Employers and Subclass 482 Visa holders may be interested to know a new permanent residence option has opened up for an additional 31 occupations in the Oil and Gas, IT, Science, Professional services and Arts industries (among others) through the General Skilled Migration program. Prior to the Skilled Occupation List changes on 11 March 2019, 482 Visa holders under these occupations were previously only eligible for permanent residence through the employer-sponsored Subclass 186 or 187 Visas.
New permanent residence option | What the changes mean for businesses and 482 Visa holders
Since the replacement of the 457 Visa scheme with the 482 Visa program in 2018, employers and skilled visa applicants have had to navigate more limited pathways to permanent residence. Employer-sponsored permanent residence through the Subclass 186 or 187 Visa programs is now only available to people with an occupation on the Medium to Long Term Strategic Skills Lists.
Those applying in the historically most popular “Temporary Residence Transition” stream must work in their sponsor’s business for 3 years and risk their occupation being removed from the skilled lists at the end of the 3 year period. This has introduced uncertainty and planning limitations as the occupation lists change twice each year.
In the alternative “Direct Entry” stream, applicants can apply immediately from overseas or from a Subclass 482 Visa without any waiting period, however new costs associated with employers nominating employees for the Subclass 186 or 187 Visas – the Nomination Training Contribution Charges (NTCC) – prevents some employers from sponsoring too soon after the Subclass 482 Visa is arranged. This is because paying the NTCC for a Subclass 482 and an employer-sponsored permanent residence visa within a year could amount to as much as $10,000.
Subclass 482 Visa holders in the above occupations now have a new permanent residence option through the General Skilled Migration Program, which does not require a 3 year waiting period or NTCC payments. Pathways to residence options are a valuable incentive for skilled visa holders to relocate to Australia and can enable businesses to compete with other organisations for the same pool of globally-mobile migrants.
What is the process to apply for the new permanent residence option – General Skilled Migration?
Those on a 482 visa who are eligible for the new permanent residence option under the General Skilled Migration program must meet various points-tested requirements. Points are allocated for a person’s age, English ability and work experience among other requirements. To satisfy the points test, applicants must have their skills formally assessed before ‘expressing their interest’ to the Australian government and signalling their intention to apply. Upon receipt from the Federal Government, a visa application can be submitted.
Business Migration | Strategic Thinking
As several factors impact an applicant’s ability to migrate permanently on a skilled visa, early planning and assessment can assist you to understand your options and plan for future migration requirements. Interstaff has specialised in business migration for over 30 years since 1988. To discuss your permanent residence options – whether for your employees or as a skilled visa holder, we encourage you to contact our team of Registered Migration Agents on +61 8 9221 3388 (or National Free Call 1800 449 858) or [email protected]
Source:
Interstaff Registered Migration Agents
Department of Home Affairs
