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EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS ONLY ACCESSTo access this month’s edition & Member’s only resources, enter your registered email address.
Exclusive Australian Immigration News, Updates & Opportunities
August 2024
This bulletin is for members only, and provides our members with month to month updates on Australian immigration policy changes and consequential opportunities. Opportunities are found via federal and state government policy shifts for the demand and supply for certain occupations.
This bulletin will keep you up to date so that you do not have to employ expensive immigration lawyers to provide you with monthly research.
August 2024 has landed, and Australian Immigration is now in OVERDRIVE! New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that Australia is adding a new migrant every single minute!
Between January and May, the net intake was 242,750, the highest first five months of a calendar year on record, blowing past the previous record of 208,090 set last year! Since the start of the year, 1607 net migrants have arrived in the country every day — roughly four 747 passenger jets. This translates to more than one new net migrant arriving every minute of every day!
This new data confirms that migration remains a core element of Australia’s national identity and critical to driving economic prosperity!
In This Month’s Federal News: The Australian Government has increased the Temporary Skilled Migration Minimum Income Threshold to $73,150. This measure aims to protect the integrity of the visa system by ensuring that skilled migrants are not underpaid while also addressing the skills shortage in the Australian workforce by making it more attractive for highly skilled professionals to work in Australia.
In other Federal News, we look back on Australia’s multicultural journey, and discuss the historical roots to the current modern migration challenges and opportunities!
In This Month’s State News: Skilled workers residing offshore remain eligible to be considered for ALL State and Territory nominations! Please view the State Migration Section of this month’s bulletin for all State and Territory programs and opportunities available!
In This Month’s Economic News: We have a look at Australia’s top spots for business start-ups, revealing that aspiring entrepreneurs might want to reconsider launching their business in a capital city as regional and other major cities may be a better fit!
In other economic news, in last month’s bulletin we looked at Australia’s top 10 highest-paying jobs that don’t require a university degree, while this month we observe new data from The Australian Taxation Office which reveal the highest-paid jobs in Australia. We examine these top-paying jobs and their corresponding salaries!
In This Month’s Student News: Individuals seeking Australian student visas must now apply from outside the country. This change affects holders of certain visas, including Visitor and Temporary Graduate visas.
Also in this month’s student news, the Australian Department of Home Affairs maintains the maximum age limit for research students at 50 years old in the Post-Higher Education Work Stream under the Temporary Graduate 485 visa. This remains effective July 1, 2024, with confirmed post-study work rights and changes to the post-higher education work streams.
All this and much more in the August issue of The Australian Immigration Bulletin! Let’s take a deeper look at what has happened so far and what is planned for the remainder of August 2024 in Australian Immigration, so that you can start planning!
All members now have FREE access to an online IELTS English Platform and course to practice, study and improve their English and IELTS score. The IELTS exam is one of the key recommended exams you will need to take in order to Apply for Skilled Migration to Australia and the better your results, the higher points you will get when submitting an expression of interest. The advanced English and IELTS platform will allow all members to practice Mock IELTS Exams, learn cutting edge tips and gain a greater understanding of how to achieve a Band 9+.
All members also have access to “ImmiConnect” which is now available in the member’s area. ImmiConnect is the Office of Immigration Australia’s Employer Sponsored program which allows overseas workers to receive job interview invitations from Australian employers, when job opportunities come available.
The program aims to bring globally mobile, highly-skilled and specialised individuals to Australia who can fill critical areas of need.
ImmiConnect is exclusive to active Australian Immigration Bulletin Members only. You must be a current Australian Immigration Bulletin Member to be eligible to receive job interview invitations.
So if you are interested in receiving these invitations, please sign up for FREE by Clicking “ImmiConnect” and adding your name and email address.
*2 WINNERS DRAWN EVERY MONTH:
Current Round: August 2024 – December 2024 (10 Winners/Prizes in total)
There is always a winner, and the next one could be you!
The winners of the August 2024 Immigration Prize Giveaway were drawn at 10am AEST on 1st August 2024.
Congratulations to the August 2024 winners! You have been sent a confirmation email with details on how to claim your prize!
The next 2 lucky winners will be drawn at 10am AEST on 1st September 2024.
As of 6th July 2022, people entering Australia do NOT need to provide evidence of Covid-19 vaccination status. Additionally, people leaving Australia will NOT be asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status. Unvaccinated visa holders do NOT need a travel exemption to travel to Australia. It is however important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.
Please see the list of vaccines that are recognised by the Australian government for travel purposes here.
This Bulletin and its contents is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisors.
As legislation and travel requirements are constantly changing, we strongly recommend obtaining advice on your individual situation from a Registered Migration Agent.
Please click here to book a consultation with one of our Registered Australian Migration Agents, located in Australia.
