Migration Centre of Australia

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Canberra Matrix Invitation Round

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has the flexibility to address skills shortages and labour market needs in the Territory through the state/territory nominated stream of the Australian Migration Program. The Australian Government allocates the ACT a fixed number of nomination places each financial year. The interested persons can apply for ACT nomination by completing score-based ‘Canberra Matrix’ where points can be claimed against specific criteria including skilled employment, English proficiency, formal qualifications, length of ACT residence / study, investment activity and close family ties, etc. Canberra has a fixed number of nomination places available each month (pro-rata against the annual allocation). Invitation Round: 5 April 2024 The highest ranked Matrix in each occupation were invited to apply for ACT nomination. The cut‑off for selection depended on the remaining monthly allocation, the date and time of Matrix submission, occupation cap and demand. The greater the demand for a particular occupation, the higher the rank of the Matrix score invited. Matrix nominating Small Business Owners: 23 invitations ACT 190 nominations: 05 invitations 190 minimum matrix score: 125 ACT 491 nominations: 18 invitations 491 minimum matrix score: 100 Matrix nominating 457 visa / 482 visa holders: 27 invitations ACT 190 nomination: 20 invitations ACT 491 nomination: 07 invitations Matrix nominating Critical Skill occupations: 213 invitations ACT 190 nomination: 96 invitations ACT 491 nomination: 117 invitations Overseas Applicants Matrix nominating Critical Skill occupations: 122 invitations ACT 190 nomination: 19 invitations ACT 491 nomination: 103 invitations Matrix will not be prioritised or issued invitations based on personal circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, visa expiry dates or a change in circumstances including critical birthdays. The minimum ranking score is not a guarantee but rather an indication that an invitation was issued.  Invitations were not issued if the applicants have an active application in the system or the applicants have previously received ACT nomination. The next Canberra Matrix invitation round will be held before 18 August 2023.
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Amendments to Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa program

The Australian Government has announced change to Temporary Graduate visa to be effective from 1 July 2024 Graduate Work Stream The Graduate Work stream will be renamed as Post-Vocational Education Work stream. Applicants who have completed a degree level qualification or above will no longer be able to apply in this stream and must apply through the ‘Post-Higher Education Work’ stream. The maximum age for this stream will reduce from 50 to 35 years of age or under at time of application. Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders will still be eligible if they are under 50 years of age. Eligible applicants will be granted this visa for a period of 18 months, except for Hong Kong or British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders, who will be granted a visa for a period of 5 years. Post-Study Work Stream The Post-Study Work stream will be renamed to Post-Higher Education Work stream and the applicants for this stream must hold an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification closely related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The maximum age for this stream will reduce from 50 to 35 years of age or under at time of application. The ‘select degree’ 2-year extension will cease. Visa grant period will change to the following: Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years Masters (coursework and extended) – up to 2 years Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) – up to 3 years. Visa grant periods for Indian nationals, in accordance with the Australia India – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), remain as: Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years Bachelor degree (with first class honours in STEM, including ICT) – up to 3 years Masters (coursework, extended and research) – up to 3 years Doctoral degrees (PhD) – up to 4 years.    The Second Post-Study Work stream will be renamed the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream and the rest of the requirements for this stream will remain the same. The Replacement Stream which was used for students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions will cease on 1 July 2024.
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Migration (LIN 19/198: Evidence of financial capacity—Subclass 500 Visa and Subclass 590 Visa) Amendment (LIN 24/042) Specification 2024

