The Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) Program

Set up by the Australian Government and run by the UnitingCare Network, the EVP Program provides financial assistance and confidential support for people who have recently left or are planning to leave a violent relationship. It aims to help individuals move forward and set up their own homes free of violence. Applicants could be eligible for up to $5,000 in financial assistance, which includes:

• Up to $1,500 in cash.
• Up to $3,500 in goods or services. 
• Time-limited support, including casework and other services. 

The EVP Program is available for Australian citizens and permanent residents, as well as holders of protected special category visas living in Australia. To access this service, you must be at least 18 years of age and have not accessed the EVP Program within the last 12 months. Additionally, the following criteria must be met:

• You are experiencing intimate partner violence. An intimate partner is someone you have been in a romantic relationship with, such as your husband, wife, partner, boyfriend, or girlfriend.
• You have changed living arrangements within the last 12 weeks due to intimate partner violence. This may involve changing residence, remaining in your home where the perpetrator is no longer living, or planning to move soon.
• You are experiencing financial stress. You may currently be experiencing financial stress, unable to meet financial commitments, or unable to maintain financial independence.

Recently, the Australian Government extended the EVP Program until the 30th of June 2025.

The Australian Red Cross Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) Financial Assistance Program

The Australian Government has invested $6.5 million to provide financial assistance for visa holders who are experiencing family or domestic violence. As a part of this, the Australian Red Cross FDV Financial Assistance Program was established to provide exclusive support for those on temporary visas or with uncertain visa status. The program supports applicants with:

• A financial payment of up to $5,000 to help cover expenses such as accommodation, food, and medical care. 
• Referral to a specialist FDV agency or other service.
• Ongoing support for up to 3 months.

To apply, you will need to check your eligibility online and obtain evidence of the following:

• Visa status. This can include a copy of your passport or Immi card.
• Financial hardship. This can include a bank statement or transaction summary.

If you are uncertain or cannot produce the above documents, you can still apply. After you submit your application, the Australian Red Cross will contact you to discuss it.

The Victims Support Scheme

The Victims Support Scheme is a NSW Government initiative that supports victims of violence and their recovery. It involves a package of practical and financial assistance, including:

• Up to 22 hours of counselling.
• Up to $5,000 in financial support for immediate needs.
• Up to $30,000 in financial support for economic losses.
• Up to $9,500 in financial support for funeral services.
• A recognition payment between $1,500 and $15,000.

The above support is available for anyone who has been injured due to a violent crime in NSW, such as:

• A person injured as a direct result of a violent crime (primary victim).
• A person injured as a direct result of witnessing a violent crime (secondary victim).
• A parent or guardian caring for a child who has been injured as a direct result of a violent crime.
• An immediate family member of a homicide victim (family victim).
• A relative of a homicide victim who is affected by the victim’s death (extended family member).

Other Services

In addition to the above financial support for visa holders, there are a number of free services available for those affected by violence, including:

• Free legal advice: The Community Legal Services Program provides legal support for temporary visa holders escaping violence. This can include legal information and referrals, legal advice, casework, and legal representation. These services can be accessed through the Refugee Advice and Casework Service, the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre, and Women Legal Services New South Wales. Legal Aid and LawAccess New South Wales can also be contacted for free legal advice.
• Free interpreting services: If you are a victim, offender, or witness of violence, you can access free interpreting services through Translating and Interpreting Services.
• The Domestic and Family Violence Support Team: The Department of Home Affairs has a dedicated Domestic and Family Violence Support Team to support migrants experiencing violence in Australia. With permission, support officers can work with authorities and organisations to obtain information about your visa status and, where appropriate, escalate your visa application.

Visa holders often face additional barriers when escaping violence, such as being forced to choose between their safety or financial security. Fortunately, there are many ways in which victims of any form of violence can access financial support in Australia, regardless of their visa status. If you have any questions about the information in this blog, contact us at AustraliaMigrate.

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Here are the nomination allocations for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa and the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa for each state and territory:

Nomination Allocations for 2024–25

These allocations allow states and territories to nominate new primary applicants for the respective visas, adding to the existing caseload. This ensures a continued and balanced migration program across Australia, supporting regional and skilled migration needs.

For more detailed information or to check your eligibility for these visas, please contact us at 02 9411 6000.

Stay updated with the latest migration news and ensure your application is aligned with the new allocations!

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What is a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)?

A DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a state, territory, or regional authority. They consider the unique economic and labour needs of specific areas by providing more places for migration in addition to the places set in the standard skilled migration program. They also:

• Contain a range of occupations, agreed terms, and concessions to skilled visa eligibility criteria.
• Are generally in effect for five years.
• Utilise the temporary skills shortage visa (subclass 482), skilled employer sponsored regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494), and the employer nominated scheme (subclass 186) visa program.

Currently, 13 DAMAs are in place throughout Australia, including the newly established Western Australia DAMA. The Western Australia DAMA is the fifth DAMA that currently supports the state, complementing the existing Goldfields, Kimberley, Pilbara, and South West DAMAs.

The Western Australia DAMA

Negotiated by the Cook and Albanese Labour Governments, the Western Australia DAMA provides an additional 5,000 skilled migration places for the 2024-25 financial year. These places are for occupations that are in high demand, including building and construction, health and aged care, tourism and hospitality, and agriculture.

As well as the Western Australia DAMA, the state has expanded their State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP), providing an additional 5,000 migration places. This provides a total skilled worker boost of 10,000 migration places for the 2024-25 financial year.

What does this mean for employers?

If you are an employer in Western Australia struggling to find suitable Australian employees, you can sponsor skilled overseas workers through the Western Australia DAMA. 

Like all DAMAs, the Western Australia DAMA ensures employers prioritise recruiting Australian citizens and permanent residents first. If no appropriate workers can be sourced locally, an employer can consider nominating and sponsoring skilled migrants. To prove this, a genuine attempt to recruit Australians prior to accessing overseas workers must be demonstrated.

Employers looking to sponsor foreign workers through the Western Australia DAMA must first gain endorsement from an authorised Designated Area Representative (DAR). For Western Australia, the authorised DAR is the Department of Training and Workforce Development through Migration Services (Migration Services). After endorsement has been granted, an employer can apply for the Western Australia DAMA. Here’s how: 

1. Check eligibility.
2. Create a Migration WA Portal profile.
3. Connect with and identify skilled migrants.
4. Gather documents.
5. Apply for Expression of Interest.
6. Receive an outcome.
7. Apply for the Labour agreement.

What does this mean for visa applicants?

The Western Australia DAMA attracts skilled migrants with a broader list of occupations and a shorter pathway to permanent residency. 

You must be fully qualified and legally compliant for the intended job role to be eligible for an employer sponsored visa under the Western Australia DAMA. To ensure this, check that you meet the skills, qualifications, and experience required by the Western Australia DAMA occupation list. You must also comply with any necessary occupation licensing or registration requirements according to migration regulations and state laws.

Whether you are an employer or a skilled worker, the new Western Australia DAMA provides several opportunities to ease labour shortages throughout the state. At AustraliaMigrate, we ensure that employers understand the entire process and meet all requirements when sponsoring skilled migrants under the agreement. For skilled migrants, we can explore visa pathways under the Western Australia DAMA and present your application in the best light for success. Book a visa consultation online with us today.

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Sponsors must inform the Department of any employment changes within 28 days. These changes aim to improve labour market mobility and tackle worker exploitation.

As of July 1, 2024, significant updates have been implemented for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and similar visas (457 and 494) in Australia. These changes aim to enhance labor market mobility, tackle worker exploitation, and improve productivity for temporary migrants.

Key Changes to 482 Visas Effective July 1 2024:

1. Extended Time to Find New Employment:
   • Visa holders now have up to 180 days at a time, with a maximum of 365 days throughout their visa grant period, to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or arrange departure from Australia. This is a significant increase from the previous limit of 60 days​.
2. Employment Flexibility:
   • During the period of seeking new employment, visa holders can work for other employers and in occupations not listed in their most recently approved sponsorship nomination. However, they must cease work with their sponsoring employer before starting with a new employer unless exempt​.
3. Conditions During Transition:
   • Visa holders must remain in their nominated occupation while employed by their existing sponsor and must not engage in work requiring specific licenses or registrations unless they hold those credentials
4. Sponsor Obligations:
   • Sponsors must notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes in the employment situation of visa holders within 28 days, including if a visa holder resigns or their sponsorship ceases​

Stay informed and make the most of these new opportunities, talk to a migration agent now for advice.

