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The Australian immigration system is going through major changes, especially in skilled migration. At the center of this is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482), which helps address labor shortages and provides a potential path to permanent residency. Understanding the Subclass 482 TSS Visa The TSS visa, which replaced the subclass 457 visa, operates under three main streams: Recent Changes & Future Reforms The TSS visa program has seen significant changes to better meet Australia’s workforce needs, including: The Australian government is continuously reviewing the TSS visa to ensure it meets the needs of the workforce, especially for lower-paid workers with essential skills. Future reforms could include changes to occupation lists, eligibility criteria, and paths to permanent residency to keep the program in line with Australia’s migration strategy. Proposed New Visa Programs The government is planning to introduce new visa programs in late 2024 to complement or replace aspects of the TSS visa. One of these is the Skills in Demand Visa, which offers full mobility and clearer paths to permanent residency. It will have three key pathways: Implications for Employers & Workers These new pathways signal a shift in Australia’s skilled migration approach. The TSS visa may be reformed to align with these new programs or become less central to migration. For employers and skilled workers, this means more options and possibly simpler processes for migration. The focus on pathways to permanent residency makes Australia more attractive for long-term settlement. As these changes unfold, it’s important for both employers and potential migrants to stay informed to make the most of the opportunities in Australia’s changing immigration landscape.

As we enter the new financial year on 1 July, significant updates to Australian migration and visa policies are coming into effect. Here’s a breakdown of the major changes you should know about: 1. Increased Flexibility for Work Visa Holders Starting 1 July 2024, the Government will introduce significant but very positive changes to visa conditions (8107, 8607, and 8608). These updates are part of the Australian Government’s efforts to combat worker exploitation and improve productivity. These changes provide more flexibility for temporary work visa holders. Affected Visas The changes apply to: What’s New? Visa holders who stop working for their sponsor will now have up to 180 days at a time (or a maximum of 365 days across the entire visa period) to find a new sponsor or arrange other visa options. This is a substantial increase from the current limit (i.e. 60 consecutive days). During these periods, visa holders can work for other employers, even in occupations other than those listed on their most recent nomination. However, visa holders must stick to work that aligns with any licenses or registration needed for their nominated occupation. These changes affect both existing visa holders and those granted a visa from 1 July 2024 onwards. Importantly, any days not working prior to this date won’t count towards the 365-day total. What’s Next? Upcoming Changes Starting on 23 November 2024, the Government plans to simplify the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) process by reducing the required work experience. Currently, Subclass 482 TSS visa applicants need two years of full-time work experience in their occupation or a related field to satisfy visa requirements. However, with the proposed changes, this requirement will drop to just one year. Do keep in mind, though, that if you don’t have a formal qualification, you might need additional work experience to make up for it. The amount of extra experience required can vary based on your qualifications, the position’s skill level, and how recent your work experience is. This change is still subject to Parliament’s approval, but it’s definitely something to look forward to if you’re planning to apply for a TSS visa in late 2024. 2. TSMIT Increase Starting from 1 July 2024, the TSMIT increases from $70,000 to $73,150. This adjustment is crucial for businesses and workers involved with the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494), and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visas. What This Means for Employers and Nominees The new threshold means that from 1 July 2024, all new nomination applications for the above visa categories must ensure that nominees receive an annual salary of at least $73,150, or the annual market salary rate for their occupation, whichever is higher. This change is intended to reflect the evolving economic conditions and ensure that overseas skilled workers are compensated fairly compared to their Australian counterparts. Impact on Current and Future Visa Applications Applications lodged before the 1 July 2024 cutoff will not be affected by this increase. These will continue to be assessed based on the TSMIT and market salary rates applicable at the time of application submission. 3. International Graduates The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa program will undergo big changes starting on 1 July 2024. New Names, New Rules The Australian Government is reshaping the Temporary Graduate visa into two distinct streams: Age and Stay Changes The maximum age for both streams is changing to 35 at the time of application, except for Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders and Masters (research) or PhD graduates, who can apply until age 50. Stay Duration: Streamlining Visa Options The Replacement stream will be discontinued. The Second Post-Study Work Stream will transition to the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream, but no other changes will affect this category. The Skilled Recognised Graduate (Subclass 476) will no longer be available from 1st July. These updates aim to ensure that Australia continues to attract skilled graduates who can contribute to the economy. 4. Restricting Onshore Student Visa Applications The Federal Government is tightening the rules around student visas to maintain the integrity of its education system and ensure that only genuine students benefit from opportunities to contribute to the country’s economic growth. Who’s Affected? The following visa holders will be impacted by the new rules and will need to apply for a student visa from outside Australia: These changes aim to limit the practice of “permanently temporary” residents—former international students who continually extend their temporary status in Australia. What This Means for Potential Students Temporary Graduate Visa holders should plan to either leave Australia upon their visa’s expiry or seek employment and visa pathways that could lead to permanent residency. Visitor Visa holders who intend to study must apply for their student visas before arriving in Australia. These measures are designed to streamline the process, ensuring that the student visa program enhances Australia’s educational offerings and economic growth. Those planning to study in Australia should prepare to meet these new requirements by applying from outside the country. 5. New Visa Application Charges (VAC Increase) ​​​​Starting on 1 July 2024, new visa application charges apply. The new charges apply to all visa applications received by the Department on or after 1 July 2024. The amendments aim to implement the annual indexation of VACs in line with the forecast Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the 2024-25 Budget Decision Visa Application Charge Uplift. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most popular subclasses: Visa Type Subclass Before From 1st July 2024 Partner visa (Onshore / Offshore) 820/801 & 309/100 $8,850 $9,095 Skilled visas 189 / 190 / 491 $4,640 $4,765 Graduate 485 $1,895 $1,945 Student 500 $710 $1,600 Temporary Skill Shortage (Short Term) 482 $1,455 $1,495 Temporary Skill Shortage (Long Term) 482 $3,035 $3,115 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) 186 $4,640 $4,770 Our VAC Search (only subscribers) has been fully updated with the new charges to facilitate your search for visa subclass processing fees. 6. Other Important Updates After 30 June 2024, the age

