Budget 2023-24: VACs up 6 per cent and some by more; 482 visas in Short-term stream can renew onshore

Budget 2023-24: VACs up 6 per cent and some by more; 482 visas in Short-term stream can renew onshore

The Federal Budget was handed down last night with most outcomes already known. Two further major changes are that 482 visas holders in the Short-term stream no longer need to apply when outside of Australia from 1 July 2023, and some visa application charges will see additional increases.

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Student visa work rights to increase from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight; 485 visas to be longer for select qualifications

Student visa work rights to increase from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight; 485 visas to be longer for select qualifications

The Minister for Home Affairs announced two measures to assist with immediate skill shortages including allowing student visa holders to work for 48 hours per fortnight, up from 40 hours from 1 July 2023 and some 485 visas under the Post-Study stream will have their visas granted for 2 additional years.

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“Green card" lottery-style Pacific Engagement Visa commencing July 2023

“Green card" lottery-style Pacific Engagement Visa commencing July 2023

A US green card lottery-style system will roll out in July 2023 along with a new and permanent Pacific Engagement Visa. New legislation was introduced yesterday to create the “ballot” system, which reveals that the program may be more of a lottery in that registrants may need to pay to play.

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Student visas: unlimited work rights to end 30 June 2023; migration system under review

Student visas: unlimited work rights to end 30 June 2023; migration system under review

The relaxation of work restrictions for student visa holders will be ending on 30 June 2023, with working holiday makers set to end even earlier on 31 December 2022. The migration system will be undergoing a review, concentrating primarily on skilled visas.

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