Who benefits with these reforms?

Anyone on a subclass 482 visa especially those currently on a STSOL occupation (subject to meeting all the other nomination and visa requirements for the subclass 186 TRT visa).

Introduction

Australia’s migration system is set to undergo significant changes starting from November 25, 2023. These changes are aimed at providing temporary skilled workers on subclass 482 visas, with a clearer pathway to permanent residency. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through these upcoming reforms, highlighting key points and action steps.

The Path to Permanent Residency

The Australian government is implementing changes to ensure that subclass 482 visa holders have a viable route to Permanent Residency. This is primarily achieved through reforms to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) / subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) visa, opening up new opportunities for short-term subclass 482 visa holders.

Sponsorship Overview

Under the new regulations, all subclass 482 visa holders can be sponsored by their employers for subclass 186 TRT visas. To qualify, applicants must continue working in the occupation for which they were initially nominated on their subclass 482 visas. Sponsored visa holders become eligible for the subclass 186 TRT visa after two years (currently 3 years) of employment from their sponsorship on their subclass 482 visas. It’s important to meet all other nomination and visa requirements for the subclass 186 TRT visa.

Who Can Be Nominated

Employers can nominate subclass 482 visa holders across all streams for the 186 TRT visa. This includes both short-term and Labor Agreement streams, provided that the 457 or 482 visa holder has worked for the same employer for at least two out of the last three years in their nominated occupation.

What Skilled Occupation List do you have to be on

Notably, the assessment of nominated occupations for subclass 186 TRT visa applications will no longer rely on the skilled occupation list. Previously, 482 visa holders were restricted to nominated occupations listed under the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List) with a few exceptions. The new requirement states that the nominated occupation only needs to be listed in the ANZSCO Occupations dictionary.

Age Exemption Provisions

Regional Medical Practitioners and those earning the Fair Work High Income Threshold each year (aged 45 and above), will now have access to age exemption provisions after two years instead of the previous three years.

Changes for those on STSOL Occupations

From November 25, 2023, individuals with subclass 482 visas on a Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) will no longer face restrictions on submitting more than two short-term 482 visa applications onshore.

Conclusion

Please note that the legislation has now been passed and commences 25 November 2023. For more detailed information or to discuss these changes further, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at info@mcamigration.com.au for a confidential consultation.

Please see and download the Government’s fact sheet here  (Opens in a new window).

In the post-pandemic economic recovery process, Australia is competing with countries like the U.K., the U.S. and Canada for the world’s leading talent across multiple sectors considered critical to the future growth of the country. To this end, the Global Talent Independent (GTI) Visa Program is designed to attract the most highly skilled and prominent professionals in their respective fields.

Why is this significant? In short, because a larger number of quality international applicants will in turn enable Australia to retain more international talent, thereby taking advantage of global skill sets that benefit key industries and stimulate growth. This potential is particularly important given the existing constraints on skilled migration.

What is the Global Talent Independent Visa Program?

The GTI Visa Program, also known as the Global Talent Visa Program, is a streamlined visa pathway for highly skilled professionals to work and live permanently in Australia. There are 15,000 places available for the GTI Visa Program for the 2020-2021 financial year.

The program covers a number of future-focused fields. To be eligible for the program under the Global Talent visa Program, applicants must be highly skilled and internationally recognised in one of the following target sectors:

• Resources
• Agricultural technology (AgTech)
• Energy
• Health industry
• Defence, advanced manufacturing & space
• Circular economy
• Digital technology (DigiTech)
• Infrastructure and tourism
• Financial services & financial technology (FinTech)
• Education

Global Talent visa Program

Global Talent Visa benefits

For the best skilled candidates seeking to migrate to Australia, the GTI Visa Program represents a unique opportunity to be recognised and have their visa application prioritised and approved with unprecedented efficiency – not to mention earn a premium salary once actually working in Australia. And crucially, successful candidates can obtain fast-tracked permanent residence.