Surfers Paradise, Queensland
The Results of the August 2021 census were made public on 12th July 2022, and revealed that Australia has become a majority migrant nation, as the census data shows for the first time that more than 50 per cent of residents were born overseas or have an immigrant parent. Last year’s census counted nearly 25.5 million people, including 1 million new residents.
Australia’s 2022-23 Migration Program has been carefully designed to boost the social and economic outcomes that meet Australia’s needs. In fact, the migration programme was first launched in 1945 following the aftermath of World War 2. Given this long history, it is worth understanding how it works. The Australian Immigration Bulletin exists to help explain this in more detail.
As we’ve entered the 8th month of the year, join us for a look at the latest news and developments in the world of Australian Immigration!
We spoke with Karin, a skilled migrant and a nurse currently working for a private clinic.
Tell us about your work
I’m a nurse. It can be challenging, psychologically speaking. You deal with a lot of carers – you’re responsible for supervising them. So you need to make sure they’re doing the right thing, plus doing your own job. So that takes a lot mentally. It can be stressful.
Tell us about getting a job as a nurse
The two things that helped me get this job were being a ‘carer’ in my first job and also the connections.
Working as a carer first was extremely important to getting my next position as a nurse.
Also, knowing the people around me helped a lot. This includes building a good circle of friends. These connections helped me get both jobs.
What do you wish you knew
If you can’t express yourself in English, it’s really hard to prove that your skills are good. You can be a great nurse, but if you don’t communicate well in an interview, you’re not going to get there.
Really study English, study really hard. You’re never going to be 10 out of 10, we know that. But do your best as you build connections within your area of practice.
You want people to be sure of your skills because you have proof, and can tell them from your experience.
What tips can you share with migrants seeking nursing jobs in Australia?
Australia is adding a new migrant “every single minute” as shown in new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Friday suggests the government has already exceeded 395,000 migrants for the most recent financial year, with a month’s worth of arrivals still to be counted, according to analysis by the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA).
The analysis is based on net permanent and long-term arrivals data, which is calculated differently to the all-important net overseas migration number.
The IPA contends the net permanent and long-term arrivals data historically has closely tracked and is reliable predictor of net overseas migration numbers, which are reported with a significant six-month lag by the ABS.
The most recent full-year net overseas migration figures for 2022-23 showed the country added a record 528,000 people in the 12 months to June 30, 2023.
The final scorecard for the 2023-24 financial year (ending 30th June 2024) won’t be known until December 2024 — but the IPA says the apples-to-oranges comparison suggests the government has do-date already exceeded 395,000 migrants.
According to the IPA’s analysis, the May net permanent and long-term arrivals intake of 25,940 was the second highest May on record, behind 31,310 in May 2023, bringing the total since July 2023 to 445,510.
Between January and May, the net intake was 242,750, the highest first five months of a calendar year on record, blowing past the previous record of 208,090 set last year.
Since the start of the year, 1607 net migrants — roughly four 747 passenger jets — have arrived in the country every day. “That is more than a new net migrant every single minute of every single day,” the IPA said.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
From 1 July 2024, the Australian Government increased the Temporary Skilled Migration minimum Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $70,000 to $73,150.
This change is expected to affect new nomination applications, ensuring that employers meet the new threshold or the annual market salary rate (AMSR), whichever is higher.
It also aligns with the Government’s commitment to the Jobs and Skills Summit in September 2022, which aims to ensure fair wages for skilled migrants and maintain the integrity of the skilled migration.
The TSMIT is the minimum salary paid to temporary skilled migrants sponsored by employers. In addition, in July of last year, the Government decided to increase TSMIT from $53,900 to $70,000, which is an increase of 30 percent.
Who Is Affected By the New Increase in TSMIT?
According to the government, all new nomination applications submitted from 1 July 2024 must meet the new TSMIT of $73,150. However, this change will not affect current visa holders and nominations submitted before this date.
During the Summit held in 2022, the Government planned several measures to improve the country’s skilled migration program. Part of these measures was the increase of TSMIT, which aims to achieve the following points:
Employers nominating workers must comply with specific salary conditions:
Last year’s Parkinson review into the nation’s migration system highlighted the reasons to support a Big Australia that keeps its doors open to professionals from around the world. Migration is a central element of Australia’s national identity and has been critical to driving economic prosperity. A doubling of skilled migrants from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s coincided with Australia’s economic miracle, which, from 1991 onwards, produced the longest-running period of continuous economic growth on record anywhere in the world.
There are numerous benefits that an influx of migration brings to small business and the economy.
In the year to last June, net overseas migration was a record 528,000. By September, the 12-month running total for the inflow of foreigners was 549,000. With the natural increase included, population grew by 660,000.
