Australia Migration Strategy Changes July 2024

Key Takeaways:

Australia will close the Business Innovation and Investment visa and introduce a National Innovation Visa by end of 2024.
From July 2024, certain visa holders can’t apply for a Student visa while in Australia, to stop “visa hopping.”
Current visa holders should check eligibility for alternate pathways and refunds for subclass 188 visa applications will be available in September 2024.

What Changes Are Coming to Australia’s Migration System in July 2024?

The Australian government has set out a new vision for the country’s migration system through its recently published Migration Strategy, set to kick off in July 2024. This roadmap aims to overhaul the existing immigration rules, making them work better for workers, businesses, and the country as a whole. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about the upcoming changes.

Australia Migration Strategy Changes July 2024

What Is Happening to the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Subclass 188 Visa?

The government’s new Migration Strategy has big news regarding the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) subclass 188 visa. From July 2024, the government will not allocate any new places in this program. Instead, Australia plans to introduce a new National Innovation Visa by the end of 2024.

Studies from the Treasury and the Productivity Commission state that the current BIIP is not delivering the expected economic benefits to Australia. Based on these findings, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will close the BIIP permanently in July 2024.

Here’s what it means for current and prospective visa holders:
– No New Applications: DHA will stop accepting new applications for the BIIP subclass 188 visa.
– Processing Existing Applications: Current subclass 188 visa applications will still be processed per the government’s priorities and Migration Program planning levels.
– Permanent Pathway: Those holding a subclass 188 visa and meeting the criteria for the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) subclass 888 visa can continue on this path after July 2024.
– Visa Extensions: If you hold a subclass 188 visa in either the Business Innovation stream or the Significant Investor stream, you can still apply for an extension to give you more time to meet the subclass 888 visa requirements.
– Refunds Available: From September 2024, applicants can withdraw their BIIP subclass 188 visa application and get a refund for the application charge. More information on how and when to apply for a refund will be provided by DHA.

How Will Student Visa Transfers Change?

From 1 July 2024, certain visa holders in Australia will no longer be able to apply for a Student visa while in the country. This includes holders of the following visas:
– Temporary Graduate (subclass 485)
– Visitor (subclass 600)
– Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
– Medical Treatment (subclass 602)
– eVisitor (subclass 651)
– Transit (subclass 771)
– Maritime Crew (subclass 988)
– Diplomatic Temporary (subclass 995) – primary visa holders only
– Temporary Work (International Relations) (subclass 403) – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
– Domestic Worker (Temporary) (subclass 426) – Diplomatic or Consular

This list builds on current exclusions, aiming to tackle the issue of “visa hopping.” According to the Department of Home Affairs, this practice has led to a situation where many former international students remain “permanently temporary” in the country.

The department emphasizes:

“These changes, combined with other measures, will help to close this loophole and put an end to this practice.”

Therefore, Temporary Graduate Visa holders will need to either depart Australia or find skilled job opportunities and other visa pathways that could lead them to permanent residency. Visitor visa applicants planning to study will need to apply for a Student visa from outside Australia.

For more details on how to apply for specific visas and ensure compliance, visit the Department of Home Affairs.

What Should Current and Prospective Visa Holders Do?

Current Visa Holders:
– Check if you are eligible for the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) subclass 888 visa.
– Plan if you need to extend your current subclass 188 visa to meet the 888 visa requirements.
– Watch for the September 2024 guidelines on withdrawing your subclass 188 visa application and requesting a refund.

Prospective Visa Holders:
– Stay updated on the launch of the National Innovation visa at the end of 2024.
– If you plan to study in Australia, ensure you apply for a Student visa from outside the country.

Final Thoughts

These upcoming changes to Australia’s migration system aim to make the system more efficient and beneficial for everyone involved. With the closure of the Business Innovation and Investment program and the introduction of stricter rules for Student visa transfers, Australia’s government seeks to address current inefficiencies and promote pathways that contribute positively to the nation’s economy.

Stay informed and proactive to navigate these changes smoothly and prepare for the new opportunities that will arise from Australia’s revamped migration strategy in July 2024.

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Glossary of Immigration Terms

Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Subclass 188 Visa (BIIP): A visa that allows foreign entrepreneurs and investors to live in Australia temporarily to undertake business activities. From July 2024, no new applications will be accepted as the program will be replaced by a new National Innovation Visa.
National Innovation Visa: A forthcoming visa category planned to be introduced by the end of 2024, aimed at attracting innovative talent to Australia, replacing the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) subclass 188 visa.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): A visa allowing international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. As of July 2024, holders of this visa will not be able to apply for a Student visa while in Australia.
Visa Hopping: The practice of continuously applying for different temporary visas to extend one’s stay in a country without securing permanent residency. New changes aim to minimize this to avoid individuals remaining “permanently temporary” in Australia.
Department of Home Affairs (DHA): The Australian government department responsible for managing immigration, border control, and citizenship. It will enforce the new policies outlined in the migration strategy, including the cessation of the BIIP and the introduction of visa application guidelines.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Australia’s migration system is changing in July 2024. The Business Innovation and Investment visa will be replaced by a new National Innovation Visa. Additionally, specific visa holders, like those on Temporary Graduate visas, won’t be able to apply for a Student visa while in Australia, to reduce “visa hopping.”
— By VisaVerge.com

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