THE Australian Government’s replacement for the 457 visa came into effect this week, with the new Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) visa scheme restricted to filling critical skills shortages.
The government announced last April that it would abolish the longstanding 457 scheme as part of major reforms to Australia’s temporary skilled migration program including:
- Reducing the number of available occupations eligible for the visa from 651 to 461.
- Restricting access to permanent residency to those roles where the skills shortage is forecast to persist over the medium to long term.
- Introducing legislation to increase the amount of labour market testing required before a visa is offered.
From 18 March 2018, further changes were made as part of the official replacement of the 457 visa with the TSS visa. The changes coming into effect include:
- Expanded requirements for employers to advertise jobs in Australia before hiring overseas workers.
- Strengthened English language requirements.
- Instituting a requirement for sponsored applicants to have at least two years of work experience (with some adjustments for specific occupations).
- Maximum visa terms of two years for the short term stream, with capacity for one renewal, and four years for medium term stream.
- Eligibility for permanent residence arises only after three years, compared with two years under the 457 visa.
More details are contained in the media release and on the Department of Home Affairs website.
The next update to the skilled migration lists will occur in July 2018. The Department of Jobs and Small Business has advised it will publish its Traffic Light Bulletin report showing occupations that are flagged for a change in status based on the Department’s labour market analysis. The is likely to occur in May 2018, and interested parties will be invited to make a submission.
AREEA members who would like further information on the new TSS visa scheme or who wish to offer views on the government’s approach should contact [email protected].
