There has been an announcement published by the Department of Home Affairs on the Global Talent Visa page with significant implications. It provides:

• From 29 November 2024, the Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the Global Talent Visa has closed for new expressions.
• This closure is said to be in anticipation of the opening of the new National Innovation Visa (NIV).

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What about those who have an EOI for the Global Talent Visa but have not received an invitation yet?

The Department of Home Affairs has stated:
"If you have submitted an EOI for the Global Talent Visa and have not received a response from us, you can still apply for a Global Talent Visa before we introduce the NIV. You should ensure that you meet the exceptional thresholds and standard requirements for the visa program."

When will the new National Innovation Visa be opened?

Last month, the Queensland government announced plans to be involved in the process of nominations for the new National Innovation Visa.

This indicates ongoing discussions at both the departmental level and with state governments regarding the launch of the new visa.

The announcement says:
"You can also lodge a new EOI for the NIV when it becomes available. We will share more information about the NIV before we launch the program."

More information about the National Innovation Visa will be announced on December 7, 2024.

What are the main differences between the Global Talent Visa and the National Innovation Visa?

The biggest difference seems to be that with the National Innovation Visa, all potential applicants will have to go through the Expression of Interest process. This is very similar to the EOI process for a General Skilled Migration application.

With the current Global Talent Visa, you can apply directly without needing an invitation, and your application will be considered based on the visa requirements. However, you will still need a nomination if you’re applying directly.

Is the Department of Home Affairs still processing Global Talent Visas?

Yes. The Department of Home Affairs says:
“We will continue to process applications in accordance with annual migration planning levels and processing priorities for Skilled Visas. This includes assessing applications for priority processing in line with Ministerial Direction No. 89.”

Can I still lodge a Global Talent Visa?

Yes, you can. The announcement states:
"If you have submitted an EOI for the Global Talent Visa and have not received a response from us, you can still apply for a Global Talent Visa before we introduce the NIV. You should ensure that you meet the exceptional thresholds and standard requirements for the visa program."

Should you apply for both Global Talent Visa and National Innovation Visa?

The recent announcement includes the following:
“You can also lodge a new EOI for the NIV when it becomes available.”
The main advantage of the current Global Talent Visa is that you can apply directly without having received an invitation to the Expression of Interest process.
Of course, if you choose to lodge directly, you need to be confident that you meet the criteria.

The new National Innovation Visa will have an EOI system, and everyone will need to receive an invitation before lodging the visa.

What are the Criteria for the National Innovation Visa?

The new National Innovation Visa will provide opportunities for exceptional talent from diverse backgrounds, including:

• Global researchers and thought leaders (e.g., those published in leading journals, with high levels of publications and citations, and recipients of top-of-field awards)
• Entrepreneurs, both established and emerging, with lessons taken from successful state and territory-led initiatives
• Innovative investors focusing on the quality of investment, not just meeting simple thresholds
• Athletes and creatives, particularly those who represent Australia internationally

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Will I be eligible for the new National Innovation Visa?

This is the big question we often asked.
The new National Innovation Visa will bring together applicants from two major categories: the Business Innovation Visas and the Global Talent Visa.

The Business Innovation Visas or BIIP program (formerly the 188 visa and 888 visa) have been waiting for a new visa category for some time. This includes business owners with experience and investors with capital to invest.

The Global Talent Visa, on the other hand, has attracted many individuals with successful careers and high salaries.
Combining these two categories into one visa class and broadening the criteria for Global Talent Visa makes the National Innovation Visa likely to be highly competitive, and getting an invitation will be challenging.

Another factor contributing to this competitiveness is that the National Innovation Visa will allow direct applications for permanent residency, which makes it more attractive than the previous Business Innovation 188/888 visas, which required holding a temporary visa for several years.

It also appears that the National Innovation Visa will remove the need to fit into one of the 10 industry sectors, which previously limited the pool of applicants. This will likely make the National Innovation Visa even more competitive.

Until the full criteria is released, we can’t provide a definitive answer for every potential applicant. However, we can say that the focus will be on high-achieving entrepreneurs, academics, sportspeople, creatives, and investors. It will be a highly competitive process to receive an invitation.

