The New Australian Migration Strategy
Australia has unveiled a fresh migration approach with its announcement of the new Migration Strategy in December 2023, outlining a new course with 8 key actions and over 25 policy commitments.
Shaped by consultation with various stakeholders, the new Australian Migration Strategy aims to:
- Provide new skilled pathways.
- Utilise new permanent migration pathways to boost Australia’s workforce.
- Streamline skilled migration processes.
Skills in Demand Pathway
One of the main changes announced as part of the Australian Migration Strategy is the new Skills in Demand pathway.
In 2024, the current Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa will be succeeded by the new Skills in Demand visa, featuring three streams:
- Specialist Skills.
- Core Skills.
- Essential Skills.
Specialist Skills
The Specialist Skills visa pathway will be aimed at those earning over $135,000 per annum.
There will be no occupational list and processing will take approximately 7 days.
There will be 3,000 places allocated per year under the Specialist Skills pathway, however, trades occupations, machinery operators, drivers and labourers will be excluded from this pathway.
Core Skills
The Core Skills visa pathway will be aimed at those earning between $70,000 and $135,000 per annum, and it is expected that most visa applications will be under this pathway.
Trade workers will be required to apply under the Core Skills pathway based on a revised Skills in Demand List developed by Jobs & Skills Australia.
Essential Skills
The Essential Skills visa pathway will be aimed at those earning less than $70,000 per annum.
Although specific details of the Essential Skills visa pathway are yet to be formally announced, the pathway is likely to be capped and restricted to specific sectors, such as aged care and disability sectors.
The Essential Skills pathway will also involve union oversight.
Visa Length & Improved Pathways to Permanent Residency
Once released, the new visa streams will be granted for up to 4 years and will allow visa holders to change employers with greater ease.
The streams will also provide a direct pathway to permanent residency.
Release Date
There is currently no release date for the Skills in Demand Pathway; however, the Australian Migration Strategy action plan refers to late 2024 as a tentative start date.
Additional Changes in Australia’s Migration Strategy
Sponsor Register: Skills in Demand
The Department of Home Affairs plans to implement a public register of approved employer sponsors to enable monitoring and oversight in line with the new Skills in Demand visas, effective late 2024.
Efficient Labour Market Testing: 6-Month Validity
Labour Market Testing will be streamlined to reduce complexity by removing the requirement for employers to advertise the nominated position on Workforce Australia’s website.
The validity of the advertising period will also increase from 4 to 6 months, effective late 2024.
Graduate Visa: Strengthened Criteria
The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa application criteria will be simplified to ensure skilled applicants utilise the visa pathway.
The simplified criteria will also allow visa holders to satisfy the length of visa validity per the general skilled migration visa requirements.
This change will be effective from mid-2024.
Contact Us
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Related Blog – New Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa Program: How Will This Affect New Applicants?