Australia Unveils Exciting Changes: Employer-Sponsored PR Reforms & Migration Strategy

From 25th November 2023, the Australian Government is rolling out major changes to make it easier for temporary skilled sponsored workers to secure permanent residence. These reforms are set to provide clarity and a simpler route to PR for TSS (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa holders, offering employers and workers greater confidence in the process.

Here's what's changing

Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482)

• The government is removing the cap on the number of Short-term stream TSS visa (subclass 482) applications within Australia.
• This applies to new TSS visa applications made on or after November 25, 2023.
• Short-term stream TSS visa holders with visas expiring before this date will need to leave Australia to lodge a third short-term stream TSS application.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Temporary Residence Transition Stream

Changes are also coming to the TRT stream

• Employers can nominate holders of all TSS visa streams, including Short-term and Labour Agreement streams.
• The requirement to match nominated occupations for the TRT stream with a skilled migration occupation list is being removed. Instead, the nominated occupation must be listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), and the worker must continue working in that occupation.
• The period for which a TSS visa holder must hold their visa and work in their nominated position or occupation before being eligible for nomination by their employer is reduced to two out of the three years prior to nomination.

Also Read: Australia PR Age Limit: Immigration Options After 45 years

These TRT stream changes apply to the new Employer Nomination Scheme

(ENS) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme nomination applications and applications in progress as of November 25, 2023.

Further updates to the TRT stream visa application requirements include

• Age exemptions for regional medical practitioner applicants and high-income earners aged 45 and over are extended to allow a two-year pathway.
• COVID-19-related age exemptions that are no longer necessary due to the two-year pathway will be discontinued.

Explore: How Many Years to Get PR in Australia?: Australia PR Processing Time

Embracing Easier Paths: Your Gateway to Australian Permanent Residency

These are the initial steps towards granting more equitable access to Permanent Residency for all TSS visa holders. The government is actively working on further reforms to skilled visa programs based on their Migration Strategy Outline and the 2023 Migration System Review findings. Looking to Immigrate to Australia, take guidance from our counselors at GetGIS.

Our expertise and up-to-date knowledge can be your compass in the journey to Australian PR, ensuring you make the most of these transformative reforms. Schedule a Free Consultation today to secure your PR status.

FAQs

1. Can I get PR with 75 points in Australia?

Having 75 points is the minimum threshold for eligibility to apply for Australian permanent residency via the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. Nevertheless, it's crucial to understand that achieving this score doesn't assure automatic approval of your PR visa.

2. What is the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) in Australia?

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visas, also known as subclass 186 visas, offer permanent residency to skilled workers. These visas are open to both individuals who are already residing and working in Australia as temporary residents and those who are located outside of Australia.

3. How much is the ENS scheme fee in Australia?

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) application fee in Australia consists of two components:

1. Position nomination fee: $540 (except when the sponsor is in a regional area and the application is for a TRT visa).
2. For the primary applicant, the fee is $4,640, and for a partner (as well as any child above 18), it is $2,320.

4. Does an 186 visa eventually lead to Australian citizenship?

The 186 visa grants permanent residency, allowing indefinite stay in Australia, and it might pave the way to citizenship.

5. Can I change jobs after obtaining a 186 visa?

Once your 186 visa is approved, you gain full residency rights, and you are not obligated to remain in your current job for the full two years. If you can demonstrate that your application was submitted in good faith and the employment relationship has deteriorated, you have the flexibility to explore other employment opportunities.