Migration (LIN 19/198: Evidence of financial capacity—Subclass 500 Visa and Subclass 590 Visa) Amendment (LIN 24/042) Specification 2024 dated 2 May 2024 amends Migration (LIN 19/198: Evidence of financial capacity—Subclass 500 Visa and Subclass 590 Visa) Instrument 2019 to revise and increase the amount of funds required to be evidenced  by an applicant seeking to satisfy the primary criteria for the grant of a Subclass 500 visa, secondary criteria for the grant of a Subclass 500 visa, or primary criteria for the grant of a Subclass 590 visa, if required to do so by the Minister. The revised amount of funds for the purpose of evidencing financial capacity by an applicant for a Subclass 500 or Subclass 590 visa reflect the current cost of living pressures these visa holders will be subject to once they arrive in Australia. Previously, these figures were adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index but the current figures are based on a new methodology, calculated as a proportion of the Australian National Minimum Wage. The National Minimum Wage is the minimum amount an employer must pay an employee. It is a reasonable approach to ensure that visa holders can support themselves at a standard comparable to the lowest paid Australian worker. The instrument increases the following annual living costs and expenses: The amount of living costs and expenses required for a student or guardian has been increased from AUD24,505 to AUD29,710 The living costs required for a spouse or de facto partner of an applicant has been an increased from AUD8,574 to AUD10,394 The living costs required for each dependent child has been increased from AUD3,670 to AUD4,449 The annual school costs required for each school-aged dependent child has been increased from AUD9,661 to AUD13,502 The personal annual income required for a primary applicant if there is no secondary applicant has been increased from AUD72,465 to AUD87,856 The personal annual income required for a primary applicant where there is a secondary applicant has been increased from AUD84,543 to AUD102,500. The instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 9th May 2024. It is currently in force. To access the instrument, click here.
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Impact of Budget 2024 on immigration policies and trends

The Budget 2024 has introduced several reforms in the Australian migration policies and trends. A comprehensive analysis of the impact of national budget 2024 on immigration policies and trends is given below: Drop in Net Overseas Migration The net overseas migration numbers are expected to decrease significantly, from 528,000 to 260,000 by 2024-25. Allocation of132,200 spots to skilled workers Out of 185,000 places 70 % have been allocated to skilled stream. The planning horizon for the permanent Migration Program will also be extended to delivering a better managed migration system from one year to four years. Streamlining Work & Holiday Visa Program Starting in the 2024–25, the government will implement a visa pre-application ballot system for the capped Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa program for applicants from China, Vietnam, and India. This ballot system aims to better manage demand and streamline application processing times for these countries. A ballot fee of $25 will be introduced, which will be adjusted annually in line with the Consumer Price Index.  New mobility pathway for Indian graduates and early career professionals The Government will implement a new Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) program for Indian nationals from 1 November 2024. MATES will provide a new mobility pathway for 3,000 Indian graduates and early career professionals between the age of 18 to 30 years (at the time of application), with knowledge and skills in targeted fields of study to live and work in Australia for up to two years. Extension of Business Visitor visa for Indian Nationals upto 5 Years The validity of the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Business Visitor stream for Indian nationals from up to three years to up to five years. New National Innovation Visa to replace Global Talent Visa The current Global Talent visa (subclass 858) will be replaced by a new National innovation Visa by late 2024, to target exceptionally talented migrants who will drive growth in sectors of national importance.  Business Innovation and Investment visa program to be discontinued The Business Innovation and Investment visa program (BIIP) will end and the applicants withdrawing their BIIP application will receive the refunds of the visa application charge from September 2024. Reduction in the work experience requirement for Temporary Skill Shortage (sc482) visa From 23 November 2024 onwards, the work experience requirement for the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa will be reduced from two years to just one year for all applicants. Introducing Administrative Review Tribunal to replace AAT to address migration backlogs Investment of $1.0 billion to establish and support the new Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), which will replace the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), and to alleviate court backlogs associated with high numbers of applications for judicial review of migration decisions. Extending support to temporary visa holders The Escaping Violence Payment trial and Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot will be extended until 30 June 2025, with the commencement of a new Leaving Violence Program in mid-2025. The allocation of funds in national budgets plays a crucial role in shaping immigration policies and trends. Australian Budget 2024 aims to deliver a better managed migration system in order to drive greater economic prosperity and restore its integrity.
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  • April 9, 2024

Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 476 (Skilled – Recognised Graduate) and Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument (LIN 24/021) 2024

Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 476 (Skilled – Recognised Graduate) and Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument 2024 dated 21 March 2024 increases the required English language test scores, as part of the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy announced on 11 December 2023, to improve the integrity of the temporary graduate visa program. The instrument repeals Migration Regulations 1994 – Specification of English Language Tests, Scores and Passports 2015 and has made the following changes: The minimum score requirement has been raised from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (or its equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.5 in each test component (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). The validity period for English language test results for temporary graduate visa applications has been shortened from three years to one year. Applicants must now show proof of having taken an English language test within one year prior to the visa application date. The test scores have not increased for Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders and are still required to have an IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent), with at least 5.0 in each component. The Instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 21 March 2024 and commenced on 23 March 2024. It is currently in force. To access the instrument, click here.
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  • April 9, 2024

Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Instrument 2024

Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Instrument 2024 dated 21 March 2024 increases the required English language test scores, as part of the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy announced on 11 December 2023, to improve the integrity of the student visa program. The instrument repeals Migration (IMMI 18/015: English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Instrument 2018 and specifies new English language proficiency requirements to satisfy the criterion for the grant of a Subclass 500 (Student) visa. The following changes have been introduced: The minimum English proficiency test score has been raised from an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent). The score requirement for students seeking to enrol in a packaged English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) has raised from IELTS 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent). Students enrolled in recognised university foundation or pathway programs offering reputable English language training now require a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent). These programs will be listed on the Department’s website. There is no change for students studying exclusively through ELICOS. The Instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 21 March 2024 and commenced on 23 March 2024. It is currently in force. To access the instrument, click here.
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  • April 9, 2024

Migration Amendment (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme) Regulations 2024

Migration Amendment (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme) Regulations 2024 (the Regulations) dated 14 March 2024 amend the Migration Regulations 1994 to permit certain PALM scheme workers who are granted visas for between one and four years to apply to bring their family to Australia, if supported by the scheme. The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme provides for the entry and temporary stay of workers from Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste for the purpose of overcoming workforce shortages across Australia. Previously, only the workers participating in the PALM scheme were allowed to apply for and be granted a visa and not the secondary applicants. The Migration Amendment (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme) Regulations 2024 now allows PALM scheme workers who are granted visas to live and work in Australia for between one and four years to apply to bring their family to Australia, if supported by the scheme. However, PALM scheme workers with visa up to nine months at a time are not eligible to bring their families to Australia.  To make a valid application for a Subclass 403 visa as a secondary applicant in the PALM stream: the primary applicant who is their family unit member must be an applicant for the grant of or holds a Subclass 403 visa as a primary applicant in the PALM stream that permits the primary applicant to remain in Australia for a period of at least 1 year, or holds a Subclass 403 in the Pacific Labour Scheme stream the application by the secondary applicant is supported, in writing, by a department responsible for administering the PALM scheme and such support has not been withdrawn The amendments further provide a visa application charge of AUD$335 for any PALM stream secondary applicant who is at least 18 years of age and $80 for any PALM stream secondary applicant who is less than 18. The VAC for the primary applicant remains unchanged at AUD$335. The Instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 20 March 2024 and commenced on 25 March 2024. It is currently in force. To access the instrument, click here.
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  • April 9, 2024

Migration (Visa Pre-application Process) Charge Regulations 2024

Migration (Visa Pre-application Process) Charge Regulations 2024 dated 14 March 2024 prescribe the amounts of charge to be imposed on the registration of a person as a registered participant in a visa pre-application process. The Migration Amendment (Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement Visa) Regulations 2024 amend the Migration Regulations 1994 to introduce a new Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) visa which will provide access to permanent residence in Australia for citizens of a number of Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste, and members of their family units. The Pacific Engagement visa is the first visa to utilise the visa pre‑application ballot process as a requirement to lodge a valid visa application. It is necessary to impose a minimal charge on registering in the Pacific Engagement visa ballot to ensure that registrants are genuine and have thoughtfully considered their ability to pursue the visa if selected. The Regulations prescribe an amount of AUD25 as the charge for registration as a registered participant in a ballot for the new Pacific Engagement visa. The charge must be paid at the time of registration. If the charge is not paid at this time, the person is taken to never have been registered as a registered participant in the visa pre-application process. The Charge Act establishes a ceiling of AUD100 as the maximum charge that may be prescribed for a particular ballot. It is expected that additional visas may employ this ballot procedure in the future. The Instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 19 March 2024 and commenced on 29 March 2024. To access the instrument, click here.
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  • April 9, 2024