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Latest Measures from the December Migration Review

Several 2024 visa changes were announced for students following the Migration Review from last December. The Key changes are outlined below:

• • English Language Requirements: Applicants must now achieve an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0, up from the previous 5.5, or an equivalent score on other accepted English proficiency tests.
  • Genuine Student Test: Replacing the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement, the new Genuine Student Test aims to ensure that applicants are genuinely interested in studying in Australia rather than using the visa primarily to work. This change is expected to reserve more spots for students with genuine academic intentions.

• New Financial Capacity Requirements: Applicants must now be able to satisfy the financial requirement of $29,710 for an individual student, up from $24,505.

Current Student Visa Process

To date, the number of international students coming to Australia was determined primarily by the availability of courses offered by education providers and the demand from students. The courses on offer have not previously been influenced by Australia’s skill needs or by setting targets or caps on arrivals. Visa applicants, as highlighted above, are also subject to English language proficiency and minimum financial requirements to ensure they can support themselves during their studies.

Proposed Cap on Student Visas

The proposed legislation will grant the education minister the authority to set the maximum number of new international student enrolments that education providers can offer. These measures will limit the number of international students who can be enrolled within a specific period.

• Implementation Date: These proposed policies will come into effect on January 1, 2025.
• Setting the Cap: The government will consult with individual universities to set enrolment limits, including within specific courses or locations. For VET
  (Vocational Education and Training) providers, there will be sector-wide consultations to determine the distribution of international student enrolments.
• Exemptions: Schools and postgraduate research enrolments will be exempt from these caps. The government is also considering exempting short courses, non-packaged short English courses, and non-award courses.
• Considerations: Factors in setting the caps include the supply of student accommodation and the contribution of enrolments to meeting Australia’s skills needs, such as in health and education.
• Reasons for the Cap: The government has proposed this new policy to require universities to build more campus accommodations, aiming to address housing shortages across the country.

Who Will Be Affected?

These changes will impact educational institutions across Australia and prospective international students worldwide. Institutions may need to adjust their enrolment strategies, while students will need to meet the new requirements and navigate the capped enrolment process.

How Can You Prepare?

For those considering a student visa application, it is more crucial than ever to use the best services available to maximise your chances of success. Here are a few tips:

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest migration news and requirements.
• Seek Expert Advice: Consult with experienced migration consultants, like those at AustraliaMigrate, who can provide personalised guidance.
• Prepare Thoroughly: Ensure that you meet all the new English language and financial requirements.

At AustraliaMigrate, we are committed to helping you navigate these changes and achieve your educational goals in Australia. Contact us for expert advice and support with your visa application process.

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To align with the main focus of Australia’s Migration Strategy of addressing skill shortages, roughly 70% of all places in the 2024-25 Permanent Migration Strategy have been assigned to the skill stream. This is the pathway that the majority of migrants apply for to come to the country. In this blog, we’ll explore these new planning levels for the skill stream and the impact on visa applicants and employers. 

New planning levels for the Skill Stream

The skill stream enables highly skilled and productive individuals to migrate to Australia to fill labour gaps. Currently, some of the most in-demand jobs for skilled migrants include registered nurses, software and application programmers, accountants, and engineers. If you are skilled or trained in such occupations, you may be able to apply for a visa through the skill visa category. Planning levels for the skill stream have been set as the following for the next financial year:

What does this mean for visa applicants?

These new planning levels impact visa applicants in different ways depending on the type of visa you are looking to apply for. 

An extra 7,175 places have been allocated to the employer sponsored visa category, allowing more migrants to secure permanent residency in Australia through this pathway. Employer sponsored visas allow skilled overseas workers to live and work in Australia for their nominating Australian employer. These new planning levels encourage migrants to apply through this category in order to address persistent and emerging skill shortages within the Australian workforce. If you are qualified to work or train in an eligible occupation on the current Skilled Occupation List and can meet all other requirements, you may be able to qualify for employer sponsorship and apply for an Employer Sponsored Visa below:

• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) 
• Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186).