The GTI Visa Program provides numerous benefits and opportunities, including:

• Priority processing of the visa
• No age limit for applicants, however those under 18 or over 55 years of age must show that they would provide an exceptional benefit to Australia
• No requirement for an Australian employer to provide sponsorship with a job
• It is not a point-tested visa
• Candidates do not need exceptional English skills
• Candidates can be residing in Australia or offshore when applying
• The visa allows successful candidates to stay in Australia permanently
• Visa holders can live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely

GTI Visa Program eligibility

Candidates must demonstrate an exceptional track record of professional achievement – which may include senior roles,  patents, professional awards, and international publications and memberships – and provide evidence that they would be an asset to Australia in their area of expertise. Applicants need to be endorsed by a nominator with a national reputation in the same field, such as an employer, industry colleague, academic colleague, or even an industry body. In addition, candidates must demonstrate their ability to earn above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT) in Australia, which is currently AU$153,600 per annum.

Before applying for a Distinguished Talent visa, candidates need to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for consideration under the Global Talent Independent Visa Program. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will be provided with a unique identifier number (UIN) for priority processing for a Distinguished Talent visa application.

If you believe you might be eligible for this visa, or you want to know more about the GTI Visa Program, it’s prudent to speak to experienced migration consultants.

Contact MCA to learn more about your visa options

Among the ongoing debate and discussion over COVID-19 policies and restrictions around the country, one major issue appears to be gathering the attention it deserves – the critical role skilled migrant workers must play in the future rebuild of Australia’s economy.

It’s not a question of whether Australia wants foreign workers to return in the same numbers. It’s a question of how seriously Australia needs foreign workers to return in the same numbers or even greater. Put simply, the nation cannot afford the alternative.

Economic impact of a fall in migration

Let’s dig a little deeper. Realistically, international border closures could remain in place for many months. Australia’s migration program is expected to drop dramatically over the next year. In a recent article in The Australian, political reporter Olivia Caisley states, ”With international border closures expected to be in place for at least another three to four months, the government expects net migration to fall to 36,000 in 2020-21, the lowest number in 40 years.”

If migration numbers were to remain at such a reduced level over an extended period, it could significantly and adversely impact our economic ‘bounce back’ potential in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. Many economists agree that migrant workers contribute enormously to Australia’s overall economic growth, which in turn leads to a net increase in the new jobs available to local workers as well. In other words, the migration cycle benefits everyone equally.

In the same article, Caisley quotes Deloitte economist Chris Richardson, who recently stated: “Reducing migration numbers would be bad economics”, while “it was wrong to suggest more foreign workers would keep Australians out of work.” She further quotes Richardson’s assertion that, “When our migration rates were highest, we actually had our lowest unemployment rates.” Later in that article, she again quotes Richardson: “The smart response would be to get young skilled migrants coming to Australia to help raise living standards here, as well as those of the new arrivals.”

It will therefore be imperative for the nation to reopen its borders to foreign workers, especially in areas of skills shortages such as healthcare and childcare. The ‘skilled’ stream accounts for around 60 per cent of Australia’s permanent migration program. Australia’s “world-leading” response to COVID-19 also makes this country a valuable global asset and puts us firmly on the map of desirable locations for skilled international workers.

A proactive approach to future migration

If we assume that Australia’s foreign worker policies will eventually need to return to something resembling a normal, pre-pandemic status, it would be wise for future migration applicants to be waiting at the front of the queue. Being proactive now could make all the difference later. Once the doors open, skilled migration applicants will need to be ready and able to lodge a compliant application. This is especially true given the inevitable competition for places to come. Further exciting opportunities, including the possibility to take skills to one of Australia’s highly liveable regional locations through the new regional visa pathways, could also be worth exploring.

In addition, the future process of economic recovery should also generate other new opportunities to work for an approved sponsor in a nominated occupation. Regardless of a concerning unemployment rate, the reality is that skills shortages continue to exist and certain industries still struggle to find sufficiently qualified and experienced people for particular roles. Our experience has shown that local organisations are, and will be, prepared to sponsor highly skilled foreign workers who match their specific needs.

Therefore, for many highly skilled applicants, outside of skilled migration, finding suitable sponsored employment can also provide a good chance of obtaining a temporary work visa and take a huge step towards their permanent residency.

How should an applicant prepare in advance for when Australia begins to prioritise the return of migrant workers? The first step involves speaking to experienced migration consultants who specialise in helping foreigners live and work in Australia.

Contact MCA to learn more about your visa options

WHAT ARE THE DO’S AND DON’T’S REGARDING TAKING OUT A MORTGAGE?

Understanding how the various everyday Australian systems work is difficult and settling into a home, especially if you plan to buy, can be a daunting process.

