The New South Wales (NSW) Government has opened applications for nominations for the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) under Pathway 1 and Pathway 3. With limited nomination places available, interested applicants should review the criteria carefully to understand eligibility requirements and apply as soon as possible.

Exciting news for skilled migrants looking to make New South Wales (NSW) their home—the NSW Skilled Migration Program for the 2024-25 program year is now open! With updates aimed at addressing key industry demands and simplifying processes, this year’s program offers a great chance for skilled workers and their families to start a new life in NSW.

Australia is a dream destination for many international students, but the journey doesn’t stop after graduation. If you’re looking to transition from student life to building a long-term career and eventually securing residency in Australia, this article is for you. We’ll walk you through three key areas: new opportunities with the subclass 491 visa in Victoria, career guidance after graduation, and common mistakes that can cause visa applications to be declined.

Queensland’s skilled migration program has reopened, offering exciting opportunities for skilled migrants looking to work and settle in the state. Alongside this, Australia’s points-test system, which plays a critical role in determining eligibility for skilled migration, is set to undergo significant changes aimed at addressing employment success and skill shortages. Additionally, a new Work and Holiday visa ballot has been announced for citizens of China, India, and Vietnam, opening pathways for younger individuals to experience Australia while meeting certain visa criteria.

Education Minister Jason Clare proposed that new international student commencements will be capped at 270,000 across Australian higher education and vocational providers for the 2025 calendar year.

The Australian government has announced the nomination allocations for the 2024-2025 Permanent Migration Program. With 16,500 places allocated for the 190 visas and 9,760 for the 491 visas, this year's program outlines the pathways for those looking to make Australia their new home.

In a significant political development, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced his first cabinet reshuffle since taking office. This move comes after the retirement of two prominent cabinet ministers, Linda Burney and Brendan O'Connor, prompting substantial changes in key portfolios.

After successful negotiations with the Commonwealth Government's Department of Home Affairs, Western Australia will receive 5,000 state-nominated migration spots for the 2024-25 program year.

The Australian Government is taking significant steps to end 'visa hopping' as part of its comprehensive Migration Strategy. This initiative aims to close loopholes that have allowed students and other temporary visa holders to extend their stay in Australia indefinitely.

GSM Visa Points Test Revamp

The federal government has announced plans to revise the points-based assessment for skilled migrants, which determines eligibility for entry into Australia, following a decision to reduce overall immigration levels.

This year's Permanent Migration Program is set at 185,000 places, with a notable shift in focus from the Subclass 189 visa to the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas, indicating a strategic pivot to state and regional sponsorships.

The points test system for potential migrants seeking skilled visas to Australia is scheduled to undergo its first significant update in over ten years as part of a broader reform of the country's immigration system.

For this year's allocation, the Department of Home Affairs has reserved 30,375 positions for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189). As of December 18, 2023, 8,300 invitations have been granted for the 189 visas. Furthermore, 79 invitations were extended for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) under the Family-sponsored stream. Consistent with recent patterns, the Department has also invited applicants from the health and education sectors this round.

Discover the available nomination places as ACT released the Canberra Matrix Invitation Round last 4 August 2023

To tackle the persistent shortage of skilled workers in Australia, graduates in high-demand fields will be granted extended post-study work rights. Also, Tasmania has announced its new features and improvements for their 2023-24 Skilled Migration Program.

The Australian government has recently announced the planning levels for the 2023-24 Permanent Migration Program. With a slight reduction of 5,000 places compared to the previous year, the program will consist of 190,000 places. This adjustment aims to ensure a greater focus on addressing immediate workforce shortages while maintaining Australia's status as a competitive and preferred destination for exceptional global talent.

In the upcoming 2023–24 Permanent Migration Program, the Albanese Government remains steadfast with 190,000 allocated places. Anticipated net overseas migration figures project a surge of up to 400,000 places this year, followed by an estimated 315,000 in 2023–24.

Here are the visa changes and opportunities that will take effect this year following a review of Australia's migration system and the government's federal budget.

For the financial year 2023-2024, there will be changes to visas and opportunities based on a review of Australia's migration system and the government's federal budget.