News
Important Changes Affecting Skilled Migration
16/09/11
In early July 2011 a range of changes and announcements were made, affecting migration and visa programs. The initiative with greatest significance for employers was the announcement of the change to Perth’s status for migration purposes and the priority processing of regional visas.
Regional Classification for Perth
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship has agreed to include Perth as a regional area for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS). This status became official on 12 September 2011.
With Perth classified ‘regional’, employers located in Perth and surrounding areas can gain access to the RSMS to recruit and sponsor skilled workers for a greater range of occupations than previously available under the 457 program and other permanent skilled visa programs. This means that Western Australian employers are now able to gain access to overseas skilled workers more readily.
RSMS applicants generally need to be less than 45 years old, hold an Australian-equivalent diploma or higher qualification and have at least a functional level of English proficiency. Applicants who are unable to satisfy these requirements may still be considered if they can demonstrate that exceptional circumstances exist.
The RSMS program was increased for the 2011-2012 program year and is expected to deliver 16,000 skilled migrants to regional Australia.
RSMS visa applications are accorded the highest processing priority of all skilled visas, ensuring that regional employers can quickly gain access to the skills they need for their businesses. Perth employers can now also access this strategic advantage, which was previously restricted to areas outside the Perth metropolitan area.
Updated Priority Processing Arrangements for Skilled Migration Visas
New priorities have been set for certain skilled migration visas. Regional visas will now be given the highest processing priority (Priority 1) ahead of the employer nomination scheme (ENS) (Priority 2).
Changes to the Temporary Business (long-stay) Subclass 457 Visas
- A new Centre of Excellence (COE) has been established in Brisbane to complement the existing centres in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. This will assist in meeting the government’s commitment to reducing current processing times for decision-ready 457 visa applications down to 11 working days.
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
a. The TSMIT has increased to $49,330, effective from 1 July 2011, and will apply to all applications including those that are on hand, regardless of the date of lodgement.
- Fee increases
a. Fees for 457 applications are now:
i. Standard Business Sponsorship: $405 (valid for three years)
ii. Nomination: $80
iii. Application: $305