Important Australian immigration updates are set to take effect from 1 July 2024. These updates span various visa categories and visa conditions, impacting both prospective applicants and current visa holders.
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Quick answer: On 1 July 2024, Australia removed the regional work requirement for UK Working Holiday visa applicants, raised the TSMIT to $73,150, restricted onshore Student visa applications from Visitor and Temporary Graduate visa holders, cut the Temporary Graduate (485) age limit to under 35, and gave 457/482/494 visa holders more flexibility to change or pause employment. Some of these settings (notably salary thresholds) have since moved further – this article notes where. |
Working Holiday visas: UK regional requirement removed
From 1 July 2024, UK citizens on a Working Holiday visa no longer need to fulfil regional work requirements to apply for second and third Working Holiday visas. This remains current policy as at mid-2026.
Income thresholds: what changed then vs now
Two salary benchmarks increased on 1 July 2024. Both have moved again since – twice, in fact – as part of the annual indexation cycle.
| Threshold | From 1 July 2024 | From 1 July 2025 | From 1 July 2026 |
| Core Skills Income Threshold (formerly TSMIT) | $73,150 | $76,515 | $79,499 |
| Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT) | $175,000 | ~$183,000 | ~$190,100 |
Note the naming shift: the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) was effectively superseded by the Skills in Demand Visa which was introduced in December 2024.
Student visa restrictions
From 1 July 2024, Visitor and Temporary Graduate visa holders are no longer able to apply directly for a Student visa while onshore in Australia. This remains current policy as at mid-2026.
Temporary Graduate (485) visa age limit
The maximum application age for the Temporary Graduate visa dropped from under 50 to under 35 from 1 July 2024, and this remains the standard age limit in 2026. Exceptions apply: PhD and Doctoral graduates from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution can apply up to age 49, as can Hong Kong SAR and British National (Overseas) passport holders. Age is assessed at the date the application is received, not at graduation or decision date. As at 1 July 2026, the 485 visa application fee is AUD $5,750.
More flexibility to change or pause sponsored employment
From 1 July 2024, holders of 457, 482 and 494 visas gained more flexibility to cease employment with their sponsoring employer – up to 180 days at a time, with a 365-day maximum across the life of the visa. Sponsors must notify the Department within 28 days of an employment change. This remains current policy and sits alongside the separate 180-day rule for lodging a new nomination when changing sponsors entirely.
Is the $73,150 TSMIT figure still current?
No – this was the salary threshold from 1 July 2024. It has since increased to $76,515 (July 2025) and $79,499 (July 2026), and the terminology has shifted to the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) under the Skills in Demand visa.
What is the current Temporary Graduate (485) visa age limit?
Under 35 for most applicants, unchanged since 1 July 2024. PhD/Doctoral graduates and Hong Kong SAR/BNO passport holders can apply up to age 49.
How long can a 482 visa holder go without a sponsoring employer?
Up to 180 days at a time, with a 365-day cap across the total life of the visa – a flexibility introduced from 1 July 2024 and still current.
Do UK Working Holiday visa applicants still need regional work experience for a second or third visa?
No – this requirement was removed from 1 July 2024 and remains removed as at mid-2026.
If these changes affect yourself or an employee at your business, please don’t hesitate to GET IN TOUCH with our team
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