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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: 21 May 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: 10 invitations ACT 190 nominations: 04 invitations 190 minimum matrix score: 125 ACT 491 nominations: 06 invitations 491 minimum matrix score: 105 Matrix nominating 457 visa / 482 visa holders: 10 invitations ACT 190 nomination: 08 invitations ACT 491 nomination: 02 invitations Matrix nominating Critical Skill occupations: 164 invitations ACT 190 nomination: 54 invitations ACT 491 nomination: 110 invitations Overseas Applicants Matrix nominating Critical Skill occupations: 110 invitations ACT 190 nomination: 16 invitations ACT 491 nomination: 94 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.
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Closure of Registrations of Interest for South Australia’s skilled migration program

Registration of Interest (ROI) applications for South Australia’s skilled migration for onshore applicants have closed for the 2023-2024 program year. The registration of interest applications have been closed for onshore applicants only which means that the offshore applicants can continue to submit a SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) for consideration and will receive a direct invitation to apply for South Australian state nomination, if successful. For the nomination allocation of 2,300 places in this financial year (2023-24), South Australia received more than 12,000 ROIs which points at the competitiveness of the process.   All ROIs received will be processed by 30 June 2024 and in case no invitation is received to apply for state nomination this program year, the applicants can submit another ROI in 2024-25 program year.
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Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold 2024

The Department has announced that the TSMIT will increase from $70,000 to $73,150 effective from 1 July 2024 to ensure a better targeted skilled migration system. In July 2023, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) was increased from $53,900 to $70,000. It was the first increase to the TSMIT since 2013 and it was set around where the TSMIT would have been if it had been indexed to average weekly ordinary time earnings growth over the last 10 years at that time. Now in July 2024, the temporary income threshold will be set at $73,150. Therefore, from 1 July 2024, the annual market salary rate for the nominated occupation and the guaranteed annual earnings the nominator will pay to the worker must be at least $73,150. New nomination applications will be required to meet this threshold or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. • Nominations lodged on or before 30 June 2024 will need to meet the ‘old’ TSMIT of $70,000. • Nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2024 will need to meet the ‘new’ TSMIT of $73,150. The TSMIT applies to a number of skilled visas, including the Temporary Skill shortage (subclass 482), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visas.
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Age Update for Masters and PhD graduates applying for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa in the Post-Higher Education Work Stream

The maximum age for Masters (research) and PhD graduates applying for the SC 485 visa will remain at 50 years. Following representations from the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) on behalf of its members, the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that this age limit will be maintained beyond the changes coming into effect on 1 July 2024. Consequently, masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) graduates can continue to apply for the SC 485 visa in the Post-Higher Education Work stream without concern about a reduction in the age limit.
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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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