The Australian government, have handed down its first full budget since being elected in 2022. The following announcements relate to changes to migration program that were included in the Budget.
Migration Planning Levels
The 2023-24 migration planning level will be 190,000 places, with 137,100 allocated to the skilled migration stream.
Increased in Fees and Charges
The Passenger Movement Charge paid by carriers will increase by $10.
The Australian government will increase the Visa Application Charges (VACs) from 1 July 2023.
Visa Application Charges will rise between 6% and 40%, with the increases distributed across the various visa sub-classes. Business innovation and investment visas will increase by 40%, Visitor, working holiday, training and temporary work (short stay specialist) visas will increase by 15%. Other visas will increase by 6%.
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
The government will increase the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold from the current rate of $53,900 to $70,000 starting from 1 July 2023.
Domestic Violence and People Trafficking
$38.2 million will be provided to extend to the current Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) and Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot (TVP) to January 2025.
Immigration Assessment Authority
The government will provide $4.0 million in 2023–24 for the Immigration Assessment Authority to continue merits review of unsuccessful protection visa applications eligible for fast-track review under the Migration Act 1958, pending the establishment of a new federal administrative review body.
Temporary Graduate Post Study Rights
Temporary Graduate visa holders with select degrees will be eligible for an extra 2 years of post-study work rights to improve the pipeline of skilled labor in key sectors from 1 July 2023.
International Students
The working hour cap for international student visa holders will be reinstated from 1 July 2023, following its removal during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be increased by 8 hours from pre-pandemic levels to 48 hours per fortnight.
International students working in the aged care sector will be exempt from the capped fortnightly work hour limit until 31 December 2023.
A copy of the budget papers is available here.
Do you require further assistance
If you have further questions about the above, or have any other immigration related query, please get in touch with our experienced team. Contact us by email at hello@canberramigrationservices.com.au or by phone at +614517572873.
This article does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult an immigration professional for up to date information.
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