Earlier this year, the Australian government announced several immigration reform efforts to streamline certain procedures, expand pathways for permanent residency, and increase skilled-labor migration. Many of these changes go into effect on Saturday, July 1, 2023. We’ve summarized these changes below.
July 1 Changes for Australia Immigration
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The Australian government will increase visa application fees from July 1, 2023. Fee increases range from 6 – 40%. Business innovation and investment visas: 40%; Visitor, working holiday, work and holiday, training, temporary activity and temporary work (short stay specialist) visas: 15%; Other visas: 6%.
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From July 1, 2023, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold will increase from $53,900 to $70,000. New nomination applications after this date will need to meet the new TSMIT of $70,000 or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. Learn more»
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While we await additional information on the broader changes to streamline Labour Market Testing (LMT), we can confirm that effective immediately, Australian sponsor employers of UK citizens and permanent residents applying for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa will no longer be required to meet prescribed LMT requirements.
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The Working Holiday Maker 6-month work limitation extension ends on June 30, 2023. Any work that is carried out before July 1, 2023, will not be counted towards the 6-month limitation period. This means that from July 1, 2023, onwards, WHMs may work for any employer for up to an additional 6 months even if they worked for that same employer before July 1, 2023. This applies to anyone in Australia who either holds any kind of WHM visa, regardless of when they arrive, or holds a Bridging visa with condition 8547 imposed. Learn more»
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From July 1, 2023, work restrictions for all student visa holders, with the exception of those working in the aged care sector until December 31, 2023, will be re-introduced and capped at the increased rate of 48 hours per fortnight. Learn more»
What’s next: The Australian Department of Home Affairs website will undertake systems updates and some services will be unavailable from 8:30 pm (AEST) Friday, June 30, 2023, to 12:30 pm (AEST) Saturday, July 1, 2023, due to maintenance.
Australia & Global Partnerships
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India: MATES (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme), between Australia and India will open on July 1. Learn more»
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New Zealand: From July 1, 2023, New Zealand citizens who hold a non-protected Special Category (subclass 444) visa can apply for citizenship by conferral, subject to meeting other eligibility requirements. Learn more»
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UK: Under the Australia/UK Free Trade Agreement Working Holiday Maker program and Youth Mobility Scheme, UK nationals will be able to apply for a Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa if they are between 18 and 35 years old from July 1. Learn more»
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United States: The US State Department issued travel guidance for US citizens planning to travel to Australia (and New Zealand) for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, July 20 – August 21. Learn more»
The big picture: For more information, revisit last month’s Immigration Nerds podcast featuring Erickson Immigration Group senior manager for Australia, Martin Russell, in a conversation with host Lauren Clarke, about Australia’s expanded pathways to permanent residency.
👋If you have any questions specific to your global mobility program, or a case, please contact your employer or Erickson Immigration Group attorney.
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