International Graduates
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has implemented changes to the Migration Regulations. The updated rule extends the allowable post-study stay period for certain international students graduating from Australian higher education institutions. From 1 July 2023, post-study work rights for international graduates will be increased from:
- two years to four years for select Bachelor degrees;
- three years to five years for select Masters degrees;
- four years to six years for all doctoral degrees.
This extension will be added to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) (TGV) for eligible graduates; or enabling a new visa application for those select students who already hold a TGV and will be seeking an additional two years.
The Government has selected courses eligible for an extended graduate visa for international students from 1 July 2023. The full list of all eligible higher education courses can be found at the extended post-study work rights page.
Pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand nationals
On 22 April 2023, the Australian Government announced a direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens living in Australia.
From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for four years or more will be eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship. They will no longer need to first apply for and be granted a permanent visa. This means all New Zealand citizens who hold a permanent visa or a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) are eligible to apply directly for citizenship (by conferral).
These changes only apply to citizenship applications submitted on or after 1 July 2023. New Zealand citizens can check their eligibility on the day they want to apply.
Migration (Specification of Income Threshold & Annual Earnings & Methodology of Annual Market Salary Rate) Amendment Instrument 2023
The amendments made by this instrument implement a commitment made before the 2022 federal election. The lifting of the TSMIT (temporary skilled migration income threshold) from $53,900 to $70,000 is the amount the TSMIT would have been, had it been indexed annually since 2013.
The increase in the TSMIT is in line with the Government’s policy intention, to ensure skilled migrant workers are able to sufficiently support themselves while in Australia and to provide a safeguard against exploitation.
This instrument will also insert an application provision to ensure nomination applications lodged prior to 1 July 2023 but not finally determined will continue to be assessed against the TSMIT of $53,900.
This newsletter only provides general information related to current migration matters. The information contained in this communication does not constitute specific migration advice, and should not be construed or relied on as such. Professional advice should be sought for the specifics of your situation prior to any action being taken. BD Welsh and Co disclaims any liability (including, without limitation, for any direct or indirect or consequential costs, loss or damage or loss of profits) arising from anything done or omitted to be done by any party in reliance, whether wholly or partially, on any of the information contained in this newsletter. Any party that relies on the information does so at its own risk. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.