The Parkinson review notes sophisticated Treasury research showing skilled migrants are the biggest individual contributors to national wealth, far exceeding other entrant categories including the “lifetime per person economic contribution” of Australians born here by $3.6m to $1.6m.
Australia’s continuous aim is to encourage more of the skilled workers of the sort that have helped to build Australia’s prosperity. Australia will continue to set a long-term horizon for stable population growth and meet it with effective planning and infrastructure development which is the basic principle of good government, and economics.
Australia’s multicultural identity has been a defining feature throughout its history. The nation’s culture, economy, and consumer behaviour have all been significantly shaped by its diverse population. Australia has been a land of immigrants since European settlement, with a consistent influx of new arrivals, resulting in continuous national population growth.
The first comprehensive census conducted in 1891 indicated that approximately 32 per cent of the population was born overseas, reflecting the substantial immigration waves in the preceding years.
This demographic diversity has enriched Australia’s cultural fabric but this percentage dropped to as low as 10 per cent in 1947, largely due to reduced immigration during periods such as World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II.
In the post-war era, immigration patterns rebounded quickly, leading to a steady rise in the overseas-born population. In 2021, this trend had a temporary setback due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, affecting incoming and outgoing migration flows.
Fewer people born overseas immigrated to Australia, and fewer Australians born in the country departed for living abroad. Nonetheless, this circumstance was short-lived, with the relaxation of travel restrictions leading to a stronger expansion of the overseas-born population.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) regularly publishes comprehensive data on the country’s overseas-born population. The most recent, released on October 31, reveals that as of June 30, 2022, Australia’s population was estimated at 26 million. Of this total, 18.3 million were born in Australia, and 7.7 million residents were born overseas.
The proportion of Australia’s overseas-born population increased from 29.3 per cent in 2021 to 29.5 per cent in 2022, with a net growth of 155,000 individuals.
While this figure remains slightly below the pre-Covid level of 29.9 per cent, in 2020 it is expected to match or exceed those levels considering the migration assumptions for 2023.
Australia proudly stands as one of the most culturally diverse populations and continues to have rapid growth and diversification, even in the face of the pandemic. When compared to the top 15 economies worldwide, Australia remains the frontrunner.
Canada, at No.2 on this list, has just 21 per cent of its population born overseas, illustrating a significant 9-percentage point difference. Following Canada, Germany is at 19 per cent, the USA and Spain at 15 per cent, and Britain at 14 per cent.
This data highlights Australia’s unwavering dedication to multiculturalism, showcasing the nation’s embrace of diverse cuisines, lifestyles, shopping habits, and the significance of cultural sensitivity. It positions Australia as a global pioneer in nurturing cultural diversity and inclusiveness, with virtually every country worldwide being represented.
The English-born population remains the largest group among Australia’s overseas-born population, a trend that has persisted since the 1901 Census.
In 1901, about 495,500 individuals were from the United Kingdom, constituting 58 per cent of the total overseas-born population. This number has grown to 961,000 individuals in 2022, making up 12 per cent of the overseas-born population.
The Indian-born population was the second-largest group among Australia’s overseas-born population in 2022, at 754,000 people. Indian-born individuals now represent about 3 per cent of the total Australian population and 10 per cent of the total overseas-born population. This represents significant growth from the 2001 census, when there were just 95,000 Indian-born individuals. The Chinese-born population, while substantial, dropped from its peak; 661,000 in 2019, to 597,000 individuals in 2022. Despite this decrease, it remains a significant part of Australia’s diverse population.
As of August 2021, there were about 3 million permanent migrants in Australia who had arrived in the country since the year 2000.
Among these, 1.7 million (59 per cent) were skilled migrants, 962,000 (32 per cent) were family members of skilled migrants, and 284,000 (9 per cent) held humanitarian visas.
Australia’s migration scheme offers numerous advantages.
Skilled migrants have effectively countered population ageing, enhanced labour productivity, and enabled businesses to access skills that are often in short supply. Moreover, unemployment rates among skilled migrants are notably lower than those in the general population.
To illustrate, the labour force participation rates for skilled migrants reached an impressive 81 per cent in the 2021 census.
There’s substantial evidence indicating that migrants play a vital role in supporting long-term economic growth.
A 2015 Intergenerational Report published by Australian Government estimated that, over the 40-year period up to 2015, population factors contributed almost 18 per cent of the annual average GDP per capita growth of 1.7 per cent.
This was primarily driven by an increase in the working-age population, demonstrating how migration aided the economy in effectively navigating challenges such as the Global Financial Crisis and subsequent global economic downturn.
Since Federation over a century ago, per capita net migration into Australia has varied dramatically, as the impact of economic cycles, wars and changes in policy moved the needle to varying degrees.
Across the entirety of Australia’s pre-pandemic history, net migration averaged an annual level that equated to 0.55 per cent of the population.
