Transforming Employer Sponsored Work
The Australian Government is set to revolutionise its approach to skilled migration with the introduction of the Skills in Demand Visa by the end of 2024. This innovative program will replace the current Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa, addressing the evolving needs of the Australian labour market and offering new opportunities for both employers and skilled workers.
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Streamlining Employer Nomination and Sponsorship
The Skills in Demand Visa represents a significant shift in how businesses can attract and retain global talent. By simplifying the employer nomination process, this new visa aims to make Australia a more competitive destination for skilled professionals across various industries.
Under this new system, employers will benefit from:
- Faster Processing Times: The government has committed to clear service standards, with processing times as quick as 7 days for the Specialist Skills pathway. This rapid turnaround allows businesses to fill critical roles more efficiently than ever before.
- Flexible Sponsorship Arrangements: The new visa allows for greater mobility among sponsored workers. This means that periods of employment with any approved sponsor can count towards permanent residency requirements, giving both employers and employees more flexibility in their working arrangements.
- Streamlined Labour Market Testing: The current system of employer-conducted labour market testing may be replaced by independent verification mechanisms. This change could significantly reduce the administrative burden on businesses while ensuring that local workers are still given fair consideration for roles.
- Enhanced Accredited Sponsorship Program: The government plans to expand access to Accredited Sponsorship, potentially including smaller businesses and start-ups. Accredited sponsors enjoy priority processing and other benefits, making it easier for a wider range of businesses to access global talent.
Understanding the Three Pathways of the Skills in Demand Visa
The Skills in Demand Visa introduces a tiered system with three distinct pathways, each designed to meet different workforce needs:
1. Specialist Skills Pathway
This pathway is tailored for highly skilled professionals who can command top salaries in the Australian market. Key features include:
- Eligibility: Open to applicants in any occupation, except for trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers.
- Salary Threshold: Applicants must be paid at least AUD 135,000 per annum.
- Processing Time: An impressive 7-day median visa processing time.
This pathway is ideal for businesses needing to quickly secure top-tier talent in competitive fields such as technology, finance, or specialised healthcare roles.
2. Core Skills Pathway
The Core Skills pathway is designed to address persistent skills shortages in key occupations. Its features include:
- Occupation List: Eligibility is based on a new, data-driven Core Skills Occupation List.
- Salary Requirement: Applicants must be paid at least AUD 70,000 per annum.
- Processing Time: While not as rapid as the Specialist pathway, it still offers streamlined processing.
This pathway will be crucial for businesses in sectors facing ongoing skills shortages, providing a reliable means to access necessary talent.
3. Essential Skills Pathway
This pathway recognises the importance of essential workers who may not command high salaries but are crucial to the functioning of certain sectors. Key aspects include:
- Sector Focus: Initially considering the care and support economy, with potential expansion to other sectors.
- Regulation: Likely to be more heavily regulated and potentially subject to caps.
- Addressing Specific Shortages: Designed to fill critical roles in sectors struggling with persistent workforce shortages.
This pathway demonstrates the government’s commitment to a holistic approach to workforce planning, recognising the value of workers across all salary levels.
Permanent Residency: A Clear Path for Sponsored Workers
One of the most significant changes introduced by the Skills in Demand Visa is the provision of permanent residency pathways for all temporary sponsored workers. This represents a major shift from the previous system and offers several benefits:
- Attracting Global Talent: The promise of a clear route to permanent residency makes Australia a more attractive destination for skilled workers considering international moves.
- Employee Retention: Businesses can use the potential for permanent residency as a powerful tool for retaining valuable employees.
- Long-term Workforce Planning: Employers can invest in training and development with greater confidence, knowing that sponsored employees have the option to stay in Australia long-term.
Preparing Your Business for the Skills in Demand Visa
As we approach the implementation of this new visa system, businesses should start preparing now to take full advantage of the opportunities it presents:
- Review Your Workforce Strategy: Assess your current and future skills needs against the new visa pathways.
- Consider Accredited Sponsorship: Explore the benefits of becoming an accredited sponsor under the new system.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest developments and timelines for the new visa’s implementation.
- Seek Expert Advice: Consult with experienced migration agents to understand how the changes will affect your specific business needs.
At Interstaff, our team of Registered Migration Agents is here to guide you through these changes. With over 30 years of experience in Australian immigration law, we can help you navigate the new Skills in Demand Visa system and optimise your global talent strategy.
How Interstaff Can Help You Get A Visa to Australia
Our Registered Migration Agents servicing Perth, Melbourne and Sydney can:
- Assess your circumstances to advise if you are qualified to apply for a temporary partner visa (subclass 309) before applying for a permanent partner visa (subclass 100)
- Assist with Second Stage Partner Visa processing and evidence requirements for a 100 Visa
- Advise on a strategy for your offshore visa application as well as an onshore strategy for the sponsorship nomination application
- Assist with all requirements and queries you may have regarding your partner’s visa and sponsorship applications
- Help you remain compliant with your requirements and obligations as a visa applicant and sponsor by providing ongoing advice
Interstaff has assisted couples with their partner visa application and sponsorship requirements for over 30 years since 1988. Couples that are interested in applying for subclass 309 and 100 Visa in Australia are encouraged to contact us or phone 1800 449 858 to discuss their circumstances and application requirements.
On behalf of my family and I, we would like to thank the staff at Interstaff for working around the clock to achieve our goal of Permanent Residency. They are a great team of professionals and handled our case with very high standards. We greatly appreciate it – thank you!
MICHAEL & VIOLET, PERMANENT RESIDENCE VISA
We applied for the Offshore Partner 309/100 Visa with the advice and representation from the team here and am happy to say, after a very long period apart from my partner due to Covid, our application recently got granted the 309 Visa with my partner looking to arrive shortly and our plan is to apply for the 100 visa mid/late next year. I highly recommend the team at Interstaff for any Partner Visa applications and I feel the fee is well worth the peace of mind you have given the high level of experience the team here offers and knowing you will be represented correctly/reliably based on the evidence you provide.
ALEX , PARTNER VISA