Migration Amendment (Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) Visa) Regulations 2024

Migration Amendment (Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) Visa) Regulations 2024 dated 14 March 2024 amend the Migration Regulations 1994 to introduce a new permanent Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) visa which will provide access to permanent residence in Australia for citizens of a number of Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste, and members of their family units. The regulations also prescribe the requirements to be met for making a valid application for the subclass 192 visa including the requirement that a primary applicant must have been randomly selected in a visa pre-application process relating to the country of which the applicant is a citizen and other requirements to be met in relation to the grant of a Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) visa. The PEV program will offer permanent residency to eligible citizens of participating Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste, and their immediate family members, who have been randomly selected through a visa pre-application ballot process (the rules that apply in relation to the eligibility for, and conduct of, the PEV pre-application ballot process will be set out in the PEV Determination). Entrants successfully drawn in the ballot and their immediate family members are able to apply for a PEV. As per the Amendment Regulations, in order to make a valid application for a PEV, a primary applicant must Qualify as a selected participant through the relevant visa pre-application process Be between 18 and 45 years old at the start of the registration period for the applicable visa pre-application process Possess a valid passport issued by the relevant country at the time of registration as a participant in that process Be born in, or have a parent born in, a specific country listed in Schedule 1 to the PEV Determination not be a citizen of New Zealand; Submit a PEV application on or before the specified date in the selection notice (indicating success in the ballot)). The visa application charge (VAC) for the PEV is AUD325 for the primary applicant and AUD80 for each additional applicant included in the application as a migrating family member, payable at the time the visa application is made. Pacific Engagement Visa endorses the Government’s commitment to enhance Australia’s connections with the Pacific region and will notably raise the number of people from Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste who can obtain permanent residency in Australia. The Instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 19 March 2024 and commenced on 29 March 2024. To access the instrument, click here.
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  • April 9, 2024

Migration Amendment (Suspending Education Providers) Regulations 2024

Migration Amendment (Suspending Education Providers) Regulations 2024 dated 14 March 2024 supports implementation of the Government’s Migration Strategy announced on 11 December 2023. The Regulations amends the Migration Regulations 1994 to prescribe the ‘relevant score’ as a matter that the Minister may have regard to when considering whether to issue a suspension certificate under section 97 of the ESOS Act. The ESOS Act sets out rules for registering providers offering education services to international students. Section 97 of the Act allows the Immigration Minister to issue a suspension certificate to a registered provider or their associate if they believe that substantial number of international students are coming to or staying in Australia for purposes not contemplated by their visa. This initiative is part of the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy, aimed to support integrity in the international education system and to support genuine overseas student. Under subsection 97(2) of the ESOS Act, in considering whether to give such a certificate, the Immigration Minister may have regard to any of the following: the number of applications for student visas made by overseas students and intending overseas students, in respect of the registered provider or associate, that have been refused, where there were fraudulent statements made or fraudulent documents given in connection with the application; the number of the registered provider’s or associate’s accepted students and former accepted students who have breached conditions of their visas; the number of accepted students and former accepted students of the registered provider or associate who remain in Australia unlawfully after finishing their courses; any other matter set out in regulations made for the purposes of this paragraph under the Migration Act 1958. Under section 98 of the ESOS Act, before issuing a suspension certificate, the Immigration Minister must give the registered provider a written notice stating that they intend to give the provider a suspension certificate and why.  The effect of a suspension certificate is that the provider would not be able to recruit new international students for the period that the suspension certificate remains in force (6 months). However, existing students may continue their studies with the provider. The Amendment Regulations amend the Migration Regulations to provide the Minister with the ability to specify by instrument the method for working out a score, when and how often a relevant score is to be worked out and the period in which a relevant score has effect for a registered provider in a legislative instrument. The Instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 22 March 2024 and commenced on 23 March 2024. It is currently in force. To access the instrument, click here.
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