When looking at the history of migration into Australia in per capita terms across the last 50 years, it can be divided into two distinct eras, pre-2005 and post-2005.
Between 1974 and 2005, per capita migration was deeply cyclical, rising and falling in line with the economy and the level of demand present in the labour market.
For example, in the late 1980s migration per capita hit its highest level since before the beginning of the 1970s Oil Crisis and the subsequent recession.
But after peaking at 1.046% in 1988, the level of net migration continued to fall until it slowed to a relative crawl in the mid-1990s. As of the latest data from the ABS which covers up until the end of 2023, migration is currently 2.03 per cent.
While the increase in temporary visa holders (excluding visitors and other short-term categories) saw migration levels surge when borders reopened in early 2022, figures from the Department of Home Affairs show that by the end of 2022 there were 84,000 more temporary visa holders than during that same time of year prior to the pandemic.
A more global comparison
Globally, prior to the pandemic, the average rate of per capita migration for nations defined as developed by the United Nations with populations over 1 million was 0.39 per cent.
This figure is impacted by the low levels of net migration in Japan, South Korea and much of the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.
In the interests of providing an additional perspective, the figure rises to 0.47 per cent when focused solely on Western and Northern Europe.
This is defined as: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K.
Why you may ask is the focus on pre-pandemic figures? In short, the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
Some nations still don’t have figures beyond 2022, while others were still seeing the impact of Ukrainian refugees in their figures for 2023.
In terms of the latest figures for northern and western Europe which are impacted by the war in Ukraine and encompass either 2022 or 2023 calendar year depending on the nation, the migration rate was 0.93 per cent.
If you are interested in applying for a general skilled migration visa to Australia, it is important to have a good understanding of the skilled visa options and how the migration points test works, so that you can maximise your chances of being eligible to apply for a skilled visa.
A general skilled migration visa is an option available to skilled workers who are seeking to qualify for a skilled visa independently, or under a state or family sponsorship. It is an alternative to an employer sponsored visa.
One of the key criteria to qualify for a general skilled migration visa is the points test (a criterion that does not apply to employer sponsored visas). This is often the most challenging aspect for prospective skilled visa applicants to overcome when seeking an invitation to apply for the relevant skilled visa.
If you are considering applying for a general skilled migration program visa, an important concept to understand is the Expression Of Interest (EOI).
If you are considering applying for a general skilled migration visa, it is important to be aware that for certain visas in this visa class, you will first be required to lodge an EOI with the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) through SkillSelect. The EOI is not a visa application, but rather, it is the process by which you can express your interest in applying for the relevant skilled visa (It’s important to note, that there is NO fee to submit an EOI).
This requirement applies to the following skilled visa subclasses:
Let’s take a brief look at each of these visas below:
The ‘subclass 189’ is a federal sponsored visa that grants automatic permanent residence in Australia. It is subject to nil visa conditions or obligations. For this reason, it is often considered to be the most flexible of the skilled visa options available.
A subclass 189 points-based visa allows you to live and work in any state or territory permanently.
The ‘subclass 190’ is a state/ territory sponsored permanent residence visa. It is another points-based visa for which invitations are issued throughout each month by individual states and territories. One of the benefits of applying for state nomination is that you will be granted an additional 5 points.
An important aspect to consider, which does not apply to the subclass 189 visa is that there is an added step in the application process. In this case, you must also apply for nomination approval to a state or territory government. Only upon receipt of an invitation from the relevant state or territory to which you apply can you then apply to the Department for the visa itself.
Your obligations as a subclass 190 visa holder are that you must commit to your nominating jurisdiction’s obligations and commit to residing in your nominating State or Territory for two years from visa grant.
The ‘subclass 491’ is also a points-based state/ territory (or family) sponsored visa. It is a regional visa with a term of five years. The Department issues invitations for family sponsored EOI applications only (in invitation rounds). Invitations for state sponsorship are issued by individual states and territories throughout each month. This will grant you an additional 15 points for the nomination.
Being a provisional visa, this means it provides a pathway to permanent residence in Australia with the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, subject to meeting specified requirements.
Be mindful that as a subclass 491 visa holder, you must abide by visa condition 8579, which requires you to live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia. For migration purposes, most locations of Australia outside of major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, etc.) are classed as regional areas.
If your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa, as specified in the invitation letter. This then enables you to proceed with lodgement of your visa application (provided you meet all other visa lodgement and visa grant requirements).
Please note, the below State and Territory program updates is a general overview only. It does not take into account any of your personal circumstances. You must check the State/Territory information carefully to ensure you can meet all the requirements for nomination.
Australia is currently facing a shortage of skilled migrants to fill workforce demands. In response, states and territories have been easing the conditions of their visa programs to help attract skilled workers from overseas.
Below is the monthly update for some of the State and Territory opportunities available.
