Australia has announced plans to ease the immigration system for skilled migrants to move to the country.
According to the Home Affairs Minister Claire O’Neil, the immigration system will undergo a major overhaul to keep Australia competitive in the global race for talent.
As part of the immigration system overhaul, Australia will:
- Raise the income threshold for temporary skilled migrants;
- Increase the number of pathways for temporary skilled migrants to obtain permanent residency;
- Revamp the points-tested migration system; and
- Simplify the visa system.
Australia to increase income threshold for temporary skilled migrants
From 1 July 2023, Australia will raise the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) to AUD 70,000 from the current threshold of AUD 53,900.
Australian companies must guarantee this raised income threshold for their temporary skilled migrant employees before the government issues a temporary skilled visa.
TSS visa holders to be allowed to apply for Australian permanent residency
Moreover, the Australian government will also allow Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) short stream visa holders to apply for permanent residency by the end of 2023.
This comes as welcome news to many skilled migrants who are stuck in Australia with a temporary visa status and gives them certainty about their continued stay in the country.
Australia’s Points-test to be revamped
Australia has also announced plans for a new Points Test for a new skilled pathway that will address core skills shortages in the country based on proper evidence-based assessment.
These changes are designed to prioritise applicants who have the skills required to contribute to the future national interest of Australia.
Simplified visa system
Australia will streamline the visa system by reducing the number of visa categories to help getting the right outcome for both skilled migrants as well as Australia with a faster turnaround.
The changes to the visa system will make it easier for highly skilled applicants to quickly obtain skilled visas to Australia.
