457 VISA PROGRAMME: Many clients our contacting us to know about any probable changes to 457 Visa which can occur in the future. PLEASE NOTE these are recommendations which will help the Government in applying changes to 457 Visa programme. We will keep you posted whenever any of these recommendations are implemented to the 457 VISA programme: Below is the summary of some of the 22 recommendations as below which are put forward by the 457 Visas Report: Recommendation1: Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration should be established to report to government on skilled migration issues. Recommendation2 LABOUR MARKET TESTING: Employer-conducted labour market testing is not “fully reliable”, and in the Australian context has proven ineffective, that the current legislative requirement for labour market testing be stopped. Recommendation3 MARKET SALARY RATE: The earnings threshold above which there is an exemption from the need to demonstrate the market rate should be aligned with the income level above which the top marginal tax rate is paid (currently at $180 000). Recommendation4 Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold: Current Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold be retained at $53 900 p.a. But that it not undergo any further increases until it is reviewed within two years. Recommendation5 TRAINING BENCHMARK: Current training benchmarks be replaced by an annual training fund contribution based on each 457 visa holder sponsored, with the contributions scaled according to size of business. Recommendation6 IELTS: The 457 applicant should have an average of 5 across the four competencies of IELTS, greater flexibility be provided for industries or businesses to seek concessions to the English language requirement for certain occupations on a case by case basis, consideration be given to alternative English language test providers, instead of the current exemption which requires five years continuous study, five years cumulative study be accepted. Recommendation7 GENUINE POSITION : Before decision-makers refuse a nomination on the basis of the genuine position requirement, the sponsor be invited to provide further information to the decision-maker. Recommendation8 SKILL ASSESSMENT: The government should explore how skills assessments could more appropriately recognise a visa applicant’s experience. Recommendation9 BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP: Standard Business Sponsors should be approved for five years and start-up business sponsors for 18 months, develop a simplified process for sponsor renewal Recommendation10 FEES: The government should review the fee structure, especially for secondary visa applicants and visa renewal applications. Recommendation11 PATHWAYS TO PR: 457 visa holders be required to work for at least two years in Australia before transitioning to the Employer Nomination Scheme or Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, and that consideration be given to the amount of time required with a nominating employer being at least one year. FOR A DETAILED report please read at: immi.gov.au/pub-res/Pages/reviews-and-inquiries/skilled-visa-programme.aspx
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 02:43:26 +0000