Program Status Update
UPDATE: Northern Territory General Skilled Migration (GSM) nomination applications for 2024-25
Please note that offshore applications have been temporarily suspended. Existing offshore applications will continue to be assessed. MigrationNT hopes to be in a position to re-open with revised settings for offshore applications by 12 August 2024.
Once the above mentioned temporary suspension is lifted, you may be able to proceed with the NT’s usual skilled migration program. Program details below:
People residing offshore are eligible to be considered for Northern Territory (NT) nomination. Invitations to apply for Northern Territory nomination will be via the ranking system.
The ‘Northern Territory Offshore Migration Occupation List’ identifies the occupations in current demand in the Northern Territory. This List is important if you want to apply for Northern Territory nomination for either a:
The ‘Northern Territory Offshore Migration Occupation List’ is only applicable for those applying for NT nomination from outside Australia, under the Priority Occupation stream.
Please note: The Northern Territory government has advised that offshore applicants will generally only be offered a Northern Territory nomination for a subclass 491 visa. Subclass 190 nominations will only be offered in exceptional circumstances, such as cases where the applicant has strong connections to the NT.
The NT advises eligible applicants to apply as soon as they meet the eligibility criteria. To receive a nomination from the NT Government, you must:
Before submitting an EOI for The Northern Territory, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Northern Territory Government website.
Program Status Update
PROGRAM UPDATE: On Friday 10 May 2024, Migration Queensland has closed its state nominated skilled program for FY23-24. (Please note, the 2023-2024 program year ends on the 30th June 2024). For more information, please see here.
If you have received an invitation, please upload your documents as soon as possible.
If you have not been selected this financial year, you can submit a new EOI once the program opens for the 2024-25 program year.
Thank you for your interest in Queensland. Migration Queensland looks forward to receiving your EOI in FY24-25.
Once the above mentioned temporary closure is lifted, you may be able to proceed with Migration Queensland’s usual skilled migration program. Program details below:
To manage Queensland’s COVID recovery response, applicants currently residing offshore are now able to apply.
Depending on your occupation and situation, there are two state nomination options available for skilled migrants through Queensland.
For Queensland state nomination, prospective applicants must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements, state-specific occupation requirements and have skills in an occupation that is available on the Queensland Skilled Occupation List.
You may undertake employment once onshore in Queensland through:
Offshore applicants meeting the minimum published requirements are eligible to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI).
NOTE: The 2023 – 24 program opened on 5 September 2023. Migration Queensland will only consider EOIs lodged on or after 5 September 2023 – updated EOIs will not be considered.
Migration Queensland criteria requires you to:
The agency also requests all applicants to ensure they have carefully read and understood the new criteria relevant to their stream or pathway, and that they meet the criteria before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
The 2024-25 Skilled Migration Program will be open to both onshore and offshore applicants and provide pathways for skilled workers, graduates, and small business owners.
Before submitting an EOI for Queensland, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Queensland Government website.
Program Status Update
UPDATE: Victoria’s 2023-24 state nominated skilled visa program is now closed to new Registrations of Interest (ROI). Please note, the 2023-2024 program year ends on the 30th June 2024.
Once the above mentioned temporary closure is lifted, you may be able to proceed with the VIC’s usual skilled migration program. Program details below:
Open to offshore applicants, the program provides skilled migrants with a pathway to permanent residency in Victoria. The skills that successful applicants bring to Victoria benefits employers and the broader Victorian economy.
The program provides two visa pathways:
As with previous years, applicants will first need to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) and then be selected on competitive merit to apply for visa nomination.
NOTE: If you submitted a subclass 491 ROI for the 2022-23 program, you must submit a new ROI for the 2024-25 program.
If you submitted a subclass 190 ROI for the 2022-23 program, you do not need to submit a new ROI for the 2024-25 program. You should ensure that all information in your ROI is still correct.
Both onshore and offshore applicants are eligible to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) for both the subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas.
Your ROI will remain in the system for selection until it is withdrawn, selected or the program year ends.
Before submitting an ROI for Victoria, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Victoria Government website.
Program Status Update
People residing offshore are eligible to be considered for Western Australia (WA) State nomination. Invitations to apply for WA State nomination will be via the ranking system.
The Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List identifies the occupations in current demand in Western Australia. This List is important if you want to apply for Western Australia nomination for either a:
Please note that to be eligible for an invitation in the WA State Nominated Migration Program, you must meet both:
Before starting your application, you will need to check whether your occupation is available on either the WA Skilled migration occupation list (WASMOL) Schedule 1 or 2, or the Graduate occupation list. You can search for your occupation here. (The occupation list search bar is located under the heading ‘Eligible Occupations’.)
Features of the WA 2024-25 State Nominated Migration Program:
Before submitting an EOI for Western Australia, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Western Australia Government website.
