Australia Expands Pathways to Employer-Sponsored Permanent Residency
To all our kababayans who want to work and live in Australia, the government is taking significant steps to enhance its migration system, providing more opportunities for temporary skilled workers to achieve Permanent Residence (PR). The Department of Home Affairs is implementing changes effective from 25 November 2023, subject to regulatory approval, with a primary focus on the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) (TSS) visa and the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) (ENS) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) (RSMS) visa.
The changes are driven by the need to address the issue of a growing number of “permanently temporary” visa holders in Australia. Many temporary skilled visa holders face limited pathways to PR, leading to uncertainty for both employers and visa holders. The government’s aim is to create clear and accessible routes to PR for all TSS visa streams, simplifying the nomination process.
These changes will impact different groups of applicants and existing visa holders. There will be changes to the short-term stream TSS visa as the limits on the number of Short-term stream TSS visa applications lodged onshore will be removed. However, short-term stream TSS visa holders with visas expiring before the changes will need to travel outside Australia to lodge a third short-term stream TSS application.
As for changes to TRT Stream Nomination Requirements for ENS and RSMS Visa Subclasses, employers will be able to nominate holders of all TSS visa streams, including Short-term and Labour Agreement streams. The nominated person must have held their TSS (or subclass 457) visa(s) for 2 out of the 3 years before nomination. RSMS visas will continue to be restricted to transitional 457 workers and transitional 482 workers. Meanwhile, nominated occupations will no longer be assessed against skilled migration occupation lists. However, the nominated occupation must be listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), and the nominated worker must continue to work in the nominated occupation. Work experience requirements for TSS visa holders will be reduced to 2 out of the 3 years before nomination.
Age exemption requirements will be adjusted for regional medical practitioner applicants and high-income earning applicants aged 45 years and over to allow for a two-year pathway is one of the changes to visa requirements for TRT Stream of ENS and RSMS Visa Subclasses. Additionally, redundant COVID-19 related age exemptions due to the two-year pathway will be ended.
Felix Carao is a Registered Migration Consultant (MARN 1069354), a Qualified Education Counselor (QEAC G028), and an Accredited Recruitment Professional (MRCSA-51889). For enquiries, you may call 0499 599 569 or email him at felix@allskills.com.au or visit www.allskills.com.au
Reaching Your Australian Dream: Pathways to Australian Permanent Residency
To all our kababayans who dream of building a new life in Australia as permanent residents, this article is for you. Australia has long been a sought-after destination for many, offering a high standard of living, diverse opportunities, and a welcoming community. As the migration program for 2022-23 comes to an end, it’s essential to stay informed about the recent changes and explore the different pathways to make your Australian dreams a reality.
Latest News
As of the latest updates, the Australian government has implemented certain changes to the migration program. These changes aim to address the country’s evolving needs and priorities while providing ample opportunities for skilled workers, families, and investors to obtain permanent residency. Here are some of the notable updates:
Skill Select Round Results: The Skill Select system is used to invite skilled workers to apply for visas under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. As of the latest round on 25 May 2023, there are 7,353 invitations were issued for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) visa and there are 74 invitations for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored visa. However, it’s crucial to note that invitations are now narrowly focused on priority occupations as per Direction 100, particularly in the health and teaching sectors.
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) Increase: To ensure that foreign workers are appropriately compensated and maintain fair wages, the TSMIT has been increased significantly from $59,300 to $70,000 or the Annual Market Salary Rate, whichever is higher. This change aims to protect the rights and interests of skilled workers in Australia. However, this only applies to nominations submitted on or after 01 July 2023.
2023-2024 Migration Program Level: The Australian government has set the migration program level at the re-COVID planning level of 190,000 on 09 May 2023, demonstrating its commitment to welcoming skills migrants and their families. This provides numerous opportunities for those looking to make Australia their permanent home.
Proposed Lottery System for Parent Visa Applicants: Due to a considerable backlog of parent visa applications, which has resulted in waiting times of 30 to 50 years, the government has proposed the implementation of a lottery system. This system is intended to allocate places more fairly and reduce waiting times for families seeking reunification. The second proposed reform involves introducing more affordable temporary short-stay parent visas, which could serve as a reset mechanism for the permanent parent program. This initiative seeks to offer parents the opportunity to spend more time with their children in Australia without requiring a long-term commitment to permanent residency.
Incentives for Health Workers: The South Australian Government has launch a campaign to attract health workers from other states and overseas to their state by offering financial incentives of up to $15,000. In the first year of administration, the SA government successfully recruited 550 additional clinical staff, including 278 nurses, 89 doctors, 141 paramedics, and 42 allied health workers. This boost in health staffing will enable the government to open hundreds more beds across the healthcare system, ensuring improved healthcare services for South Australians.
Exploring Pathways to Australian Permanent Residency:
Now that we have highlighted the recent changes in the migration program, let’s explore the different pathways to Australian permanent residency:
Family Stream: If you have eligible family members who are Australian permanent residents or citizens, you may be able to apply for a family-sponsored visa. This category includes visas for parents, partners, children, relatives, and carers.
Skill Stream: Skilled workers with qualifications and experience in demand in the Australian labor market can explore the Skill Stream. The General Skilled Migration program offers visas like Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491.. Meeting the points threshold and demonstrating English proficiency are key requirements for this stream.
Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) Stream: Entrepreneurs and investors can consider the BIIP Stream, which allows for the establishment or expansion of businesses in Australia. This stream includes the Subclass 188 visa, leading to the Subclass 888 visa for permanent residency.
Other Visas: There are additional visa options catering to specific circumstances, such as visas for former residents, global talent, and individuals seeking refuge under the humanitarian program.
The Australian dream of becoming a permanent resident is within reach for those who meet the eligibility criteria and requirements of the various visa streams. As Australia continues to welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, the pathway to permanent residency offers a new beginning and a chance to make Australia your forever home. However, navigating the immigration process can be complex, and it’s advisable to seek guidance from registered migration agents.
Felix Carao is a Registered Migration Consultant (MARN 1069354), a Qualified Education Counselor (QEAC G028), and an Accredited Recruitment Professional (MRCSA 51889). For enquiries, you may call 04 1232 1187 or email him at felix@allskills.com.au or visit www.allskills.com.au