In addition to the above, extra places have been allocated to regional and state/territory nominated categories. If you want to express your interest in a state/territory nominated visa or want to live and work in regional Australia, you are encouraged to apply under these categories as more visas can now be granted. You can explore these visa pathways:

• Skilled Nominated Permanent Visa (Subclass 190)
• Skilled Nominated Permanent Visa (Subclass 191)
• Skilled Regional Permanent Visa (Subclass 887)

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
• Skilled Regional Permanent Visa (Subclass 887)

However, with places for other visa categories being reduced, you might find it difficult to be successful in your application as places are now limited. For example, the Skilled Independent Permanent Visa (Subclass 189) is being cut back by nearly 50%. As an alternative, you can explore other visa options and pathways to permanent residency that have increased planning levels for the next financial year, such as employer sponsorship. Alternatively, if you believe that a skilled independent visa is the best option for you, it is recommended that you speak with an immigration specialist. As this visa category is now highly competitive, it is important that you seek expert advice and assistance to ensure your application has the best chance of being approved. 

What does this mean for employers?

Employer sponsorship is a common pathway for skilled workers who are looking to start their Australian dream. With an additional 7,175 places available for permanent employer sponsorship visas, these new planning levels bring good news for employers. If you are experiencing skill shortages in your workforce that are unable to be filled by Australian workers, you can apply to become a sponsor to source skilled workers from overseas.

It is important to note that becoming a sponsor can be complex and time-consuming. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, seek advice from our experts in immigration. We can ensure that you understand the process and meet all requirements when sponsoring workers from overseas.

Whether you are an employer or skilled individual, the new planning levels for the skill stream may impact you in some way. At AustraliaMigrate, we can help you navigate Australia’s 2024-25 Permanent Migration Program and find the best visa pathway for you or your business. Book a visa consultation online with us today.

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Key Change: Reduced Work Experience Requirement

Under the current regulations, applicants for the 482 visa are required to demonstrate at least two years of relevant work experience in their nominated occupation. However, from November 2024, this requirement will be halved to just one year. This change aims to:

1. Enhance Flexibility: The shortened work experience requirement provides more flexibility for both employers and prospective employees, allowing quicker access to a broader talent pool.
2. Encourage Skilled Migration: By lowering the barrier to entry, Australia hopes to attract more skilled workers who can contribute to the economy and fill critical skill gaps.
3. Support Economic Recovery: In the wake of global economic challenges, this policy is part of a broader strategy to bolster Australia’s workforce and support recovery efforts.

Implications for Employers and Applicants

For employers, the new policy means a more extensive selection of potential candidates. Businesses facing skill shortages can expedite the hiring process and benefit from the diverse skill sets that international workers bring.

For prospective applicants, this change is particularly beneficial. It allows skilled workers with less experience but high potential to qualify for the visa. Here are some practical steps to consider if you’re planning to apply:

1. Update Your Credentials: Ensure your qualifications and work experience are well-documented and aligned with the requirements of your nominated occupation.
2. Seek Guidance: Consulting with a migration agency can provide clarity and assistance in navigating the application process. AustraliaMigrate can offer expert advice tailored to your situation.
3. Prepare for a Smooth Transition: Understanding the Australian job market and employer expectations will help you integrate more effectively once you arrive.

The reduction of the work experience requirement for the 482 visa from two years to one year marks a significant and positive shift in Australia’s immigration policy. It underscores the country’s commitment to attracting skilled talent and supporting economic growth. For skilled workers aspiring to build a future in Australia, this change presents a valuable opportunity to embark on a rewarding journey with fewer barriers.

For more detailed information and personalized advice, consider reaching out to migration experts who can guide you through the process and help you make the most of this new policy. At AustraliaMigrate, we are dedicated to helping you navigate these changes with ease and confidence. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in making your Australian dream a reality.

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Key Changes Effective from 1 July 2024:

Expansion of Legislative Instrument LIN16/016: This change will prevent holders of specific temporary visas from applying for a Student visa while onshore in Australia. The affected visa subclasses include:

• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
• Subclass 600 (Visitor)
• Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority)
• Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment)
• Subclass 651 (eVisitor)
• Subclass 988 (Maritime Crew)

Existing Restrictions: These changes add to the existing restrictions for the following visa subclasses:

• Subclass 403 (Temporary Work (International Relations)) – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
• Subclass 426 (Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular)
• Subclass 771 (Transit)
• Subclass 995 (Diplomatic Temporary) – primary visa holders only

Implications for International Students and Visa Holders

Maintaining Integrity: These changes aim to uphold the integrity of the international education system by ensuring that only genuine students can apply for and obtain a Student visa.

Impact on Visa Holders: For holders of the affected visas, it means they will need to be offshore to apply for a Student visa. This could lead to additional planning and preparation for those who intend to pursue further studies in Australia.