Program Status Update
The ACT Critical Skills List identifies the occupations in current demand in the ACT. This List is important if you want to apply for ACT nomination for either a:
The ACT Government will update this list every four months to make sure that the ACT Skilled Migration Program adapts and responds to the evolving critical skills needs of the ACT economy.
The Canberra Matrix is weighted to ensure that applicants who will make a positive economic contribution to the Territory and/or have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the ACT are more likely to be ranked and invited to apply for ACT nomination.
*ACT nomination does not guarantee a migration outcome. You must still meet the Department of Home Affairs criteria.
Every month, a certain number of nomination invitations are available (prorated on the annual allocation) to those working in the highest ranked Matrix in each occupation.
You can view the ACT’s most in-demand skills for skilled migration by consulting the ACT Critical Skills List.
Before submitting an EOI for The Australian Capital Territory, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
Once you’ve submitted a valid Department of Home Affairs Skill Select EOI, follow the ACT Government Process to apply for ACT nomination.
For a further explanation, see the Resources page on the ACT Government website.
Program Status Update
To manage South Australia’s COVID recovery response, applicants currently residing offshore are able to apply.
Depending on your occupation and situation, there are two state nomination options available for skilled migrants through South Australia.
For South Australian state nomination, prospective applicants must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements, state-specific occupation requirements and have skills in an occupation that is available on the South Australian Skilled Occupation List. Offshore applicants meeting the minimum published requirements can now lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI).
There is an enormous range of occupations on South Australia’s Skilled Migration Occupation List in a range of industries – search for your occupation here.
South Australia will select offshore applicants to apply for state nomination from those who have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Offshore applicants will not need to lodge a Registration of Interest (ROI) for this year’s program. South Australia will be nominating offshore applicants from over 250 occupations on South Australia’s Skilled Migration Occupation List. To be eligible, ensure all the information in your SkillSelect EOI is up to date and you have selected South Australia as your first preferred state or territory to move to in Australia.
South Australia will be assessing candidates on merit by the following factors, within their nominated occupation:
Before submitting an EOI for South Australia, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the South Australia Government website.
Program Status Update
Working in Tasmania
The two state nomination options available for skilled migrants through Tasmania are:
The Tasmanian State Nomination Skilled Migration Program supports Tasmanian businesses and increases the state’s working age population. It does this by attracting and retaining migrants with skills genuinely in need by employers, or with the capacity to settle in Tasmania through skilled employment in the long-term, and business activities that will increase employment opportunities.
Tasmania’s skilled migration program is for people wanting to move to the state who have skills that Tasmania need. Skilled migrants are attracted to Tasmania because of the state’s enviable lifestyle, career opportunities, affordable housing, reputable schools and a globally recognized university.
The Migration Tasmania Application Gateway is now available for registrations of interest (ROI) and applications for skilled visa nomination from Tasmania.
Anyone seeking Tasmanian nomination for a Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa or Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa must first register in the Migration Tasmania Application Gateway .
Before submitting an ROI for Tasmania, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements for either;
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Tasmania Government website.
Program Status Update
The New South Wales government has invited applications from offshore migrants under the following nomination streams:
The NSW State Government announced that offshore applicants skilled in certain ANZSCO unit groups are still eligible for NSW nomination.
*Please note: Invitation rounds occur frequently throughout the financial year with no set date.
NSW invites and nominates SkillSelect EOIs at the ANZSCO unit group level. To be eligible for NSW nomination (for either Subclass 190 or Subclass 491) you must be skilled in an occupation that both:
It is important to note that not all occupations within ANZSCO unit groups are eligible for the respective visa. It is the responsibility of the prospective migrant to ensure their occupation is eligible for the visa before obtaining a skills assessment.
Your EOI must be exclusively for the ‘Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)’ or ‘Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass491)’ and seeking nomination from NSW only.
This means that if your Skillselect EOI has multiple visas and/or multiple states selected (this includes selecting ‘ANY’), your Skillselect EOI will not be considered for NSW nomination.
What are the NSW target sectors?
The NSW target sectors are specific industry sectors that have been identified by data research as having critical skills shortages in NSW. They include:
Although all validly submitted SkillSelect EOIs will be considered during an invitation round, priority is given to EOIs in these target sectors.
Is my occupation within a NSW target sector?
The NSW government cannot confirm whether individual occupations fall within NSW’s target sectors. So long as you maintain a validly submitted EOI in SkillSelect, your EOI will be considered in all future NSW invitation rounds.
Will NSW invite EOI’s in occupations outside of the NSW target sectors?
High-ranking EOIs in occupations outside of the NSW target sectors may be considered during invitation rounds; however, it’s crucial to understand that the odds of receiving an invitation are exceptionally low due to high demand and limited spots.
