Changes are afoot for Australia’s migration system as the government has discussed and slated changes and improvements that will be implemented during the 2023-2024 period and later on as well. It is important to note that while there are many proposed changes, there may be alterations, further discussions and potential cancellations of rules in the future. 

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The first in the series of changes will be implemented on July 1, 2023. In essence, any changes to the migration policies will be aimed at making migration to Australia an easier process, along with providing a wider array of opportunities to foreigners. 

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Here are the latest updates as of May 2023. 

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Skilled Occupations Review 

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One of Australia’s most sought-after visa programs is Skilled Migration, which comprises different streams an applicant can choose from. Currently, 3 of the lists in the Skilled Migration Visa pathway are being reviewed:

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• Short-Term Skilled Occupations List 
• Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List 
• Regional Occupation List 

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A looming issue with the Skilled Migration Visa pathway is that while Australia succeeds in attracting highly-skilled people to the country, many of them are only offered short-term visas (Temporary Skills Shortage Visa), with few avenues to secure permanent residency (PR). This issue could result in skilled applicants declining an Australian visa, as there is little scope for moving ahead in the country from a long-term lens. 

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Experts suggest that if all the lists are combined and provide the option of obtaining PR to skilled workers under the TSS pathway, it would be a more streamlined process, making the visa more desirable for applicants. 

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Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) 

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The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) is a baseline structure that dictates the minimum market salary level under the TSS Visa. This change will increase the TSMIT from AUD $53,900 to AUD $70,000. This is the first increase for the TSS Visa in approximately a decade. 

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While this is a good sign for applicants and visa holders of the stream, many 491 and 191 Visa applicants are inquiring whether the change in income threshold will im[act their applications. 

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Simplification of Rules 

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As the labour market in Australia and worldwide is rapidly changing, the Australian government has begun reforming and simplifying laws pertaining to migration programs. This includes changes such as:

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• A better mechanism and system that will define skill shortages in a much more detailed and specific manner 
• The removal or broader consolidation of the current skills occupation lists 
• Readjustment of the points test, as the current points testing system has been criticized for being a poor indicator of success in the labour market 
• Broadening the eligibility criteria for skilled permanent residence programs - this may also result in increasing the age limit (which is currently 45 years of age at the time of visa application) 

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From July 1 onwards, Student Visa holders will have to abide by the re-introduction of work restrictions. 

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The government is also planning to simplify the visa application process by reducing the number of visa subclasses. There is the potential of implementing a new 3-tier system to classify processing times and case prioritization:

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• Highly-skilled workers earning a high income (lowest processing time) 
• Mid-level workers 
• Lower-wage workers

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TSS Changes 

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Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa holders will now be eligible for ENS visas. They will have to continue working in the occupation for which they were nominated for the TSS Visa. people who are sponsored foreign nationals and hold a valid visa will be eligible for the ENS TRT stream after 2 years of employment, instead of the previously-required 3 years period. In addition, Australian authorities will also remove the limits on short-term TSS Visa applications that are made onshore (in Australia). Applicants will be required to meet the eligibility criteria for the TRT stream of the ENS Visa.

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Disclaimer: Kindly note that the information provided here does not constitute legal advice. This must solely be regarded as content that provides general immigration information and is not a substitute for professional legal advice that occurs between an immigration lawyer and a client.

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Path Migration strongly recommends readers contact certified immigration lawyers for a holistic overview of the Australian immigration system and a detailed analysis of each case.

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