UPDATE: Following the Minister’s announcement on 27 April 2023, the Department has issued a media release stating:
TSMIT:
-
- From 1 July 2023, the TSMIT will increase from $53,900 to $70,000. New nomination applications after this date will need to meet the new TSMIT of $70,000 or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher.
-
- This change will not affect existing visa holders and approved nominations lodged before 1 July 2023.
Expanded pathways to permanent residence:
-
- By the end of 2023, the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa will be available to a wider range of applicants.
-
- Applicants will need to continue to work in their nominated occupation. However, occupations will NOT be limited to the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
-
- The eligibility for the TRT stream will be reduced (from three years) to TWO years of employment with the sponsoring employer.
-
- Applicants will need to meet all other nomination and visa requirements for the TRT stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa.
To facilitate the changes to the ENS, the government is removing limits on the number of Short-term stream TSS visa applications that visa holders can make in Australia. This is an interim measure to assist those currently onshore who would normally need to go offshore to make further visa applications.
Please remember that this is based on a media release and NOT legislation, however this does give context to the Minister's comments last month. The Department will release more information (and legislation) closer to the implementation date.
To start forward planning or to understand how these changes may impact you or your employees, contact us.
*This is general information only, as at the date of publication, and should not be interpreted as legal advice. For an accurate and current assessment of your circumstances and visa options, please contact us to receive this advice.