Before submitting an EOI for New South Wales, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements for either;
For a further explanation of how the skills list works, see the Common questions about skilled visas page on the NSW Government website.
Aspiring entrepreneurs might want to think twice before launching their business in a capital city as regional and major cities may be a better bet.
Geelong in Victoria took out the top spot as Australia’s best city for starting a business, according to research by accounting software company Reckon.
Regional centres such as Ballarat, Bendigo and Warrnambool in Victoria scored highly as did Toowoomba, Mackay and Townsville in Queensland.
With far better cost of living affordability than Sydney, centres such as Dubbo, Wagga and Albury were the top three regional NSW cities to start a business.
As for capital cities, only Melbourne and Brisbane made it into the top ten, with high cost of living a major factor across capitals.
“With regional cities beating out capitals, it creates an outline that while capitals are attractive, a higher cost of living could create barriers to profits and growth,” Reckon CEO Sam Allert said.
“It’s interesting that you might find some of the least obvious cities in Australia may offer the best environments for startup prosperity.” – Sam Allert
The study evaluated factors including cost of living, internet speed, talent pool and competition to rank the top 50 largest cities in Australia for their business appeal.
From worst to best
In 2018, Corey Dodd moved from South Australia’s Victor Harbour – the poorest performing area for start-ups according to the research – to Geelong in pursuit of better business opportunity.
According to the study, Victor Harbor was the lowest scoring city in median income, young worker population, labour force and worker health.
For the owner of design company Elk Creative, shifting his life and work to Geelong was a business decision.
“It was quite a different experience in terms of the networking opportunities and the amount of people … it is a good place for finding work,” he said.
He said the city’s proximity to Melbourne and more affordable living costs and infrastructure to support new businesses made it an attractive city to work in.
“Geelong is a small enough community for everyone to network quite well organically but it’s large enough to support a lot of work opportunities,” Mr Dodd said.
“You get introduced to someone and before you know it, they know someone and have referred you on.”
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has revealed the highest-paid jobs in Australia. Surgeons have retained the top spot, earning an average $460,356.
That only accounts for 4,170 workers in the country. And for some context, are earning more than eight times as much as the median Australian wage from the same period.
Medical professions again dominated the list, making up half of all the roles in the top 10.
Anaesthetists came in second with average earnings of $431,193, while financial dealers were the only non-medical professionals to break into the top six.
They came in third with $373,733 but had the biggest pay jump from the last reporting period, an additional $41,935.
The largest number of people in a top 10 role by a long shot were chief executive officers and managing directors.
There are 224,856 in the C-suite, which is more than five times the number in all of the top 10 medical roles.
What are the best-paid jobs in Australia?
If you think the list sounds similar, that’s because it is. The rankings are the same as the previous reporting period, but the incomes are not.
They have all gone up.
Here are the full top 10 roles and how much their incomes have grown over 12 months.
How much does the average Australian earn?
The fresh ATO data, released on Friday, also detailed the average taxable income.
The average wage — the halfway point if you add up every Australian’s wage – was $72,327 per year.
This is the first time we are seeing the data, but it was from the ATO’s 2021-2022 statistics.
The most up-to-date data on earnings was released by the Australia Bureau of Statistics earlier in the year.
The full-time adult average weekly earnings (seasonally adjusted) in November 2023 were $1,888.80, or about $98,200 annually.
The ATO said the majority of Australians (44.1 per cent) fell in the $45,001 to $120,000 tax bracket.
A record number of Australians returning from overseas, as expats are lured home by the strong jobs market.
A net total of 37,380 Australians arrived in the country in 2023-24, a record number that reverses the trend of surging departures after the borders reopened at the end of the pandemic.
In 2021-22, the first year borders were reopened, a record net of 380,510 Australian citizens left the country. Another 242,610 exited the country in 2022-23.
Immigration expert Abul Rizvi said the figures indicated that good employment and economic conditions in Australia were attracting expats home from overseas. He said the labour market was a particular drawcard for Australians living in New Zealand, Britain, Europe and China.
Australia’s unemployment rate rose to 4.1 per cent in June. But the country still boasts one of the lowest jobless rates across advanced economies.
Previous fluctuations in net migration of Australian citizens followed the global financial crisis and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting more Australian citizens to return home than depart.
“But in 2023-24, the net movement of Australian citizens reversed to positive 37,380,” said Dr Rizvi.
“It almost inevitably means the contribution of Australian citizens to net migration in 2023-24 will also be positive.”
He said Treasury’s Centre for Population assumed net migration of Australian citizens would be negative 20,000 in 2023-24 and overall net migration would be 395,000. “Both of those forecasts now seem highly unlikely,” he said.
