Pathways to Permanent Residence - 25 November 2023

On 25 November 2023, the Australian Government made changes to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visas to provide a simpler and clearer pathway to permanent residence.

 Nominated occupations will no longer be assessed against skilled migration occupation lists (STSOL and MLTSSL), meaning that Sponsors will be able to nominate all employees for permanent residence, including those TSS 482 visa holders under the short-term stream.

Further, employees will need to have held a TSS 482 visa for 2 out of the 3 years before Nomination (reduced from the previous 3-year requirement).

 All other requirements for ENS must be met, including English and Age (unless exempt).

Closure of Pandemic Event (COVID-19) 408 visa program

The 'COVID' 408 visa was introduced to assist visa holders in Australia, and Australian businesses, as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The program was closed to new applications on 2 September 2023. 

The program will remain open to existing 408 visa holders until the program fully closes by 1 February 2024.  408 visas will be granted for a term of 6 months. Visa Application Charges will apply.

Increase in TSMIT to AUD$70,000 pa - 1 July 2023 

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) was increased from AUD$53,900 per annum to AUD$70,000 per annum from 1 July 2023.

Partner Visa Changes - English Language

PLEASE NOTE THAT AS OF 2023, THESE CHANGES HAVE NOT YET BEEN INTRODUCED BY HOME AFFAIRS

From late 2021, new Partner visa applicants AND Permanent Resident Sponsors will be required to have functional level English or to demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to learn English such as through the completion of free English language classes through the Adult Migration English Program (AMEP).

Most Partner visas are a provisional visa of two (2) years before becoming eligible for a permanent visa. The requirement will have to be met at the time of granting the permanent visa.

These changes, as stated by The Hon Alan Tudge MP, Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, are aimed towards enhancing social cohesion and economic participation outcomes:

“While the ability to speak multiple languages is a great asset for an individual and for Australia, a person will struggle to fully participate in our society and democracy without basic English. These new measures will provide further opportunity for migrants and new citizens to maximise their opportunities in Australia.”

Media Release is available here: https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/alantudge/Pages/New-requirement-to-learn-English-to-maximise-job-prospects.aspx