Further Reforms to Australian Employer Sponsored Skilled Migration (ENS Subclass 186 and 187 Visa)

Ross KoffelPrincipal, Koffels Solicitors & Barristers

Further Reforms to Australian Employer Sponsored Skilled Migration (ENS Subclass 186 and 187 Visa)  -THE GOAL POSTS CHANGED ON 19 APRIL 2017.  IS YOUR OCCUPATION ON THE LIST?

Following from the Government announcement that the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457 visa) will be abolished and replaced with the new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in March 2018, there has been further reforms introduced to the Employer Sponsored Skilled Migration.

The reforms are applicable to all visa applicants who intend to lodge a visa application in this category after 19 April 2017.

From 19 April 2017, the new direct entry scheme applicants will need to be nominated under one of the occupations from the new occupation lists (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Short-term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL). The lists has become drastically condensed with the new reforms with the removal of 216 occupations.

Timeline of changes to be implemented in future

1 July 2017

  • Further revised Occupations lists: Further revision to the MLTSSL and STSOL list is to be expected
  • English language requirements: Applicants will be required to obtain an IELTS score of 6 in each component.
  • Age:  Introduction of new age requirement of 45 years at the time of application will apply to Direct Entry stream applicants.  The age limit of 50 years will still remain applicable to the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

March 2018

  • Occupation lists: MLTSSL lists will be applicable for both 186 and 187 visas with additional occupation available for 187 RSMS.
  • Period of Residency: The new applicants for 186 and 187 visa under Temporary Residence Transition stream would be required to satisfy a 3 year residence eligibility period instead of 2 years.
  • Work experience:  At least three years’ relevant work experience required.
  • Age:  All applicants, including Temporary Residence Transition stream, must be under the maximum age of 45 years at the time of application.
  • Training requirement:  Introduction of strengthened training requirement for the nominating employers.

Koffels Solicitors & Barristers are experienced in matter of Immigrations, and Ross Koffel is a licenced Immigration Agent (0006391).  If you have enquiries regarding migration to Australia we will be pleased to assist.