Australian Federal Budget 2019: Key Immigration and Visa Changes
The Australian Federal Budget 2019 introduced several changes affecting the migration program and the Department of Home Affairs. These updates impact visa application charges, skilled migration points testing, and regional visa programs.
Visa Application Charges (VAC) to Increase
From 1 July 2019, Base Visa Application Charges (VAC) for most visa subclasses will increase by 5.4%. However, the Visitor Subclass 600 will remain unchanged. No increases were announced for second installment VACs.
Skilled Migration Points Test Adjustments
Effective November 2019, changes to the Skilled Migration Points Test will provide:
Additional points for primary applicants whose partner has competent English but does not meet the requirements for skilled partner points.
Extra points for single applicants, ensuring they are not disadvantaged, though specific details are yet to be released.
Discontinuation of RSMS (Subclass 187) and Skilled Regional (Subclass 489) Visas
From 1 November 2019, the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Subclass 187 and the Skilled Regional Subclass 489 visa will be discontinued.
Migration Program Planning Levels for 2019-2020
The Federal Budget confirmed the Migration Program Planning levels for 2019-2020, providing insight into Australia’s immigration intake and policy direction. The 2017-2018 program outcomes were also shared for comparison.
New Regional Visa Subclasses
The Budget announced four new regional visa subclasses, aimed at encouraging migration to regional areas. The key new visas include:
1. Skilled Employer Sponsored (Provisional) Visa – Available from 1 November 2019
9,000 places allocated
Covers almost 700 eligible occupations – 450 more than non-regional areas
2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Available from 1 November 2019
14,000 places allocated
Covers over 500 eligible occupations – 70 more than non-regional areas
Key Features of These Two New Regional Visas
Priority processing
Access to additional skilled occupations
Five-year visa validity
Eligibility for permanent residency after three years of living and working in a regional area
Applications lodged before 1 November 2019 will continue to be processed under existing rules
3. Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – Available from November 2022
Requires three years of living and working in a regional area
Applicants must have previously held either a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa or Skilled Employer Sponsored (Provisional) Visa
Plan Your Migration to Australia
If you’re considering migrating to Australia under the new regional visa pathways, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility requirements and prepare your visa application correctly.
At Migrate 2 Oz, we offer expert guidance on visa assessments, applications, and migration planning. Take the next step in your migration journey by completing our Free Online Assessment today:
