The strategy aims to address specific needs and facilitate worker mobility, and one of the key objectives of the Migration Strategy is to safeguard workers’ wages and conditions. For businesses, this translates to acquiring the necessary skills for growth and enhanced productivity, especially in vital sectors such as healthcare, the net-zero transition, and the digital economy. In this article, we guide you through an insightful exploration of the imminent changes for sponsorship visas and how the changes will be and how they impact you.

SC 482 Visa to be Replaced by a new visa

The government is set to introduce a new 4-year temporary skilled worker visa called the “Skills in Demand visa,” which will replace the existing TSS SC 482 visa. This visa aims to provide workers with more opportunities to change employers and offers clear pathways to permanent residence for those interested.

The “Skills in Demand visa” will comprise three targeted pathways:

• Specialist Skills Visa Pathway (stream)
  For applicants, highly skilled migrants, with an annual income of AU$135,000, limited to 3000 spots annually, not restricted by the occupation list (except trade workers, machinery operators and drivers and labourers), and with a processing time of only 7 days.
• Core Skills Visa Pathway
  Requires compliance with the new occupation list (Core Skills Occupation List – CSOL); the annual income threshold remains at $70,000.
• Essential Skills Visa Pathway – Details are still under evaluation.

Other Changes relating to working visas

• Extended Time for Seeking New Employers
  Currently, individuals holding a 482 visa have only 60 days to find a new employer. Under the new policy, this period will be extended to 120 days, allowing individuals to continue working legally while searching for their next employer
• Change Employers during the visa period
  The new Skills in Demand visa will allow visa holders to change work as long as they are employed with an approved employer and the employment will count towards PR. 󠀠
• Establishment of Employer Sponsorship Database
  The government will establish an employer sponsorship database to make it easier for immigrants to find employers willing to provide sponsorship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• When will the Skills in Demand visa commence?
  It is expected to commence at the end of 2024 as there will be lots of preparation of the relevant authorities.

Once we receive the latest update regulations, we will share them with you.

If you are looking for a registered migration agent to take care of your case, explore our services online, contact us at 0466 0168 626, or use our online assessment. We’ll be in touch shortly.