The Australian government has announced a series of changes which came into force on July 1st, 2024This affects a number of areas, from student visa application to specific immigration. That's why we've put together the main changes and what they mean:
Exchange in Australia: student visa
New student visa fee
For student visas, the Australian government has announced two significant changes. The first is the adjustment of the feewhich becomes AUD $1600 - increase of 125%. For those who are dependent and over 18, the rate has gone up to AUD $1190. In addition, for children or dependents under the age of 18, the fee is AUD $390. For more details, see the official Immigration Department.
Also check out our post with the main information for making a exchange in Australia.
Restrictions on onshore requests
Apart from the new value, the from July 1st, 2024holders of certain visas, such as Tourist (Subclass 600) and Temporary Graduated Visa (485), cannot more applying for visas while they are in Australia.
In addition, offshore student visa applicants (international students) cannot obtain a provisional visa to stay in Australia while they wait for their application to be processed.
Changes to the 485 Visa
Recently, the Australian government also announced important changes to the Temporary Graduate visa (485 visa)These changes also came into effect on July 1, 2024. These changes aim to better align workflows with the different levels of study, thus providing a clearer and more specific structure for candidates.
The Graduate Work stream has been renamed Post-Vocational Education Work stream and is suitable for those who have a diploma or technical qualification. The age limit is now 35 at the time of application, while the maximum length of stay in Australia is 18 months.
The Post-Study Work stream has been renamed to Post-Higher Education Work stream and it's for those with higher education. The age limit is also 35 at the time of application, but master's (research) and doctoral (PhD) graduates are still eligible if they are under 50. The period of stay has been adjusted to:
- Bachelor's degree (including honors) - up to 2 years
- Master's degree (course and extended) - up to 2 years
- Master's (research) and doctorate (PhD) - up to 3 years
- Holders of Hong Kong and British National Overseas passports can stay for up to 5 years.
And the former Second Post-Study Work stream has been renamed to Second Post-Higher Education Work streambut there were no other changes.
Free translation services (FTS)
The Free Translating Service (FTS) is a translation service to help with job hunting, education and community involvement. However, as of July 1, 2024, people on student visas will no longer be entitled to the service.
Working in Australia
Readjustment of the minimum wage (student visa)
The Australian government has announced a increase in the minimum wage. From July 1st, the new rate will be AU$24,10Australia remains among the countries with the highest minimum wages in the world. Students working in Australia are also entitled to this minimum hourly rate.
Increase in Superannuation
O superannuationsimilar to Brazil's FGTS, from 11% to 11.5%. International students can access the amount after leaving Australia permanently.
Doing an exchange in Australia requires planning, knowledge of the laws and an understanding of the requirements demanded by the country's government. That's why having the support of specialists is essential for a more assertive process.
If you have any doubts about the new changes announced by the government, get in touch with our team and we'll be ready to give you the best possible advice.
Check out the special episode of the Good Day Talks podcast about the changes:
