Starting February 2024, the Pandemic Event visa will no longer accept new applications, bringing certainty to our immigration system. However, as a transitional measure, from September 2, 2023, only existing Pandemic Event visa holders will be eligible to apply for this visa.

Starting September 2, 2023, new applications for the Pandemic Event visa will grant a six-month visa, along with a Visa Application Charge of $405 AUD, reinforcing its use for those genuinely needing to contribute to Australia.

If you currently hold a Pandemic Event visa and wish to apply for a different visa, you’ll need to meet the criteria for that specific visa. Those with no other visa options are expected to depart Australia when their visa expires.

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The Albanese Government in Australia has announced important changes to the country’s skilled migration system. Starting from July 1, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will be increased from $53,900 to $70,000. This adjustment is the first step taken by the government in response to the findings of the independent Review of the Migration System, which highlighted issues with the current system. The TSMIT increase is significant as it brings the income threshold closer to where it should have been if it had been indexed properly over the past decade.

Furthermore, the government has also announced that Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) short stream visa holders will now have a pathway to permanent residency within the existing capped permanent program. This decision aims to provide more certainty to employers and migrants while boosting the skill level in Australia’s permanent skilled program.

These measures fulfill important election commitments made by the Albanese Government to enhance the TSMIT and expand pathways to permanent residence. For more information on these changes, follow the provided link.