5 Recent Visa Policy Changes Every Traveller Must Know

International traveller take note! Several popular countries have recently introduced significant updates to their visa policies, impacting global travelers across different purposes such as business, leisure, education, and remote work. Being aware of these changes is essential for a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest visa developments in five key destinations.

1. Australia

Significant Increase in Student Visa Fees: Australia has significantly raised student visa fees and imposed new restrictions on temporary visa holders seeking student visas.

Key Changes

1. Increased Student Visa Fees: Starting July 1, 2024, international students will experience a substantial increase in student visa fees, rising from AUD 710 ($473) to AUD 1,600 ($1,068).

2. Restrictions on Applying for Student Visas: Temporary visa holders, including those on Temporary Graduate, Visitor, and Maritime Crew visas, are now unable to apply for a student visa from within Australia.

3. Higher Financial Requirements: The minimum savings required for a student visa has been raised from AUD 24,505 ($16,146) to AUD 29,710 ($19,576).

Impact

These changes affect global students by increasing their financial burden and limiting their ability to switch to student visas from other temporary visas while in Australia.

2. New Zealand

Family Sponsorship Limitations: New Zealand has updated visa regulations, affecting foreign workers’ ability to sponsor family members for various visas.

Key Changes

1. Revised Visa Regulations: Effective June 26, 2024, holders of Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV) at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 without a residency pathway are no longer able to sponsor partners or dependent children for work, visitor, or student visas.

2. Independent Visa Applications: Partners and dependents must apply for their visas independently if they meet the eligibility requirements.

3. Ongoing Applications: Current visa applications will be processed under the previous regulations.

Impact

Foreign workers in New Zealand will need to reconsider their plans for family relocation and sponsorship, affecting long-term stay and family integration.

3. Italy

New Digital Nomad Visa: Italy has launched a new digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to live and work in the country for up to one year.

Key Changes

1. New Digital Nomad Visa: Italy’s visa for digital nomads allows non-EU remote workers to live and work in the country for up to one year, beyond the 90-day tourist stay limit.

2. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be either self-employed or employed remotely, considered ‘highly-skilled,’ with specific income levels, valid health insurance, no recent criminal record, and proof of accommodation.

Impact

This new visa offers global freelancers and remote workers the chance to live and work in Italy, providing a unique opportunity to experience Italian culture while working remotely.

4. Europe

Streamlined Schengen Visa Process: Europe has simplified the process for obtaining long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas for frequent travellers.

Key Changes

1. Multi-Entry Schengen Visas: Travelers can now apply for multiple-entry Schengen visas with extended validity.

2. Cascade Regime: The European Commission’s new ‘cascade’ regime allows travelers who have lawfully used two Schengen visas in the past three years to obtain a long-term, multi-entry visa valid for two years, and potentially a five-year visa, contingent on passport validity.

Impact

These changes benefit frequent global travelers by simplifying the process of obtaining long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, facilitating easier and extended access to Schengen countries.

5. Germany

New Opportunity Card for Job Seekers: Germany introduced the Opportunity Card, allowing skilled non-EU citizens to relocate and seek employment for up to one year.

Key Changes

1. Introduction of the Opportunity Card: Starting June 1, 2024, Germany’s new ‘Opportunity Card’ allows non-EU citizens to live in Germany for up to one year while seeking employment.

2. Requirements: Applicants need at least two years of vocational training or a relevant degree, along with proficiency in German or English.

Impact

This policy is designed to attract skilled professionals worldwide in fields such as engineering, IT, and healthcare, addressing Germany’s labor shortages and providing new opportunities for global talent.

Conclusion

For global travelers, these visa updates represent both new opportunities and potential challenges. Staying informed about the latest visa requirements and planning accordingly will help ensure a smooth travel experience. Whether traveling for education, work, or leisure, these changes are essential to consider in your travel plans.