If you need any assistance on the global Talent Visa or the New National Innovation Visa, please contact our office.

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Sources:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/global-talent-visa-858

Earlier this year, the Australian Government announced that it would close the Global Talent Visa (GTV) in late 2024 and replace it with the new National Innovation Visa.

The National Innovation Visa, expected to be introduced in late 2024, will replace both the Global Talent Visa and the Business Innovation and Investment Program. This new visa aims to attract exceptionally talented migrants to Australia, including high-performing entrepreneurs, major investors, and global researchers.

You can read more about the National Innovation Visa here.

Global Talent Visa latest updates: 

1. Global Talent Visa Skill open

The Global Talent is currently still moving forward and is not closed yet. We are still getting invites for our clients.  

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2. Quick EOI Rejections 

We have noticed that Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from applicants who clearly do not meet the prioritization parameters are being rejected very quickly. Some applicants received rejection decisions as fast as 2 weeks, while others were informed within 2 months. 

It seems that applicants who do not meet the high-income threshold are being rejected quickly. 
Additionally, some applicants already in Australia on other visas, such as the subclass 482, are also receiving rejections.

3. People with Rejected EOIs Trying Again 

Resubmitting an EOI after an unsuccessful attempt depends on the case. 
There are those who are unsuccessful because they did not provide enough evidence but have the achievements, salary, etc and perhaps did not provide good responses to the questions in the EOI webform. These applicants may have a chance if they improve their submissions and evidence.

Then there are those who do not meet the parameters of the program so if they cannot provide any significant changes since submitting their first EOI, they would still get an unsuccessful EOI.

4. Global Talent Visa Processing Time

5. Global Talent Visa has become more competitive 

Thus, it is very important to show that the applicants meet the high-income threshold and have the required internationally recognised achievements in their field.

6. Nominators

Self-represented applicants for the GTV have also reported that they have been getting requests to prove their nominator's status. This is one indicator that the Department is more stringent in assessing the applications.

We have also seen that there are instances where the Department contacted the nominator to verify the contents of the Form 1000 and have even contacted some referees to check the claims of the applicants.

Global Talent Visa Requirements

While the Global Talent Visa remains open, it is important to make sure your meet all the requirements for your EOI. 

Just putting a EOI in because you hear it is closing, without considering the criteria, is not a good idea.

The criteria include, being in one of the target sectors, having international recognition for outstanding achievements, earning a salary above the current income threshold of A$175,000 (for the 2024-2025 Financial year), being employable in Australia and securing an eligible nominator.

Take a free Global Talent Visa assessment

If you’re considering applying for the Global Talent Visa, we offer a free assessment on our website where we can provide feedback on your chances of being invited. 

Take Free GTV Assessment

Do you need help to apply for an Australian Visa?

If you need assistance with applying for an Australian visa, please contact us.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world. 

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Sources:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/global-talent-visa-858

Budget Paper No.2 (squarespace.com)

In this blog, we will cover the latest Australian immigration news including student visa caps, visa processing times, the 189 visa invitation round, Medicare for temporary visas, Global Talent visa and updates on state nominations.

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Student Visa Cap

The Australian Government has announced a cap on student visas starting in 2025, with a total of 270,000 international students allowed to study in Australia, a reduction of 53,000 from the previous year.

The cap breakdown is as follows:

• 145,000 new student visas for public universities

• 30,000 for other universities and non-university higher education providers

• 90,000 for the vocational education and training (VET) sector

Exemptions:

• School students

• Higher degree by research programs

• English-language providers (ELICOS)

• Non-award programs

Potential Impact:

• Harder to get enrolment for vocational and university courses in Australia.

• Less enrolments for prestigious universities in Melbourne and Sydney.

• Some students may have their enrolments withdrawn before the visa is granted and not get the visa. 

• More enrolments for regional universities.

• It will be harder to do a second or third course once in Australia. For example, if you enter Australia as an English student and then want to apply for a VET course.  

• No caps at all for English courses or school students, so these will become more popular.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your Australian visa application, feel free to book an appointment. 