To purchase a home in Australia you must follow quite a structured process and one of the most complicated (and often very stressful) parts of this process can be organising your finance. It important to speak to a mortgage broker that intrinsically understands the unique set of challenges a migrant goes through when setting up a new home.

The right loan amount – how much should I borrow?

‘How much can I borrow?’  Is one question just about every client thinks to ask!

But it’s not the right question. A better one is ‘How much should I borrow?’ And this is where a good broker can be of most help – to ensure you understand the right loan amount for your individual needs.

The risk in choosing the wrong loan amount

It’s a scenario that plays out all too often – people overextending on a purchase with a ‘buy now and worry about the consequences later’ mentality. It causes a great amount of financial pressure and stress; all of it unnecessary.

While banks have measures in place to avoid borrowers overextending, they’re still in the business of making money … by lending it to you!

A suitable home loan is measured by the balance between:

1. Being able to purchase a property, and
2. Being able to comfortably meet the repayments

Steps to working out right loan amount

Loaning up to your maximum borrowing power will always be a risk if you are not familiar with your cash flow. To familiarise yourself, pick a 6 to 12 month period and review your cash flow over that time. Then realistically ask yourself these questions:

• How much do you need to maintain the lifestyle you want?
• Do you have a safety net of savings (a store of a few months’ worth of loan repayments in case something happens and you can’t make one or two)?
• Will you have any major life changes in the foreseeable future (ie starting a family, changing careers)?
• Do you have to significantly change your lifestyle to take on the loan? If so, are you up for making those sacrifices?
• What would happen if interest rates rose by 1 or 2%?

Over-borrowing causes immense stress. You end up spending more time wondering how you’re going to pay your mortgage each month, than enjoying the beautiful property you’ve worked hard to purchase!

A good mortgage broker is indispensable in helping you determine the right loan amount for you.

Boutique Mortgage Broking business, Professional Partners was established in 2004, by business partners Sean and Craig, both migrants from South Africa, one an accountant the other an actuary. They encountered a number of challenges when adapting to life in Australia and would love to make life a little easier for others.

For an obligation free chat, you can contact them via https://ppartners.com.au/

Navigating around the upcoming TSS Visa immigration changes to sponsored overseas workers

The New Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa will replace the subclass 457 visa from March 2018.

The TSS visa will have two distinct streams:

• A Short-Term stream of up to two years for occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation
  List (STSOL) and
• A Medium-Term stream for occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List
  (MLTSSL) for up to four years.

You must be sponsored by an approved business. A business can sponsor someone for this visa if it cannot find an Australian citizen or permanent resident to do the skilled work.

You can be in or outside Australia, when you lodge your application.

What eligibility criteria will underpin the TSS visa?

Both streams of the TSS visa will be underpinned by eligibility criteria including:

• Be listed on one of the two occupations lists;
• Onshore renewals under certain conditions;
• Minimum English language levels;
• The Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) to be introduced, with all calculations based on guaranteed earnings;
• Guaranteed earnings must not be less than the AMSR or Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT);
• At least two years’ relevant work experience;
• Mandatory labour market testing (with few exemptions and subject to the passing of the necessary legislation);
• Mandatory skills assessments for specific occupations;
• Mandatory criminal history checks;
• A requirement to pay a contribution to the Skilling Australians Fund; and
• A non-discriminatory workforce test to ensure employers are not actively discriminating against Australian workers.

How much will the TSS visa Cost?

In addition, the organisation’s TSS sponsorship filing fee will be $420 and nomination filing fee $330. Employers nominating workers for the TSS visa from March 2018 will contribute to the training of Australians through a Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.
The levy will be payable in full at the time the worker is nominated, and will depend on the size of the business:

(The training levy is also subject to the passing of the necessary legislation)

-Businesses with annual turnover of less than $10 million, are to pay $1200 per year or part thereof;
and
-Businesses with annual turnover of $10 million or more, are to pay $1800 per year or part thereof.

Looking at two scenarios –
A. a family of four, for a 4 year temporary work visa, in an occupation on the MLTSSL (T/over $10mil and over); and
B. a single applicant on a STSOL for 24 months (T/over under $10mil),

The fees and levies can quantify from $4,300.00 to over $13,000.00.

Those organisations who are already 457 sponsors or those who are thinking of sponsoring foreign skilled workers into the future, should immediately begin to plan ahead and contact our office to discuss the changes.

Over the past 15 years, we have always maintained a very high success rate and can assist you in navigating around the upcoming challenges.