A myriad of changes will apply to the Australian visa program from 01 July 2024. They are summarized below:

Increase in Visa Application and Other Fees

  • Most visa categories will increase by 2.75% based on the 2024-25 Consumer Price Index.
  • Student visas have seen a significant increase of 125%, rising to $1600 with additional applicants charged at $1190 for adults and $390 for minors.
  • Citizenship application fees have increased to $560 for standard applications and $80 where a concession fee applies.
  • Administrative Appeals Tribunal will increase its application fee to $3496

 

Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate

  • Age cap of 35 years, except Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders who remain eligible up to 50 years or age.
  • Master degree via research and Doctoral Degree (PhD) graduates will remain eligible up to 50 years of age.
  • The 485 replacement stream will be discontinued

 

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) Increase

  • TSMIT will be increased from $70,000 to $73,150
  • The TSMIT affects subclass 482, 186 and 494 pathways

 

Visa Condition Changes for 482, 457 and 494 visas

  • Conditions 8107, 8607 and 8608 for visa holders under Subclass 482, 457 and 494 have been relaxed to give visa holders more flexibility
  • Visa holders will now have up to 180 days at a time, or a cumulative maximum of 365 days throughout their visa period to secure a new sponsor, apply for a different visa or arrange their departure from Australia. They will be able to work for other employers in occupations unrelated to their background to support themselves financially.

 

Restricting onshore Student Visas for certain applicants

  • Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa holders, visitor visa holders and maritime crew visa holders will no longer be able to apply for a student visa onshore
  • Temporary Graduate Visa holders should depart Australia, or find skilled jobs and/or other visa pathways, including those that may lead to becoming permanent residents of Australia.
  • Visitor visa applicants who intend to study will be required to apply for their Student visa from offshore.

 

Visa Programs Permanently Closed

  • Subclass 476 Skilled-Recognized Visa Program
  • Subclass 188 Business Innovation & Investment Program