Dr Rizvi, a former deputy secretary in the immigration department, said the figures, taken with the 445,510 overall net permanent and long-term movements for the 11 months to May this year, meant net migration in 2023-24 was likely to be substantially higher than Treasury’s forecast.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics will publish preliminary estimates of net migration in 2023-24 towards the end of the year.
Before the pandemic, about 1 million Australians were estimated to be living overseas at any given time.
Starting July 1, individuals seeking Australian student visas must apply from outside the country. This change affects holders of certain visas, including Visitor and Temporary Graduate visas, who can no longer apply for Student visas while in Australia. Applications submitted within Australia before July 1, 2024, will still be processed, and Working Holiday Maker and Work and Holiday visa holders remain unaffected.
The rule has come into effect from July 1.
The Australian government emphasized that it will only consider student visa applications from offshore applicants who demonstrate a genuine intention to pursue studies in Australia.
Under the new regulations, visitors, Temporary Graduate visa holders, and other specified visa holders currently in Australia are not eligible to apply for Student visas. However, student visa applications submitted within Australia before July 1, 2024, will proceed without being affected by these new rules. Additionally, holders of Working Holiday Maker and Work and Holiday visas are exempt from these changes, and their current visa statuses will remain unchanged.
Australia’s government has clearly stated that temporary graduates should plan to leave the country when their visa expires or explore job opportunities that could lead to employer-sponsored visas or permanent residency if they wish to remain in Australia. According to the recent “Graduates in Limbo” report by the Grattan Institute, 32 percent of Temporary Graduate Visa holders are opting to return to study to extend their stay in Australia beyond their visa’s duration.
These changes are in line with further reforms set to take effect on July 1 for Temporary Graduate visa holders. The reforms will include significantly shorter post-study work rights, a decrease in the age eligibility from 50 to 35 years, and stricter English language proficiency requirements that were introduced in March.
Prospective students may apply for their Student visa from abroad and travel to Australia while waiting for their visa decision. However, they must have or obtain a visa that allows entry and residence in Australia during this time. It is important to note that offshore Student visa applicants are not eligible for a Bridging visa to stay in Australia while their application is being processed.
Under the new regulations, holders of visitor visas are permitted to study for up to three months while their visa is valid. Individuals planning to pursue studies exceeding this period must apply for a Student visa from outside Australia.
Certain visa holders in Australia, including Temporary Graduate, Maritime Crew, and Visitor visa subclasses, are now prohibited from applying for a Student visa while within the country. Specifically affected visa types include Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate), Subclass 600 (Visitor), Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority), Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment), Subclass 651 (eVisitor), and Subclass 988 (Maritime Crew). Additionally, holders of Subclass 403 (Temporary Work) under the International Relations (Domestic Worker – Diplomatic or Consular) stream, Subclass 426 (Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular), Subclass 771 (Transit), and Subclass 995 (Diplomatic Temporary – primary visa holders only) are already ineligible to lodge valid Student visa applications while in Australia.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs maintains maximum eligible age of 50 for post-study work visas for research students in the Post-Higher Education Work Stream under the Temporary Graduate 485 visa streams, effective July 1, 2024, with confirmed post-study work rights and changes to the post-higher education work streams.
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has announced that it will keep the maximum eligible age requirement of 50 for post-study work visas for research students. This decision follows the publication of changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa Program, set to take effect on July 1, 2024.
Initially, the Department planned to lower the maximum eligible age limit to 35 for all Temporary Graduate 485 visa streams, except for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders. However, after considering feedback on the potential impact of this change on postgraduate research students, the Department decided to maintain the higher age limit for research students in the Post-Higher Education Work Stream, previously known as the Post-Study Work Stream.
Under the new guidelines, Master’s (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) graduates, as well as Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders under 50, will still be eligible for the visa. This decision aims to balance the government’s goal of attracting international talent with concerns regarding the age requirement for research students.
The initial migration strategy, published in December, suggested that lowering the age limit would support “early career professionals.” However, critics argued that the proposed cut-off would exclude most doctoral graduates. The Group of Eight highlighted that in 2022, 40% of international PhD students in Australia were aged 30 or older, which would make many ineligible for a visa by the time they completed their PhD under the proposed age limit.
The 35-year-old age limit will still apply to graduates of taught master’s, bachelor’s, associate degree, and vocational programs, effective from July 1, 2024.
Confirmed post-study work rights by the government include:
Eligibility for a second temporary graduate visa remains unchanged, but the two-year extension introduced in 2022 will end.
Other changes include renaming various streams. The post-study and second post-study work streams will become the post-higher and second post-higher education work streams, respectively, and the graduate work stream will be renamed the post-vocational education work stream.
‘Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2024’ once again showed off the vibrancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture! Cairns, Queensland. July 2024
The daily stunning sunrise at Uluru! Uluru, Northern Territory. July 2024
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