189 Invitation Round

A new 189 visa invitation round took place on 5 September 2024. The occupations invited include Teachers, Engineers, General Practitioners, Accountants, and trades.

Here are some key points from this round:

• Painting Trades Workers and Carpenters: Invited with 65 points 

• Construction Managers: Invited with 75 points 

• Medical Practitioners: Invited with 80 points 

• Architects: Invited with 75 points 

Both onshore and offshore applicants were invited. Click here to check all the occupations invited. 

State Nomination 190 and 491 Visa Updates

Most states have opened for Expressions of Interest (EOI) and Registrations of Interest (ROI) submissions, with New South Wales opening in October.

This year, some states are moving away from prioritising high points, focusing instead on factors such as:

• Salary

• Relevant work experience

• English proficiency

• Partner skills

• Education level

• ANZSCO classification

Click here to learn more about the 190 Visa. 

Click here to learn more about the 491 Visa. 

Temporary Visas Eligible for Medicare

All permanent visas can enrol in Medicare, but did you know that some temporary visas can also enrol in Medicare?

Temporary visas eligible for Medicare:

• 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa

• 491 Skilled Work Regional visa

• Onshore Parent visas

• Onshore provisional partner visas

• Protection visa (subclass 785)

Check the full list here. 

VETASSESS Processing Times

VETASSESS has reduced the processing time for skills assessments in professional and non-trade occupations. The typical processing time has decreased from 10-15 weeks to 8-10 weeks.

Global Talent Updates

The Global Talent Visa is expected to close in late 2024, with the National Innovation Visa set to replace it.

Here are some recent updates regarding the Global Talent Visa:

• We are still successfully receiving invitations for our clients.

• There have been reports of quick Expression of Interest rejections, sometimes as fast as two weeks for some applicants.

• Current visa processing times for the Global Talent Visa are estimated between 9 to 12 months.

• The Department of Home Affairs is increasingly checking the credentials of nominators and referees, with more scrutiny than before.

Visa Processing Times (September 2024)

Here are the current processing times for some key visas:

• 190 visa: 50% processed in 16 months, 90% in 17 months

• 491 visa: 50% processed in 17 months, 90% in 23 months

• 482 visa (Short and Medium Term): 50% in 1 month, 90% in 5 months

• 186 Transition Pathway: 50% in 6 months, 90% in 14 months

• 820 Provisional Onshore Partner visa: 50% processed in 12 months, 90% in 26 months

• 801 Permanent Onshore Partner visa: 50% processed in 11 months, 90% in 30 months

Check all the visa processing times here. 

Do you need help to apply for an Australian Visa?

If you need assistance with applying for an Australian visa, please contact us.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

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Sources: 

https://ministers.education.gov.au/clare/improving-sustainability-international-education

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/enrolling-medicare-if-youre-temporary-resident-covered-ministerial-order?context=60092

https://www.vetassess.com.au/news/shorter-assessment-times-for-professional-and-general-occupations

The Australian Federal Government had announced that they are closing the Business Innovation and Investment subclass 188 visa (BIIP) and the Global Talent Visa subclass 858.

The Global Talent Visa is still open. You can complete a free assessment on our website. 

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The 2024-2025 Australian Federal budget stated that “the BIIP (Business Innovation and Investment Program) will be closed permanently from July 2024 and new applications for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa will no longer be able to be lodged."   

The Australian Government has also decreased the allocation for the BIIP from 1,900 places in 2023-2024 financial year to 1,000 places for 2024-2025. It can be expected that those applications not finalised in the 2023-2024 financial year will be carried over to 2024-2025 allocations and will use up the spots.

Thos who already had submitted their BIIP applications will have their applications processed according to the Government’s current processing timeframes and priorities. Those who want to withdraw their applications can do so and may request have their application fee refunded starting September 2024.

Those who currently hold a provisional (temporary) BIIP visa can still apply for a permanent BIIP subclass 888 visa after July 2024 if they meet all the eligibility requirements.

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But how about those innovators, entrepreneurs and successful businesspeople who wants to migrate to Australia to start or develop their business in Australia? What are their options now that the BIIP program has now closed?

