• The job list was amended.
  • See the changes here: https://www.border.gov.au/WorkinginAustralia/Pages/summary-of-1-july-2017-changes-to-list-of-eligible-skilled-occupations.aspx
  • See the entire new job list here: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L00848
• More tradespeople will now be required to provide a mandatory skills assessment from TRA
• Sponsorship training benchmarks were revised (more specific requirements and less options available). This only effects businesses applying to be a sponsor on/after 1 July 2017
• English tests are now compulsory for all primary applicants (not partners and children). Exceptions exist for:
  • citizens of USA, UK, NZ, Canada & Republic of Ireland
  • a person who has completed a minimum of five years of full-time study in a secondary and/or higher education institution where the instruction was delivered in English.
  • persons holding an Australian compulsory occupational license/registration/membership that requires an equal/higher level of English than is required for a 457 visa
  • persons employed by a company operating an established business overseas who are sponsored by that company or an associated entity and will be paid AUD96,400 or more
• The old English language exemption for other people on high salaries (over AUD96,400) is no longer available.
• The occupational caveats were revised. This will only impact on new and undecided applications, not existing visa holders.
• Police clearances may now be required for all 457 visa applicants over 16.
• The sponsorship accreditation program has been expanded. It is only available to companies that have: a turnover exceeding AUD4million, a staff which is 75% to 90% Australian, an excellent history with Immigration and meet various other requirements.

The 457 visa has been replaced by the new TSS visa (subclass 482).

New – Skills in Demand visa

The old Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa has been replaced from 7 December 2024. Anyone with an existing application for a TSS visa will still be considered, but no new applications are possible.

Existing sponsorship and nomination rules have remained stable.

The new Skills in Demand (SID) visa commenced 7 December 2024. SID has 3 streams. In this post I will address the stream likely to get the most use – the Core Skills stream.

Headlines

• Sponsorship and Nomination by an employer is required.
• Visa Duration – up to 4 years
• Permanent Residence – eligibility after 2 years (employer sponsored). Accordingly, there is no ‘Genuine Temporary Entrant’ rule for SID.
• Minimum salary $73,150 (indexed annually on 1 July)
• New job list – There are 456 jobs on the new Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL). Immigration have not put a user-friendly version on their website yet, but can see the list here: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L01620/latest/text Changing jobs or getting another visa could be tricky for people whose occupation is no longer on the list.
• English – IELTS 5,5,5,5 or equivalent. Exemptions include passport holders of Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, UK & USA. See also https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L01617/asmade/text
• Recent work experience – 1 year of FT work (or equivalent) within the last 5 years
• Proof of Skill – broadly speaking, professionals will need a university degree or a total of 5 years’ experience, others a diploma/trade certificate or a total of 3 years’ experience. Qualifications and experience must be relevant.
• Government charge – $3115/adult, plus $780/child. Additional $700/person if applying onshore from a temporary visa that you applied for in Australia. Online lodgement surcharge is about 1%.
• No age limit – but there are age limits when applying for Permanent Residence.

I am expecting more changes over the next 6 to 12 months.

I am also expecting new policy documents to be issued, providing more details of government expectations. Lodging an application soon after changes risks being surprised by government policy announcements.

I recommend that anyone considering a SID application get legal advice on their individual circumstances.

• The job list was amended (additions and subtractions). See it here: https://www.border.gov.au/WorkinginAustralia/Pages/summary-of-1-july-2017-changes-to-list-of-eligible-skilled-occupations.aspx
• An IELTS result of 6,6,6,6 or better is required for all primary applicants (not partners and children). This only effects applications lodged on/after 1 July 2017.
• The age limit to apply for PR is now 45 for Direct Entry applicants. TRT remains at 50 until March 2018.
• The age and proof of skill exemptions previously available to high salary earners were removed (effects only new applications).
• A new requirement has been added. It effects all new/pending ENS applications. You must convince Immigration that there is a genuine need for the company to employ the nominee, as a paid employee, to work in the position under the company’s direct control. This rule allows Immigration to make an extremely subjective judgment about every case.

The Australian Government has issued this broad policy statement:

– For the ENS and RSMS visa: The MLTSSL will now apply, with additional occupations available to support regional employers for the RSMS.

– Minimum market salary rate: Employers must pay the Australian market salary rate and meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold. 1

– Residency: The permanent residence eligibility period will be extended from two to three years.

– Work experience: At least three years’ relevant work experience.

– Age: All applicants must be under the maximum age requirement of 45 at the time of application.

– Training requirement: a strengthened training requirement for employers to contribute towards training Australian workers.