for those seeking humanitarian services and escaping persecution.

 

Australian Migration Program - 

 

The Australian government annually checks and adjusts its migration policies and visa categories on the basis of several factors, such as social needs, migrant integrity, economic conditions, and global standards. As per this year's federal budget announcements, the program has found a significant shift in priority towards skilled migration. It invites professionals and field experts to join the  Australian labor market. Indian nationals, especially, have found a new place in the Aussie workforce. Over 3000 career opportunities await Indian talents. Further, the Australian government has issued the revision of the National Innovation visa and the conclusion of the Business Innovation and Investment visa program (BIIP). 

 

State of the States- 

 

New South Wales—The bustling global metropolis of Sydney continues to draw in immigrants, with 4000 nominations each year. The NSW skilled nominated (subclass 190) visa is among the most competitive. It is one of the highest-paying visas, covering 51% of all employment in the following sectors: retail trade, Health care, Professional, scientific, Education, and Technical Services. However, the new trend in NSW is that people seek an affordable and relaxed lifestyle in regional New South Wales.

 

Victoria - Migrants are still drawn to Melbourne because of its vibrant cultural scene and varied job market, similar to that of New South Wales. With 53% of total employment, Victoria also experiences a rising trend towards regionalization.

 

Queensland—Popularized by its sunshine and affordable housing, interstate migration has seen a steady increase. This constant influx is particularly true in regions like the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

 

Western Australia - Specifically Perth, is subject to swings in the fortunes of the mining industry.

 

Southern Australia - Adelaide draws a constant stream of immigrants with a balanced lifestyle at its center. The state actively encourages migration to meet its labor market demands, pioneering in fields of the future like machine learning and renewable energy. Leading the way in innovation and business development in varied sectors like VR, AR, VFX, and other Creative industries.

 

Australia's migration process is a complex ballet of historical patterns, contemporary conditions, and future considerations. With ACET migration by your side, we help you navigate this intriguing dance.

 

The Australian Federal Budget was announced on May 14, 2024. Several reforms have been planned for skilled migrants, such as the National Innovation Visa, cutting back on work experiences, and allocating more budgets to immigration-related programs, promising to usher brighter days for migration systems.

Prepare to discover the opportunities that will turn your Australian dream life into a reality!

 

Skilled Migration Takes Center Stage

For the fiscal year 2024-25, the Australian government has prioritized skilled migration in its permanent migration program. Out of the 185,000 spots planned, over 70% (132,200 spots) are allocated to the skill stream. The goal is to tackle the labor market needs and boost their economic growth by recruiting highly qualified individuals who can contribute to key industries.

 

Reduced work Experience Prerequisites

The government will lower the work experience requirement for the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa from two years to just one year, effective November 23, 2024, onwards, expecting to increase the pool of skilled and eligible visa applicants with an anticipated surge in receipts and expenditures.

 

Four-Year Planning Horizon 

For improved stability and predictability, the government will implement a new strategy starting in 2025-26, expanding the permanent migration programs planning horizon to 4 years from 1 year, enabling better planning for both government and potential migrants and resource allocation due to this expanded time frame.

 

Investing In improvements 

The Australian government has allocated $18.3 million over the next four years to reinforce its immigration framework. Some of their key initiatives are as follows- 

• Information and Education Initiatives ($15 million): Spread across three years, this initiative aims to equip migrants with adequate knowledge and skills to comprehensively understand their legal rights, workplace integrity, safety procedures, and immigration conformity.


• Data Matching Pilot Program ( $1.9 million ): Addressing the exploitation of migrant workers and safeguarding the integrity of their labor market and migration framework.

The goal is to protect the rights and well-being of all migrant workers while upholding the integrity of the Australian Immigration system.

 

Opportunity for Indian Nationals.

The announcements contain some exciting news for Indian Nationals. At least 3,000 graduates and early career professionals between the ages of 18 and 30 will be provided employment opportunities in Australia for a duration of two years.

This opportunity is put forth by the Mobility and Talent Exchange Scheme (MATES), recruiting those with expertise in specific fields of study.

Additionally, the Australian government has increased the visa validity of Subclass 600 for Indian business visitors to 5 years. This is to attract skilled Indian talent to contribute to the Australian workforce while strengthening their ties with the Indian front.

 

National Innovation Visa and BIIP Update 

The government is all set to introduce a revised National Innovation Visa aimed at attracting and inviting exceptionally skilled migrants who can spur development in sectors of national significance. 