Adapting to the New Regulations

Plan Ahead: If you hold one of the affected visas and are considering applying for a Student visa, you will need to make arrangements to lodge your application from outside Australia.

Seek Professional Advice: Consulting with a migration agent can provide clarity and help you navigate these changes. AustraliaMigrate can offer expert guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Stay Informed: Keeping up-to-date with the latest immigration policies and changes is crucial. Subscribing to news blogs and official channels can help you stay informed about any further updates.

The upcoming changes to the Student visa program mark a significant shift in Australia’s immigration policy, aimed at maintaining the integrity of the international education system. For those impacted, understanding and adapting to these changes is essential. At AustraliaMigrate, we are dedicated to helping you navigate these changes with ease and confidence. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in making your Australian dream a reality.

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Following the Government’s commitment at the Jobs and Skills Summit in 2022 and the announcement in the Migration Strategy last year, the Department has announced that the TSMIT will increase from $70,000 to $73,150 effective from 1 July 2024.

What Does This Mean for You?

• New Nominations: Any new nomination applications lodged from 1 July 2024 will need to meet the new TSMIT or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. If the market salary is less than the TSMIT, an application cannot be lodged for that position.
• Existing Visa Holders: This change will not affect existing visa holders and nominations lodged prior to 1 July 2024.

Looking Ahead

The Department has confirmed that more information will be made available regarding future income thresholds and the indexation methodology, including for the new Skills in Demand visa, later in 2024. We will continue to provide updates as more details are released.

For more information or assistance with your visa application, please contact us at AustraliaMigrate.

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New English Language Requirements

The Migration Strategy outlines how changes to English language requirements will support international students to have a positive educational experience in Australia, and ensure a smooth transition into the workforce. The required English language test score for a Graduate visa will increase from IELTS 6 to 6.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.5 for each test component of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The specific English language test changes are as follows:

In addition to the above changes, the validity of the English Language Proficiency test has been reduced from 3 years to 1 year. Applicants now need to provide evidence that they have completed an English language test within 1 year of submitting their visa application, otherwise their score will be invalid.

These changes apply to all Student and Graduate visa applications lodged on or after the 23rd of March 2024.

New Age Limit

To emphasise the role of emerging professionals in the Australian workforce, the age limit for Graduate visa applicants has been reduced from 50 to 35 years. This change repositions the Graduate visa as an option for early career professionals who can contribute to the economy over a longer period. It also improves the alignment of the Graduate visa with permanent residence options. As the cut off age for permanent residency in Australia is 45, many older graduates have missed the opportunity to apply for permanent residence and have been stuck in a temporary position after they finish their studies. Reducing the age limit for Graduate visa applicants will eliminate this problem and make sure that international students can still apply for permanent residency upon the completion of their studies.

This change applies to all Graduate visa applications lodged on or after the 1st of July 2024.

Reduced Length of Stay:

The duration of stay for international graduates will be reduced in some circumstances based on the level of qualification. The changes are as follows:

This change is expected to be implemented from mid-2024.

Post-Study Work Extension:

On the 1st of July 2023, an extension of 2 years was provided to certain holders of a Graduate visa. However, this Graduate visa extension has been reconsidered in the Migration Strategy, given Australia’s changing economic environment. As such, international students will no longer be able to apply for this extension when they complete their studies. Extension will only be granted for applicants completing studies in a regional area of Australia.

This change is expected to be implemented from mid-2024.

Temporary Graduate Visa Streams:

The Graduate visa has two streams; the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream. These streams will be renamed as the following:

• The Graduate Work stream will be renamed to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. Applicants with a degree level qualification or higher will no longer be eligible for this stream and must apply through the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
• The Post-Study Work stream will be renamed to the Post-Higher Education Work stream. The Seconds Post-Study Work stream will also be renamed to the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.

In addition to the above changes, the Skilled Recognised Graduate visa (Subclass 476) will be discontinued. The Australian Government has set the maximum number of places for this visa at 3,735 for the 2023-2024 year. Once all of these visas have been issued, no further applications will be accepted. Fortunately, there is an alternative to this visa; the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491).

This change is expected to be implemented from mid-2024.

If you are an international student who is considering applying for a Graduate visa, these recent Graduate visa changes may impact you. Contact us at AustraliaMigrate for advice and assistance in relation to this visa.

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