What is a DAMA? A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a type of Labour Agreement. Labour Agreements are work agreements that enable approved employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill with local workers and in response to identified market shortages.  These agreements are negotiated between the Department and employers or industrial associations. Other types of labour agreements also include: Company-specific labour agreements, Project agreements, Global Talent Scheme (GST) agreements and Industry labour agreements. DAMAs are labour agreements between a Designated Area Representative (DAR) and the Australian Government and provide access to additional occupations and concessions to standard migration programs under the: Once a DAMA is in place, local businesses can apply for endorsement and enter into individual labour agreements under the conditions of the relevant DAMA. Active DAMAs There are currently thirteen DAMA lists in place: How To Apply Under A DAMA? The DAMA is an employer-sponsored visa program and individual workers cannot apply independently. Employers must apply to the relevant DAR to access the DAMA for the occupations, concessions and number of workers they required. Generally, the application process consists of:

The Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP) is a program offered by the State Government of Western Australia to support the construction industry by providing financial assistance to employers who are sponsoring skilled migrants.  It is designed to help construction companies in Western Australia access skilled overseas workers in the building and construction sector, which can be crucial for addressing labour shortages, expanding workforce, and growing businesses. Key benefits for companies: – Access to Skilled Workers: The program supports construction companies in sponsoring skilled overseas workers across a range of eligible occupations (see full list below). – Financial Support: CVSP provides subsidies and incentives to eligible employers, making it more cost-effective to hire and retain skilled workers from overseas. These subsidies can significantly reduce labour costs. – Flexible Visa Options: CVSP supports various visa subclasses, including 482, 494, and 186. This allows the company to choose the best fit for specific workforce needs. Enhanced Growth Potential: Accessing skilled overseas workers through CVSP can open up new opportunities for companies to grow, take on larger projects, and improve competitiveness in the construction industry. Eligibility To be eligible for the CVSP, the company must be headquartered in Western Australia, engaged in building and construction work, and sponsor an employee in an eligible occupation, such as construction project manager, civil engineer, electrician, or carpenter. Eligible occupations ANZSCO Name 133111 Construction project manager 133112 Project builder 232111 Architect 232112 Landscape architect 232212 Surveyor 232611 Urban and regional planner 233211 Civil engineer 233213 Quantity surveyor 233214 Structural engineer 312111 Architectural draftsperson 312112 Building associate 312113 Building inspector (including building certifiers/building surveyors) 312114 Construction estimator 312115 Plumbing inspector 312116 Surveying or spatial science technician 312199 Architectural, building and surveying technicians not elsewhere classified 312211 Civil engineering draftsperson 312212 Civil engineering technician 312311 Electrical Engineering Draftsperson 312312 Electrical Engineering Technician 312911 Maintenance planner 312999 Building and engineering technician 331111 Bricklayer 331112 Stonemason 331211 Carpenter and joiner 331212 Carpenter 331213 Joiner 332111 Floor finisher 332211 Painting trades worker 333111 Glazier 333211 Fibrous plasterer 333212 Solid plasterer 333311 Roof tiler 333411 Wall and floor tiler 334111 Plumber (general) 334115 Roof plumber 334112 Air conditioning and mechanical services plumber 334113 Drainer 334114 Gasfitter 341111 Electrician (general) 341112 Electrician (special class) 341113 Lift mechanic 342111 Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic 342411 Cabler (data and telecommunications) 362213 Landscape gardener 394111 Cabinetmaker 399912 Interior decorator 399918 Fire protection equipment technician 511111 Contract administrator 712111 Crane, hoist or lift operator 721211 Earthmoving plant operator (general) 721212 Backhoe operator 721214 Excavator operator 721216 Loader operator 721915 Road roller operator 821211 Concreter 821712 Scaffolder 821713 Steel fixer 821912 Driller’s assistant Note that different occupations might be eligible for different visa subclasses. Grant payments The company can receive payments of up to $10,000, at three milestone points for each skilled migrant they sponsor: The important part: The company can enter the program even if it doesn’t have a skilled migrant they would like to sponsor. They can receive the first milestone payment and then look for the employee!