Australia's long-awaited migration strategy finally landed on December 11, 2023, promising a significant overhaul of the nation's immigration system. This new strategy marks a shift in focus, prioritizing skilled workers and streamlining the application process for high-value talent. Let's take a snapshot of the key changes:
1. Skills in Demand Visa: A new three-tiered system targeting essential, core, and specialist skills.
- Essential Skills Pathway: Open to workers in care roles earning less than $70,000 annually, offering a pathway to permanent residency.
- Core Skills Pathway: Focuses on in-demand occupations with salaries between $70,000 and $135,000.
- Specialist Skills Pathway: Tailored towards highly-paid workers (>$135,000) in any field except trade, machinery operation, driving, and labor roles.
2. Fast-Track Visas for High Earners: Highly-paid overseas staff can now obtain visas within 7 days, attracting top talent to critical sectors.
3. Increased Flexibility for Temporary Skilled Workers: Starting late 2024, these workers can switch employers and access a pathway to permanent residency (details to be confirmed).
4. Skilling Australia Fund (SAF) Reform: Employers will pay the SAF levy in installments, easing the financial burden.
5. Post-Study Work Rights Revamp: The two-year extension policy for eligible qualifications (Sc 485) is scrapped, streamlining the post-study transition.
6. Genuine Student Test: Student visa applications will be assessed based on academic/career progression and the intended study's relevance to future career prospects.
7. Points System Overhaul: The system will prioritize skills over time spent in Australia, rewarding skilled individuals.
8. Pathway for International Students: Skilled international students gain a clearer path to permanent residency.
9. BIIP Replacement: Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) is replaced by the Talent and Innovation visa, attracting global innovators and entrepreneurs.
10. Regional Visa Streamlining: Processing times for regional visas will be significantly reduced, encouraging skilled migration to regional areas.
11. Tougher Rules for International Students: English language standards are lifted to ensure students meet the required communication proficiency.
12. Employer Register: A mandatory online register for employers sponsoring foreign workers will be implemented.
13. Labor Market Testing Reform: The current requirement to advertise positions on Workforce Australia website before sponsoring a foreign worker is removed.
14. English Language Requirements: Graduate visa applicants will now need a score of 6.5, while student visa applicants must score 6.0, reflecting the importance of communication skills.
This snapshot provides a glimpse into Australia's new migration landscape. The strategy aims to attract and retain skilled talent, streamline the process for high-value individuals, and ensure a robust and well-managed immigration system. While some changes may raise concerns, the overall focus on skills and innovation promises a positive impact on Australia's future workforce and economic development.
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Remember:
This post is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional immigration advice. Given the uniqueness of every case, engaging with a registered migration agent is highly recommended for bespoke guidance and to navigate the specific details of your situation effectively. Book a visa consultation with a Registered Migration Agent
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