Upcoming Immigration Changes 2020

Are you prepared for the Australian Immigration changes in 2020? Many changes were introduced to the Australian Skilled (GSM) , Employer Sponsored visas (ENS) and Family Visa Program last year. We look at what is planned for 2020 in Australian Immigration.

Skilled Migration Occupation Lists Review

This does not represent a decision of Government.

Please note: This Traffic Light Bulletin contains all occupations flagged for a change to their status and/or recommended for a salary caveat. If an occupation does not appear on the Traffic Light Bulletin then no change is proposed to the current status of that occupation. Stakeholders may make a submission in relation to any occupation, even if no change is proposed at this time.

Glossary

Guide to the Traffic Light Colours

Occupations that are staying on their current list but have been recommended for a salary caveat

New Regional Visas with PR pathways

The Australian government announced 2 new regional visas which became available from November 2019.

• Perth and Gold Coast are classified as regional areas. 
• Regional postcodes after 16 Nov 2019

The two new regional (provisional) visas are:

• Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa: The new 491 visa, Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) subclass 491 visa will enable eligible skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years. Visa holders will be eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence visa after three years. Applicants for this visa must be nominated by:
  • an Australian state or territory government agency (491 occupations list) or
  • sponsored by an eligible family member (MLTSSL list) residing in a designated regional area and be invited to apply for the visa, following submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
• Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored: Substituted the 187 (RSMS) visa and commenced November 16, 2019 the 494 visa has 10,000 places allocated per year. It requires employer sponsorship and the position must be likely to exist for 5 years. It has a 45 year age limit (exemptions apply), competent English, RCB advice and must meet the AMSR. Visa applicants must have a suitable skills assessment (on the 494 occupations list) and at least 3 years’ skilled employment.
• Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional): To meet the requirements of the permanent visa (from November 2022) applicants must have held a subclass 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years, have complied with the conditions on that visa and have met minimum taxable income requirements.

Extra 1 or 2 year visa for international graduates from regional institutions

The Department of Home Affairs has announced a new initiative for an additional Temporary Graduate visa with an extra one or two year of post-study work rights for international students who:

• graduate from the regional campus of a registered university or institution with a higher education or postgraduate qualification; and
• maintain ongoing residence in a regional area while holding their first Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa

The second Temporary Graduate visa will require ongoing residence in a regional area.

The definition of regional Australia for this purpose will be the same as the definition for skilled migration – all of Australia excluding Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Important change: Perth and Gold Coast are classified as regional areas.

In 2020, the evidence of fund needs to show living cost is the following:

• Main Student or Guardian: $21,041 (up from $20,290)
• Partner or Spouse: $7,362 (up from $7,100)
• Per Child: $3,152 (up from $3,040)

Global Talent – Employer Sponsored program (GTES) and Independent program (GTIS)

The Department of Home Affairs announced it will make the Global Talent program (Employer Sponsored) permanent to attract the world’s best and brightest. Australian businesses and start-ups will have streamlined access to the best and brightest talent from around the world with the continuation of the Global Talent – Employer Sponsored program (GTES), formerly the Global Talent Scheme.

The Government recognises there is fierce competition globally for high-tech skills and talent, and that attracting these people helps to transfer skills to Australian workers and grow Australian-based businesses.

The Global Talent Scheme will consist of two components. Established businesses with an annual turnover of more than $4 million and the start up stream explained below.

The Department also announced the the Global Talent – Independent program offers a streamlined, priority visa pathway for highly skilled and talented individuals to work and live permanently in Australia.

Last updated 16 December 2019. © SeekVisa International Pty Ltd

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