Australia is set to implement substantial changes to its immigration policies in 2025, impacting foreign workers, students, and those seeking permanent residency. These reforms aim to align immigration with national priorities, focusing on economic growth, social cohesion, and regional development.
Key Changes and Updates:
- Migration Program Planning Levels: The permanent Migration Program for 2024–25 has been set at 185,000 places, with approximately 70% allocated to skilled migration. This indicates a priority in addressing skill shortages and driving economic development.
- Skills in Demand Visa: A new Skills in Demand visa will replace the current TSS 482 visa.
- Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL): The Australian Government announced the release of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). The new CSOL is a single consolidated list, informed by labour market analysis and stakeholder consultations by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) that provides access to temporary skilled migration for 456 occupations.
- Points Test Reform: The government will explore a reformed Points Test for permanent skilled migration and a new Talent and Innovation visa for migrants who can drive growth in sectors of Australia’s interest.
- Ending Onshore Visa Hopping: Measures to restrict “visa hopping” include preventing Visitor visa (sc 600) holders and Temporary Graduate (Sc 485) visa holders from applying for Student (Sc 500) visas onshore, commencing from July 1, 2024.
- Student Visa Regulations:
- Starting in 2025, Australia will cap international student enrollments at 270,000 to address resource allocation and housing shortages.
- Stricter adherence to Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) requirements will enhance academic integrity and transparency. As of January 1, 2025, Australia will require a CoE for student visa applications, replacing Letters of Offer.
- International students must secure a valid CoE before applying for visas, tying applicants to legitimate courses and institutions to reduce fraudulent enrollments.
- Financial stability will be scrutinized more thoroughly to ensure students can afford tuition and living expenses.
- While existing English language proficiency requirements remain, institutions must enforce stricter evaluations, especially for programs demanding advanced skills. In early 2024, the Australian Government will increase the English language requirements for Student visas.
- Work hour regulations limit international students to 48 hours per fortnight, balancing academic focus and financial independence.
- Work Experience Requirement Reduced: The government will reduce the work experience requirement for the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa from two years to one year for all applicants from November 23, 2024 onwards.
Changes in Visa Policies
Under the revised rules, international students must secure a valid CoE before applying for their visas. This measure ties applicants to legitimate courses and institutions, reducing fraudulent enrollments. Furthermore, financial stability will be scrutinized more thoroughly, ensuring that students can genuinely afford their tuition and living expenses.
Implications for Migrants
These changes signify a move towards targeted, skill-based migration, requiring preparation, adaptability, and strategic planning. The focus on skilled migration and regional opportunities, along with the National Innovation Visa, highlights Australia’s commitment to fostering economic growth and innovation. Stricter requirements for students and a reduced intake mean prospective migrants must stay informed and proactive.
