ABOLITION OF HEALTH WORKFORCE CERTIFICATES
Starting September 16, 2023, the requirement for health w or k force certificates and health w or k force exemption certificates for sponsoring International Medical Graduates ( IMGs ) will be removed by Home Affair s . These certificates were necessary for certain medical profess ions and visa subclasses , including Subclass 482 and 494 visas. The reason behind this change remains unclear, though the Australian Medical Association (AMA) acknowledges a continuous shortage of General Practitioner s (GPs ) in Australia, ex tending beyond regional areas . The move might lead to adjustments in visa occupation lists and potentially more significant changes . Applications for these certificates will be accepted until September 13, 2023.
AUSTRALIA TO PHASE OUT SUBCLASS 408 VISA
Australia will discontinue its Covid-era visa (Subclass 408) in February 2024, as the conditions that led to its creation have ceased.
AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION PLAN LEVELS FY 2023-24
Australia’s 2023-24 Permanent Migration Program set s a goal of 190,000 immigrant s , prioritizing skilled migrant s . The plan features a 70:30 distribution betweens k i l led and family visas , with 137 ,000 for skilled and 52,500 for family immigration. Partner and Child visa categories are exempt from the ceiling.
CLOSURE OF THE PANDEMIC EVENT VISA
Albanese Labor Government to close Pandemic Event visa, effective February 2024, except for existing holders. Measures aim to uphold visa system integrity and support Australia’s post-pandemic population growth. New applications after September 2, 2023, receive a six[1]month visa with a $405 AUD charge