The Australian government has released the Budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, including the migration budget.

To sum up the key points regarding Australian immigration and the Permanent Migration Program:

1. The total immigration quota for the 2024-25 fiscal year is 185,000, with 70% allocated to skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas.

2. The work experience requirement for the 482 work visa has been reduced to one year, effective from November 23, 2024.

3. The GTI 8958 Global Talent Visa will be replaced by a new Innovation Visa at the end of 2024.

4. The BIIP Investment Immigration Program will be closed, and refunds will be offered to applicants who withdraw their applications starting from September 2024.

 

Seize the Opportunity for Immigration – 482 Visa

 

The requirement for the 482 visa will be reduced to one year, creating a great opportunity for new applicants, especially fresh graduates.

Starting July 1st, the stay period and age limit for the 485 visa will be reduced. click to review Skillselect Facing Major Reform: What to Expect and How to Prepare

This reduction in work experience requirements for 482 visa balances the likelihood for fresh graduates to be sponsored by employers, hence extending their stay in Australia.

In this context, we can foresee a future where the Employer Sponsored Visa subclass 482 becomes the main pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

If you’re a recent or upcoming graduate and want to obtain Australian permanent residency, speak to a Registered Migration Agent now.

 

From 485 to 482 – Frequently Asked Questions

**What do I need to do to apply for the 482 visa as a fresh graduate?**  

A fresh graduate who wants to apply for the 482 visa would need to gain at least one year of full-time work experience in a related area first. Then, an eligible sponsor would need to provide the visa sponsorship.

**Will the PR pathway for the 482 visa change too?**  

It has been announced that the work experience requirement for the 482 visa will be shortened in November this year. However, we can’t provide more details until the legal documents are published, so we don’t know if any other changes will apply.

**What are the advantages and disadvantages of fresh graduates applying for the 482 visa?**

Advantages:

• More likely to be hired by Australian employers and be sponsored: Fresh graduates who have local life experience and Australian qualifications are preferred over overseas workers. Thus, there’s a significant potential for graduates to find a local job and be sponsored.
• The 485 post-study graduate visa provides a bridge to the 482 visa: Australian graduates with a 485 visa have a certain period to gain relevant work experience to apply for the 482 visa.   

Disadvantages:

• Need to overcome market competition with less work experience: Fresh graduates face the challenge of competing with other local job seekers, and having relatively less work experience can be a disadvantage.
• Difficulty in finding an eligible sponsor willing to provide visa assistance: Only some businesses are eligible for visa sponsorship, and not all of them are willing to provide visa assistance to their employees.

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**I’m about to graduate in the middle of this year. What should I do to prepare for a employer sponsored visa?**  

Work experience is the key for a graduate or soon-to-be graduate.

Try your best to seize any work opportunity (including internships or part-time work) and start from there to obtain a sponsorship opportunity in the future. If possible, talk to a Migration Professional for a personalized career and immigration plan and visa assistance.