DHA Policy Updates 2023–2025
Latest Department of Home Affairs announcements and policy changes affecting student visas, PR pathways, and skilled migration. Updated regularly.
📌 What Changed in 2024
Student Visa Fee Increased
500 Student visa applications now cost AUD 1,600 (up from ~AUD 620). Budget accordingly.
Genuine Student (GS) Test Now in Effect
Replaced GTE requirement from March 2024. Simpler assessment of genuine student intent.
New Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
Replaces TSS 482 from December 2024. Faster processing (4–8 weeks) but fewer occupations available.
💡 How These Changes Affect Your Plan
Budget for the new AUD 1,600 fee. The Genuine Student test is easier than the old GTE — focus on showing genuine intent to study (strong academic record, realistic study plans, commitment to your course).
Work rights are restored to 48 hours per fortnight during semester. Plan PR pathways early — skilled migration points are now much higher (85–95 for 189). Start working towards a skills assessment and state sponsorship if planning to stay.
Apply within 6 months of course completion. If you studied regionally, ensure you claim the +1–2 year regional extension (it's not automatic; you may need to highlight your regional study). Start exploring 186/189/190 PR pathways during your 485 validity.
New SID visa (from Dec 2024) is faster (4–8 weeks) than old TSS 482. But occupations on the demand list are limited. Check if your occupation qualifies before pursuing this pathway.
Stay Updated
Check official sources:
- • DHA website: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au (official policy announcements)
- • DHA Updates: Subscribe to email alerts for visa & policy changes
- • Immigration Report: Monitor SkillSelect cut-off scores (updated monthly)
Policy changes can happen monthly. Bookmark this page and check back regularly before making major decisions (applying for visas, choosing states for 190, etc.).