Furthermore, applicants withdrawing from the Business Innovation and Investment Visa Program (BIIP) applications can expect refunds starting in September 2024. The conclusion of the BIIP program signals a shift in focus toward other visa programs for business investment.

This update focuses on revealing the new streamlined immigration system, which highlights the Australian government's commitment to and prioritization of skilled migration, protection of workers' rights, migrant integration, and economic growth. Stay tuned for further updates!

 

Australian IT sector has been in rapid growth since 2015. Australian Computer Society (ACS) recently conducted a survey focusing on ICT-skilled migrants, revealing overwhelmingly positive outcomes and painting a brighter picture of opportunities in Australia.

According to ACS, over 90% of ICT-skilled migrants successfully secured employment, with 80% obtaining positions within the IT sector. ACS is the professional association for tech professionals, championing the technologies, people and skills critical to powering Australia's future. ACS is also authorised to assess the skills and qualifications of IT and Data Science professionals on behalf of the Australian Government.

Growth of ICT Market in Australia

The growth trajectory of the ICT market in Australia is remarkable. Valued at US$ 78.14 billion in 2022, it is projected to expand at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.69%, reaching US$ 148.44 billion by 2027. The cumulative revenue forecast for ICT providers during 2022-2027 stands at US$ 650.76 billion, with top product/service categories including SaaS, Systems Design and Integration, and Human Resources BPO.



Australian ICT companies such as Canva, Atlassian, Afterpay, Wisetech Global, and others are making significant strides globally, solidifying their positions as industry leaders. Notably, Australia ranks 4th as the world's most attractive online consumer market. Businesses in the country is also projected to increase IT spend by 13%, compared to 4% globally. Furthermore, Australia is positioned as the 2nd fintech hub in the Asia-Pacific region and 6th globally. By 2025, it is anticipated that 95% of the population will have access to 5G coverage.

Now is the Time

The current landscape presents an opportune moment for IT and ICT professionals, particularly those specializing in roles such as Data Architect, Data Warehousing Specialist, Data Scientist, Computer Systems Engineer, Software Developer, and Network Support Specialist, to consider migrating to Australia. Over the next five years, working within Australia's burgeoning ICT market and esteemed companies promises invaluable global exposure.

Start the Process

The ACS Migration Skills Assessment is a critical step in applying for your visa. It is a process for assessing and validating your IT qualifications and work experience to determine your eligibility for skilled migration to Australia. So, if you are looking for a positive outcome of the Skill Assessment, then start the process with guidance. You can contact our team for a free eligibility check before initiating your migration journey. It helps to understand the process and make an informed decision. We would like to recommend using Australian based MARA agents to begin your Australian migration journey. If you would like to know more about us please contact ACET Migration. 

Source: CRN, Global Australia – Why Australia, Global Australia – ICT Market Size and Forecast

Australia is young. Most of the population is of young & working people and for the next 10 years, the young energy of the country will grow. And if there is a growth, then the entire ecosystem grows, bringing in boundless possibilities for everyone.



Key statistics reveal that the 2/3^rd of the population growth in Australia comes from migration. This is a clear indicator of different cultures & new perspectives, and the young population will keep growing in Australia, increasing diversity and generating more & new demands.

For the next 10 years, the growth in demand for products and services is predicted to grow in all age groups. On one hand, the population growth will be over 16% between the age group of 18 to 50 years, while on the other hand, the population of people above 50 years will double.

The increase in the population of young and working people increases the demand in the sectors supporting their living hoods like rental homes, FMCG, hospitality, entertainment and more. As the number of people above 50 years of age, is going to double up, the industries which will serve them, like health care, hospitality etc. are likely to grow at a similar rate. This will also boost the need for working professionals in Australia, attracting more migrants between 25 to 35 years.

Numbers are predicting growth. And the growth is fuelling the growth for the next 10 years. It’s the right time to move to Australia, as your next crucial 10 years of career, will be supported by the growing & thriving economy. Today is a step you must take for a prosperous life of yours.

If you are considering migration to Australia, this is a good time. You can contact our team for a free eligibility check prior to initiating your migration journey. It helps to understand the process and make an informed decision. We would like to recommend using MARA agents to begin your Australian migration journey. If you would like to know more visit ACET Migration and explore the world of new possibilities.

Source: The New Daily, Australian Bureau of Statistics