I hope you are aware of the recent changes with the sc457, and permanent employer sponsored ENS and RSMS visas.
457 visa recent changes
Effective 19 April 2017
- The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) re-named Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL);
- The Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) re-named as the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
- 216 occupations removed from the list of eligible occupations for 457 and
- Caveats added to 59 occupations
- Changes to visa validity
– For occupations on MLTSSL – 4 years visa validity
– For all other occupations – 2 years visa validity
Effective 1 July 2017
- Further adjustments to eligible occupations
- Expansion of client cohorts for whom mandatory skills assessment are required
- Minor changes to the training benchmarks
- Penal checks will be required.
Forthcoming changes to the Subclass 457 visa training requirements
“Skilling Australians Fund Levy” will be introduced in March 2018. This will replace the current training benchmarks which Standard Business Sponsors are required to meet. This is a one-off payment of $3,000 for small businesses (those with annual turnover of less than $10 million) and $5,000 for other businesses, payable in full upon nomination of worker.
From March 2018 business with an annual turnover of less than $10 million per year will have to pay
- $1,200 per visa per year for each employee on a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (TSS visa which is replacing the 457 visa from March 2018), and
- $3,000 for each employee being sponsored for permanent residence as a one-off payment.
Business with an annual turnover of more than $10 million per year will have to pay
- $1,800 per visa per year for each employee on a TSS visa, and
- $5,000 for each employee being sponsored for permanent residence as a one-off payment.
What can sponsors do to lessen the impact on their business?
457 Sponsors should look at options to move their 457 visa employees over to permanent residence before March 2018 where possible to reduce these costs
NOTE: Sponsors are not obliged to shoulder the costs of ENS / RSMS employer sponsored visas
Changes for Permanent Employer Sponsored ENS and RSMS visas
Effective 19 April 2017
The CSOL will be condensed with 216 occupations removed, and access to 24 occupations restricted to regional Australia (for ENS Direct Entry).
Effective 1 July 2017
- English language requirements IELTS score of 6 in each component for TRT and Direct Entry
- A maximum age requirement of 45 at the time of application will apply to Direct Entry stream applicants. A maximum age requirement of 50 at the time of application will continue to apply to Temporary Residence Transition stream applicants.
- Further changes to the occupations lists and their application to relevant visas
Before 31 December 2017 for permanent employer sponsored skilled visa programmes
Tax File Number Collection of visa holders to compare with the Australian Tax Office’s records to ensure that visa holders are not paid less than their nominated salary.
Changes by March 2018 for permanent employer sponsored skilled visa programmes
- The MLTSSL will now apply to both the ENS and the RSMS, with additional occupations available to support regional employers for the RSMS.
- Employers must pay the Australian market salary rate and meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) currently at $ 53,900.
- Eligibility period to transition to permanent residence will be extended from two to three years.
- At least three years work experience relevant to the particular occupation will be required.
- Must be under 45 years at the time of application.
(Felix Carao of ALLKILLS RECRUITMENT & MIGRATION SERVICES Pty Ltd is a Registered Migration Consultant (MARN 1069354), a Qualified Education Counsellor (QEAC G028), and an Accredited Recruitment Professional (MRCSA 51889). For enquiries, call 0412 321 187 or email felix@allskills.com.au or visit www.allskills.com.au)
