Recently, the Australian federal government has made significant changes to the country’s migration programs, specifically the skilled worker and Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)visa categories. The new changes aim to provide a more targeted approach to skilled migration and strengthen Australia’s workforce.
One of the significant changes is the introduction of a revised list of eligible skilled occupations for visa applicants. The new changes are aimed at improving the country’s ability to attract skilled workers and filling the gaps in the labour market.
Employers who are sponsoring foreign workers under the TSS visa program will be required to meet stricter criteria, including a higher skill level and capacity to pay. This will ensure that foreign workers who enter Australia under the TSS visa program are truly skilled and not just filling positions that could be filled by local workers. The Australian Government will increase the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $53,900 to $70,000 from 01 July 2023.
These changes will not only boost Australia’s economic recovery by ensuring that the critical occupations are filled with skilled workers, but it also helps in creating more job opportunities for Australians. Furthermore, it will provide an opportunity for international workers to showcase their skills and assist the country with the current skills gap.
Furthermore, the changes also aim to ease the burden on existing skilled workers on temporary visas who are waiting for permanent residency. The processing time for applications for permanent residency is currently extremely long, with some individuals waiting up to five years or more before receiving their permanent residency status. To address this issue, the Australian government has introduced several initiatives, including the establishment of a new priority processing framework for certain skilled visa applicants. The framework will prioritize applications based on the economic benefit the applicant is likely to bring to Australia, their skills, and their experience.
In conclusion, the new changes to Australia’s migration system are set to offer significant benefits to skilled workers and the Australian economy as a whole. The streamlined pathways to permanent residency and the broader eligibility criteria for skilled workers will ensure that Australia attracts the best and brightest from around the world, helping to grow the country’s economy and bolster its international standing as a leader in innovation and development.
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