To address skill gaps and fostering worker mobility within the labor market, Australia has announced the a new “Skills in Demand” visa. This new visa, set to replace the Temporary Skills Shortage (Subclass 482) visa, will offer three distinct pathways designed to attract temporary skilled migrants vital to Australia’s national productivity.

The three targeted pathways under the Skills in Demand visa are:

1. Specialist Skills Pathway: Tailored for highly-skilled migrants crucial to Australia’s productivity, this stream requires guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD 135,000, surpassing the income of Australian workers in the same occupation. All occupations, except for trades workers, machinery operators, drivers, and laborers, will be eligible for this pathway.
2. Core Skills Pathway: Geared towards applicants whose occupation aligns with the new Core Skills Occupation list, identified by Jobs and Skills Australia as facing shortages. Applicants must earn at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (“TSMIT”).
3. Essential Skills Pathway: Currently under development, this pathway targets workers with essential skills earning below AUD 70,000.

Key details of the Skills in Demand visa include:

• A 4-year validity period, providing clear pathways to permanent residence.
• A unique feature allowing workers to change employers during the visa’s validity, with a 180-day period to find another sponsor while still being able to work.
• Exploring a model for employers to cover trailing charges and fees, such as the Skilling Australia Fund, to ease the burden of hiring foreign workers.
• Exploration of opportunities to modernize the accredited sponsor pathway, facilitating approved sponsors’ streamlined access to migrant workers.
• Streamlined visa processing, with a service standard of 7 days on average for the Specialist Skills pathway and 21 days for the other streams.

This initiative not only addresses critical skills shortages but also emphasizes adaptability, with a focus on providing flexibility to workers and employers alike, the government said in a statement.

The Australian government, last week, unveiled its long-awaited Migration Strategy, providing a comprehensive vision for the country’s migration system. As part of the plan, Australia is set to implement stringent visa rules for international students and low-skilled workers, aiming to slash its migrant intake by half over the next two years.

Two key moves are set to affect Indians looking to relocate to Australia:

1. Enhanced English Proficiency Requirements: International students aspiring to study in Australia will face more stringent English proficiency tests. The new measures aim to ensure that students possess a higher level of language proficiency, contributing to an enriched academic experience and improved integration.
2. Scrutiny on Second Visa Applications: The reforms introduce heightened scrutiny on second visa applications, particularly those seeking extensions to their stays. This increased scrutiny is part of a broader effort to streamline the migration system and evaluate the genuine intent and contributions of individuals seeking prolonged stays in the country.