A few weeks ago, reforms to the skilled migration scheme were announced by Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil. So, here are the changes to PR and salary requirements for employer-sponsored visas in Australia:
For those with employer-sponsored visas, the TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold) is the minimum wage requirement. And as of July 1, 2023, this figure will rise to $70,000 annually. Nominations submitted before that date will not be impacted by this; only those submitted on or after that day will be.
The Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transitional (TRT) Stream Visa offers a route to permanent residency (PR). By the end of 2023. It will be open to every holder of a subclass 482 TSS visa. Instead of three years, they will just need two years of living and working in Australia with their employer.
A maximum of two visas onshore will no longer be allowed for holders of Subclass 482 TSS visas in the Short-Term Stream.
How would these changes to PR and salary requirements for employer-sponsored visas in Australia affect businesses?
1. Minimum Salary (TSMIT) Impacts on Employees
As stated, changes will become effective on July 1, 2023. Businesses must thus determine if the TSMIT’s rise from $53,900 to $70,000 per year will have an impact on any individuals on employer-sponsored visas. This assessment is vital if they plan to engage in the months to come.
2. Take into account PR for holders of 482 Visa Short-Term Stream Visas
The government divided the employer-sponsored visa system into short-term and long-term streams in 2018. TSS Subclass 482: Short-term visa holders have had few options for obtaining permanent residency.
By requesting the 494 Regional Provisional Visa first and the 191 Visa afterwards, some were qualified for a pathway. But for three years, they had to live and work in a regional area.