The subclass 457 visa will cease to exist and will be replaced by the completely new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in March 2018. There will be three options available under this new TSS visa program:

1. Short-term stream– this is for employers to source genuine temporary overseas skilled workers in occupations included on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) for a maximum of two years (or up to four years if an international trade obligation applies). This stream will not lead to permanent residence.
2. Medium-term stream– this is for employers to source highly skilled overseas workers to fill medium-term critical skills in occupations included on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for up to four years, with eligibility to apply for permanent residence after three years.
3. Labour Agreement stream– this is for employers to source overseas skilled workers in accordance with a labour agreement with the Commonwealth, on the basis of a demonstrated need that cannot be met in the Australian labour market and standard visa programs are not available, with the capacity to negotiate a permanent residence option.

March 2018 – TSS: introducing the TSS visa, with new requirements, including but not limited to:

• The threshold level of experience required by visa applicants will be increased – all applicants must have at least two years’ experience in their skilled occupation.
• A greater focus to be placed on using the new visa to fill gaps in regional employment – several concessions will be available to regionally sponsored applicants.
• capacity for only one onshore visa renewal under the Short-Term stream
• capacity for visa renewal onshore and permanent residence eligibility after three years under the Medium-Term stream
• a non-discriminatory workforce test to ensure employers are not actively discriminating against Australian workers
• Labour market testing (LMT) will be mandatory unless an international obligation applies.
• The introduction of strengthened training requirements for all sponsoring employers.

March 2018: Changes to permanent residence subclass 186 ENS and subclass 187 RSMS visa categories, including but not limited to:

• Tightening of English language proficiency requirements from July 1, 2017.
• From March 2018, there will be a requirement for applicants to have at least three years’ work experience before they are eligible for permanent residence.
• The permanent residence eligibility period will increase from two years to three years.
• From July 1, 2017, applicants under the direct entry stream must be under 45 years of age at the time of application. Applicants under the temporary residence transition stream will continue to have a maximum age requirement of 50 at time of application. All applicants must be under the age of 45 to be eligible to apply for either stream of ENS or RSMS beginning March 2018.
• employers must pay the Australian market salary rate and meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)

For more information stay in touch with us or email us at info@australasiaeduconnect.com.au.

Source: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/work/457-abolition-replacement