Australia is a dream destination for many international students, but the journey doesn’t stop after graduation. If you’re looking to transition from student life to building a long-term career and eventually securing residency in Australia, this article is for you. We’ll walk you through three key areas: new opportunities with the subclass 491 visa in Victoria, career guidance after graduation, and common mistakes that can cause visa applications to be declined.

Queensland’s skilled migration program has reopened, offering exciting opportunities for skilled migrants looking to work and settle in the state. Alongside this, Australia’s points-test system, which plays a critical role in determining eligibility for skilled migration, is set to undergo significant changes aimed at addressing employment success and skill shortages. Additionally, a new Work and Holiday visa ballot has been announced for citizens of China, India, and Vietnam, opening pathways for younger individuals to experience Australia while meeting certain visa criteria.

Education Minister Jason Clare proposed that new international student commencements will be capped at 270,000 across Australian higher education and vocational providers for the 2025 calendar year.

Australia continues to open its doors to skilled migrants with an exciting new wave of opportunities. For the 2024-2025 financial year, the Australian government has set an ambitious target of 185,000 places under its Permanent Migration Program. Whether you're considering a move for work, family reunification, or a fresh start in a new country, this program is the golden ticket for many.

To qualify for Australia's Skilled Migration Program, applicants are assessed through a points system that considers key factors such as age, language skills, work experience, and educational background. At the heart of this process are the occupation lists, which highlight the professions currently in high demand across the country.

The Australian government has announced the nomination allocations for the 2024-2025 Permanent Migration Program. With 16,500 places allocated for the 190 visas and 9,760 for the 491 visas, this year's program outlines the pathways for those looking to make Australia their new home.

Previously, only holders of a Subclass 482 visa in the Medium-term stream had access to permanent residency through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) streams of the Subclass 186 and Subclass 187 visas. However, with the new regulations, all 482 and 457 visa holders, regardless of their stream, will now be eligible for permanent residency through the TRT stream.

In a significant political development, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced his first cabinet reshuffle since taking office. This move comes after the retirement of two prominent cabinet ministers, Linda Burney and Brendan O'Connor, prompting substantial changes in key portfolios.

After successful negotiations with the Commonwealth Government's Department of Home Affairs, Western Australia will receive 5,000 state-nominated migration spots for the 2024-25 program year.

Despite the Albanese government's recent overhaul of the immigration system, which will see nearly 10,000 additional skilled workers nationwide, Queensland is set to experience a reduction in its allocated number of skilled migrants for the 2024-2025 financial year.

The Cook and Albanese Labor Governments have announced a groundbreaking agreement to tackle Western Australia's labor shortages and stimulate residential construction. This deal, which secures 10,000 skilled migration places for the 2024-25 period, is set to bolster the state’s workforce and address critical skill gaps across various industries.

Starting July 1, 2024, the Australian Government implemented substantial changes to its immigration policies, impacting various visa programs and conditions. Key areas affected include business sponsorships, skilled migration, and temporary visa holders. These policy shifts aim to streamline processes, attract highly skilled individuals, and ensure Australia remains a competitive destination for global talent.

Beginning on July 1, 2024, the Australian Government will implement substantial changes to visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 under its Migration Strategy. These reforms aim to tackle worker exploitation and boost productivity by enhancing labor market mobility for temporary migrants.

The Australian Government is taking significant steps to end 'visa hopping' as part of its comprehensive Migration Strategy. This initiative aims to close loopholes that have allowed students and other temporary visa holders to extend their stay in Australia indefinitely.

GSM Visa Points Test Revamp

The federal government has announced plans to revise the points-based assessment for skilled migrants, which determines eligibility for entry into Australia, following a decision to reduce overall immigration levels.

This year's Permanent Migration Program is set at 185,000 places, with a notable shift in focus from the Subclass 189 visa to the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas, indicating a strategic pivot to state and regional sponsorships.

• Biggest updates from the 2024 Federal Budget

• Working Holiday Visa lottery

• 482 visa employment requirement changes