Skilled Visa Points Requirement Increases
As of 1 July 2018, applicants for the General Skilled Migration (‘Skilled’) visas (Subclasses 189, 190 and 489) will need a minimum of 65 points to be invited. This is an increase from the previous minimum of 60 points. If you have lodged an Expression of Interest (‘EOI’) and have not received an invitation for […]
Overview of the Subclass 482 TSS visa
This article provides an overview of the new Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482 visa (‘482 TSS’). Additional articles will follow with details of the changes to the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Subclass 187. Despite the significant media around the introduction of the 482 TSS visa, the final product […]
It’s Here! The March TSS Visa Implementation
Introduction of the new Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa and associated changes to the Employer Nomination Scheme 186 and Regional Skilled Migration Scheme 187 Permanent Residency visas come into effect 18 March 2018. So what took so long? The Department of Home Affairs (formerly Immigration & Border Protection) have announced that the new Regulations […]
At Last, Some Good News for 457 Visa Holders!
The Department of Home Affairs has finally provided some clarity to the Employer Sponsored Permanent Residency arrangements under the Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (Temporary Residence Transition) (‘186 TRT visa’) for post-March 2018, providing some good news for 457 visa holders. The 186 TRT visa is available to 457 visa holders who have worked […]
Business Sponsors: Notification periods increased to 28 days
What has changed? The Migration Regulations have been amended to allow sponsors 28 days in which to make notifications to the Department. The change will increase the timeframe in which employers must notify the Department of relevant events under the Sponsorship Obligations from 10 days to 28 days. What does that mean for business? This […]
Immigration raids multinational contractor on major resource project
A major contractor on the Curtis Liquefied Natural Gas project and Sino Iron project has been raided by Immigration in relation to concerns about rorting of 457 visas by the company. Employers should be aware that the Department has adopted a more a assertive and pro-active approach to immigration compliance matters. For assistance managing your […]
Hospitality business receives Enforceable Undertaking for failure to pay 457 visa holder
The operator of a Sydney restaurant which underpaid a Korean chef by $51,158 has entered into an Enforceable Undertaking with the Fair Work Ombudsman to repay all wages owed and meet additional undertakings including training, donations to charity and written apologies. While this situation highlights the consequences of intentional disregard for Australian employment laws it […]
Fair Work Inspectors now checking employers comply with Immigration law obligations
Summary Fair Work Inspectors are using additional powers as Immigration Inspectors to check the immigration status and work rights of employees and contractors. Recent reports suggest that Fair Work Inspectors are conducting a number of immigration checks on employers when conducting site inspections. Employers are now more likely to be investigated for potential breaches of […]