Visa options

National Innovation Visa

The Government announced that they will implement a new visa called the National Innovation Visa “to target exceptionally talented migrants who will drive growth in sectors of national importance.” This visa will replace the Global Talent Visa and the BIIP visa and is expected to be introduced in late 2024.

Those who are interested in applying for the BIIP visa but were unable to before the closure of the program will need to wait for the law, regulations and policies regarding the National Innovation Visa and if eligible apply for it.

Once the guidelines are released, we will be updating our website and you can  follow this link for more details about the National Innovation Visa - https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/services/national-innovation-visa.html

Employer-sponsored Visas

Potential migrants who have an occupation that is on the list of eligible skilled occupations and who have at least 3 years experience in their occupation and who have an eligible employer/sponsor in Australia may be able to apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) - Direct Entry stream.

They can also apply for temporary employer-sponsored visa, the Temporary Skill Shortage visa subclass 482. And they can potentially apply for the permanent residence visa, under the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) - Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream after working for at least 2 years with the sponsoring employer.

Holders of subclass 482 who are over 45 years old at the time of application and otherwise eligible for the subclass 186 TRT stream may be able to access the age exemption. Holders of subclass 482 visa who have been working in the nominated occupation for the nominating employer for at least 2 years during the 3 years ending immediately before they apply, and their earnings for each year of that period were at least as much as the Fair Work High Income Threshold may be eligible for the age exemption.

More information about these visa are on our website - https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/services/employer-sponsored-visas.html

General-Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas

Thos who do not have an employer in Australia who can sponsor them but have an occupation in the skilled occupation list, have a positive skills assessment for their occupation and who can meet the points test may be able to apply for  a GSM visa.

The GSM visa could be the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189, or the state nominated visas Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190 or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 491.

To apply for these visas the applicant needs to be invited by the Federal government (for the subclass 189) or by an Australian state or territory for subclass 190 and subclass 491.

You can read more about these visa on our website - https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/services/skilled-migration-189-190-489.html

Do you need help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

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Contact Us

Phone: (08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956

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Book an appointment - https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/arrange-an-appointment.html

Sources:

• Department of Home Affairs website - Migration Program planning levels: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels

• Budget 2024-25 website: https://budget.gov.au/content/documents.htm

• Migration Strategy: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/programs-subsite/migration-strategy/Documents/migration-strategy.pdf

This article is not intended to be or taken as migration legal advice. The author of this article disclaims any liability for any action or omission on the information provided or not provided in this article. You should always consult an immigration lawyer or a registered migration agent (like Work Visa Lawyers) to form an informed opinion on your immigration matter.

As the end of the fiscal year approaches, many changes are being made to the Australian immigration system. Many of these changes stem from the Budget 2024-25.

We have already posted some videos about these changes, which you can find on our YouTube channel.

Today’s news includes an exciting 189 invitation round, restrictions on applying for student visas, skills assessment updates, and a new visa coming soon.

No Student Visas for Those with Tourist/Visitor or Graduate Visas

From 1 July 2024, visitor visa holders and temporary graduate visa holders will not be able to apply for student visas onshore. In the short term, this will lead to many graduate and visitor visa holders lodging applications before 30 June 2024.

In summary, from 1 July 2024, the following subclasses will not be able to apply for a student visa onshore:

• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)
• Subclass 600 (Visitor)
• Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority)
• Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment)
• Subclass 651 (eVisitor)
• Subclass 988 (Maritime Crew)

This is in addition to the visas already listed which cannot make a valid student visa application, which are:

• Subclass 403 (Temporary Work) International Relations – Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
• Subclass 426 (Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular)
• Subclass 771 (Transit)
• Subclass 995 (Diplomatic Temporary) – primary visa holders only

189 Invitation Round Released

A 189 Skilled Independent Visa invitation round has just happened On the 13th of June 2024! It includes invitations for a wide range of occupations with high points, many in the range of 85 to 100 points. The occupations include engineers, accountants, ICT professionals, and construction-related trades, such as carpenters and painters.

Before this round, the last few rounds only included invitations for health and teaching professions, which was discouraging for those in other occupations.

The June 2024 round is encouraging for many, as it opens up opportunities for a wide range of occupations.

