Australian Immigration Daily News

The Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 476 (Skilled – Recognised Graduate) and Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument (LIN 24/021) 2024, issued by the Minister for Home Affairs, repeals the previous specification of English language test scores and introduces updated requirements. Effective from 23 March 2024, this instrument aims to enhance the integrity of the temporary graduate visa program in line with the Government's Migration Strategy by increasing the required English language test scores for applicants of Subclass 476 and Subclass 485 visas.

Applicants are now required to achieve higher scores in approved English language tests, including the CAE, IELTS, OET, PTE, and TOEFL iBT, within one year before their visa application. This adjustment from the previously allowed three-year period to one year necessitates more recent proof of English proficiency. For the OET, unlike other tests, required scores for each component do not need to be achieved in a single sitting.

This instrument maintains that citizens holding valid passports from native English-speaking countries (the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland) do not need to meet these English language test requirements. Furthermore, specific arrangements remain unchanged for Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders, in line with migration reforms introduced in 2020.

The Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Instrument (LIN 24/022) 2024, issued under the authority of the Minister for Home Affairs, repeals the previous instrument from 2018 and sets new English language proficiency requirements for Subclass 500 (Student) visa applicants. Commencing on 23 March 2024, this legislative instrument aims to enhance the integrity of the student visa program as part of the Government's Migration Strategy.

The updated regulations increase the required English language test scores for applicants, reflecting the Government's emphasis on the importance of strong English language skills for students' academic success and integration into Australian life. The instrument specifies that applicants must have taken an approved English language test within two years before making their application and achieved the required test scores as detailed in Schedule 1 of the instrument. Higher proficiency requirements are introduced to help students thrive in their studies and engage more effectively in work and community activities in Australia.

The instrument also maintains specific lower test score requirements for applicants enrolled in English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) of at least 10 or 20 weeks, foundation programs, or eligible pathway programs, acknowledging the tailored support these courses provide to students in meeting academic entry requirements for Australian education institutions.

The Migration Amendment (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme) Regulations 2024 significantly updates the Migration Regulations 1994 to initiate a pilot program facilitating temporary residency in Australia for family members of certain long-term workers engaged in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. This scheme, central to Australia's engagement in the Pacific, previously limited visa applications to the workers themselves, excluding family members.

The amendments extend eligibility to workers granted visas under the PALM scheme for one to four years, allowing them to apply for their family's temporary stay in Australia, recognising the social costs associated with long-term family separation. The pilot aims to support 200 families in the 2023-2024 financial year, prioritizing access to childcare, schooling, employment for spouses, health services, and integration into local communities.

Applications for family members will require support in writing from a government department administering the PALM scheme. Additionally, the regulations introduce a visa application charge for secondary applicants aged 18 years and over at AUD $335 and for those under 18 at AUD $80, with the primary applicant charge remaining unchanged.

The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs has announced the enactment of the Migration (Visa Pre-application Process) Charge Act 2023 and the accompanying Migration (Visa Pre-application Process) Charge Regulations 2024. These legislative instruments introduce a registration charge for individuals participating in the visa pre-application process, with a specific focus on the new Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) Visa. The charge, set at AUD25, is intended to ensure that participants are genuinely interested in pursuing migration, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the visa application process.

This legislative development heralds the introduction of the Subclass 192 Pacific Engagement Visa, which incorporates a novel ballot system for visa applications. This initiative aims to bolster Pacific permanent migration, emphasizing Australia's commitment to deepening its engagement with Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste. Scheduled to take effect on March 29, 2024, this strategy aims to maintain a balance between making the visa application process accessible and preserving the integrity of the system, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the annual visa program targets.

This approach reflects Australia's progressive stance on immigration, highlighting the significance of authentic engagement and providing equitable opportunities for all applicants. It signifies a step towards strengthening relationships and fostering multicultural exchanges within the Pacific region and beyond.

The Australian government has announced the introduction of the Subclass 192 Pacific Engagement Visa, effective from March 29, 2024. This new visa category creates a pathway to permanent residence for citizens of Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste, aimed at deepening Australia's connections with these regions. The initiative supports cultural, business, and educational exchanges by allowing eligible individuals and their families to settle in Australia permanently.

The selection process for applicants will be conducted through a ballot system to ensure equal opportunity for all eligible candidates. To qualify, applicants must satisfy a range of criteria, including health, character, and security checks, demonstrate English language proficiency, and have employment and financial capacity.

This development signifies a significant step toward enhancing the inclusivity and collaboration between Australia and the Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste, fostering stronger regional ties and mutual benefits.