Hello everyone, and welcome to our latest update on Australian immigration, as we wrap up another fiscal year filled with significant changes. We’re thrilled to share these crucial updates with you.
Expanding Opportunities In DAMA Updates
First up, great news for those looking at regional opportunities! The South Australian Regional DAMA and Adelaide City DAMA have been extended and expanded. This includes an impressive addition of 128 new occupations across various sectors like construction, agriculture, I-C-T, healthcare, education, and renewable energy. Key roles now accessible include registered nurses, disability and rehabilitation specialists, winery workers, sheep farm workers, truck drivers, bricklayers, and floor finishers. This expansion significantly broadens the employment prospects in regions famous for their vineyards like Barossa and Clare Valley.
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Student Visa and English Language Test Updates
Starting May 10, 2024, the financial requirements for student visa applicants have increased from $24,500 to $29,710. This aligns with the recent enhancements in the student visa framework, which now includes heightened English language prerequisites and the new genuine student requirement. In related news, the TOEFL iBT test is now accepted for all Australian visas, provided the test is taken at a recognized secure test center.
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Graduate Visa Changes and 476 Visa Closure Updates
A major shift is coming to the Graduate Visa program. Starting July 1, 2024, the maximum eligible age will be reduced from under 50 to under 35 years, with certain exceptions for Hong Kong and British overseas nationals. This change is accompanied by an increase in the minimum English requirement, and the validity period for English tests is now just one year prior to application.
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Skilled Points System and New Core Skills Occupation List
The government is also reviewing the points test for skilled visas, which could see changes like altered points for regional study and partner skills. Meanwhile, Jobs and Skills Australia is consulting on the new Core Skills Occupation List, which will dictate the occupations eligible for the upcoming Core Skills Visa, potentially replacing the 482 employer-sponsored visa.
VETASSESS Updates
VETASSESS has resumed accepting new applications for certain trades like cooks and motor mechanics, which is great news for professionals in these fields.
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State Nomination Closures
For those interested in state-nominated visas which are 190 and 491, note that Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory have already closed for expressions of interest, with other regions potentially following soon.
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