State Nomination 190 and 491 Visas Updates

Only New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are still open. The other states are already closed and will reopen in the new financial year.

Increase in the TSMIT

From 1 July 2024, the TSMIT will increase from $70,000 to $73,150.

The TSMIT is the minimum salary that employers are required to pay when they sponsor someone on a 482, 186, or 494 visa.

Any new nominations from this date will need to meet the new TSMIT of $73,150.

This change will not affect existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2024.

Good News for People Seeking to Apply for the 482 Employer-Sponsored Visa

From November 2024, applicants will be able to apply for the 482 employer-sponsored visa after 1 year of experience. Currently, the applicant must have 2 years of full-time experience.

With the shortage of invitations in the points-based visas, this change for the employer-sponsored 482 visa will be welcomed by many students and 408 holders looking for their next visa.

We have a blog with some tips on how to find a sponsor. Click here to read.

Graduate Visa Changes

From 1 July, the maximum eligible age to apply for the 485 Graduate Visa will be reduced to 35 years or under at the time of application.

Masters (research) and PhD graduates, as well as Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders, will still be eligible if they are under 50 years of age.

Any applications lodged on or after 1 July 2024 will be assessed under the new subclass 485 visa requirements, which include the reduction of the age limit to 35 and under.

If you need to apply for a 485 Graduate Visa, please contact us.

Ministerial Direction

There has been much media commentary in relation to Directions 99 and the decisions of the AAT.

This pertains to visa holders with character issues and some decisions by the AAT to reinstate visas for those with criminal convictions.

A new Direction 110 has been released, emphasizing the protection of the Australian community in visa decisions involving character issues.

ORANA DAMA Expanded

The variation of the Orana Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) has been expanded to include an additional 41 local government areas across inland NSW.

This expansion grants a geographical boundary extension to include the RDA regions of Riverina, Murray, Southern Inland, and Central West.

The variation will support the development and growth of regional NSW, expanding to 129 occupations under the Orana DAMA, giving businesses across 53 local government areas in NSW access to a broader range of skilled workers.

Click here to check the ORANA DAMA Occupation List.

Western Australia Subsidy Up to $7,500

The Skilled Migrant Job Connect Subsidy program is now available through the Migration WA Portal to help onshore migrants cover the costs of skills assessments, gap training, and occupational licensing by providing reimbursements of up to $7,500.

This support aims to assist migrants in gaining employment in Western Australia that aligns with their overseas qualifications, skills, and experience, thereby bolstering the state’s skilled workforce.

You can find the requirements here.

End of the Global Talent Visa and the Business Visa

The Australian Government announced that it will close the Global Talent Visa and the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) in 2024 and replace them with the new National Innovation Visa.

What is the National Innovation Visa?

This new visa aims to attract exceptionally talented migrants to Australia, such as high-performing entrepreneurs, major investors, and global researchers. Streams of the National Innovation Visa could include:

• High-performing entrepreneurs
• Major investors
• Global researchers

Here you can find more information about the National Innovation Visa Australia.

Skills Assessments Updates

VETASSESS

VETASSESS reopened new applications for Chefs and Fitters, which they stopped last year.

In May, they also reopened to cooks, diesel motor mechanics, and motor mechanics.

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) Updates

The requirement for mandatory skills assessment through the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) has been removed for certain automotive trades from qualified applicants/countries of passport. Applicants can now have their skills assessed through the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) program. This change provides a less expensive documentary evidence-only assessment option.

Do You Need Help with an Australian Visa Application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your visa application. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world. You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Sources:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1211

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1205

https://budget.gov.au/content/bp1/index.htm

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/changes

https://migration.wa.gov.au/news/skilled-migrant-job-connect-subsidy-program-now-available-migration-wa-portal

https://www.rdaorana.org.au/migration/dama

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1209

https://www.vetassess.com.au/news/reopening-new-applications-for-chef-and-fitter-general-occupations

https://www.vetassess.com.au/news/reopening-new-applications-for-cook-diesel-motor-mechanic-and-motor-mechanic-general

https://www.tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au/news/requirements-applicants-selected-automotive-trades-now-have-option-be-assessed-through