Australia: Immigration Update

Introducing the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement and Australia India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement

We are pleased to announce the recent developments in immigration policies that will greatly benefit some individuals seeking Australian opportunities. Eos Global Expansion (www.eosglobalexpansion) is excited to provide you with an overview of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (AUKFTA) and the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) between Australia and India.

Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (AUKFTA): Unlocking New Possibilities

Effective May 31, 2023, the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (AUKFTA) has come into force, bringing forth significant opportunities for professionals and workers from both countries. Under the AUKFTA, UK citizens and permanent residents now enjoy a major advantage in the Australian immigration landscape. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Labor Market Testing (LMT) Exemption: UK nationals and permanent residents are now exempt from labor market testing (LMT) requirements when applying for Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482) visas. This change simplifies the process and expedites the hiring of UK talent in Australia.
2. Enhanced Working Holiday Visa Program: Starting from July 1, 2023, UK passport holders aged between 18 and 35 can apply for the Working Holiday visa. This represents an extension of the age limit from the previous maximum of 30 years. Moreover, from July 1, 2024, UK passport holders can be granted up to three Working Holiday visas, each valid for 12 months, without needing to fulfill specific work requirements.
3. Innovators and Early Career Development Pathway: Commencing on September 25, 2023, a pilot visa pathway will be introduced specifically for UK citizens involved in innovation and early career development. The program, initially capped at 1000 places in the first year and subsequently expanded to 2000 in the second year, aims to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing between the UK and Australia.
4. Agricultural Sector Opportunities: To facilitate mobility for individuals engaged in agricultural work, new visa pathways will be established in the agricultural sector. This initiative opens doors for workers seeking employment in the thriving Australian agricultural industry.
5. Professional Qualification Recognition: The AUKFTA promotes stronger recognition of professional qualifications between Australia and the UK. Additionally, it encourages increased collaboration between accreditation and regulatory bodies in both countries, fostering seamless provision of professional services.

Australia India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement: Expanding Horizons

We are delighted to inform you about the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) between Australia and India, solidifying the bonds between the two nations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged a signed Letter of Intent on May 24, 2023, highlighting the following key points:

1. Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme (MATES): The MMPA introduces a pilot program, MATES, designed to enable India’s top graduates and early career professionals with expertise in various fields to work and stay in Australia for up to two years. This program, commencing soon, will initially accommodate 3000 talented individuals specializing in IT, artificial intelligence, mining, fintech, engineering, agritech, and green energy.
2. Extended Professional Development Opportunities: Effective from July 1, 2023, Indian nationals graduating from Australian tertiary institutions on a student visa can apply for professional development and work without the need for visa sponsorship for up to eight years. This initiative encourages the exchange of knowledge and promotes long-term collaborations between Australia and India.

Other Important Changes from July 1, 2023

Starting from July 1, 2023, the following changes will take effect:

1. Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) Increase: The TSMIT for Temporary Skills Shortage nomination applications will rise from $53,900 to $70,000. It’s essential to be aware of this change when planning your workforce requirements.
2. Student Visa Work Restrictions: Work restrictions for student visa holders will be reintroduced, allowing a maximum of 48 hours of work per fortnight. Please keep this in mind when considering employment options for international students.
3. Revised Work Restrictions for Visa Holders: Work restrictions will be reintroduced for Training visa (subclass 407) secondary visa holders. Working holiday visa holders (subclass 417 and 462) will be limited to working with a single employer for up to six months.
4. Streamlined Citizenship Pathway: New Zealanders who have resided in Australia for four years or more will now be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship without the need to obtain a permanent visa first.
5. Visa Application Charges: Please note that visa application charges will increase by either 6% or 15% for most visa types. Ensure you are aware of the updated fee structure when planning your immigration strategy.
6. Extended Post-Study Work Rights: Graduates with eligible qualifications holding a 485 visa will be granted an additional two years of post-study work rights, allowing them to gain valuable work experience in Australia.

Contact Us

At Eos Global Expansion, we specialize in global employment solutions and can help you navigate these immigration changes effectively. Contact us today at [email protected] to discuss how we can assist you in achieving your global expansion goals.