Effective July 1, several significant changes have been implemented in Australian immigration policies:
1. The fee for applying for a student visa has increased substantially, now set at 1600 AUD, with an additional 1190 AUD for dependents. This marks a notable rise from the previous fee of 710 AUD.
2. Visitors to Australia are now unable to convert their visitor visa into a student visa while staying in the country, a departure from previous regulations.
3. Holders of the Subclass 485 visa, also known as the Temporary Graduate visa, are no longer permitted to switch to a student visa within Australia, altering previous eligibility options.
4. Australia’s minimum wage has been raised by 3.75%, resulting in a new hourly rate of 24.10 AUD, aimed at improving income standards across the country.
5. Contributions to the Provident Fund have seen an increase from 11% to 11.5%, enhancing retirement savings for workers in Australia.
6. A one-time payment of 300 AUD is being distributed to every household this year to assist with electricity bills, structured as 75 AUD deductions every three months from this allocation.
These adjustments reflect Australia’s ongoing efforts to streamline immigration processes, enhance economic standards, and support its residents through targeted financial measures.
For more visit the official website of the Department of Home Affairs : https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/
