Australian Immigration Daily News

The Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Skilling Australians Fund) Charges Amendment (Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa) Regulations 2024, effective 7 December 2024. These amendments support the transition from the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa to the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa while maintaining funding for the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF).

Key Highlights:

• Continuation of SAF Levy:
  The SAF levy now applies to the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa, ensuring that employers hiring overseas workers contribute to the skills development of Australian workers.

• Nomination Training Contribution Charge:
  Employers must pay the SAF levy when nominating overseas workers for the following visas:

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Migration Update: Expansion of Visitor Visa Eligibility

The Australian Government has implemented changes to the Visitor (Class FA) visa (Subclass 600) through the Migration (Arrangements for Visitor (Class FA) Visa Applications) Amendment (LIN 24/084) Instrument 2024, effective 7 December 2024. These amendments expand access to the Frequent Traveller Stream (FTS) and enhance opportunities for eligible nationals to travel to Australia for business and tourism.

Key Changes

1. Expanded Eligibility for the Frequent Traveller Stream (FTS):

• Nationals from the following 11 countries are now eligible:
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Cambodia
  • Indonesia
  • Lao People’s Democratic Republic
  • Malaysia
  • The People’s Republic of China
  • The Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Timor-Leste
  • Viet Nam

2. Removal of Location Restrictions:

Migration Amendment: Skills in Demand Visa and Related Reforms

The Migration Amendment (Skills in Demand Visa and Related Matters) Instrument 2024 (LIN 24/094) introduces significant reforms to Australia’s migration framework, effective 7 December 2024. These changes support the launch of the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa and align with the Government’s broader migration strategy to address workforce needs and enhance system efficiency.

Key Changes Introduced

1. Introduction of the Skills in Demand Visa

   • The SID Visa replaces the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa.
   • Provides enhanced mobility for visa holders and streamlined pathways to permanent residency.

2. Updated Eligibility Requirements

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The Australian Government has implemented the Migration Amendment (Cessation and Grant of Bridging Visas) Regulations 2024, effective 7 December 2024, introducing changes to enhance the management of non-citizens associated with the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). These measures align with Australia's international security commitments.

Key Changes

1. Cessation and Replacement of Bridging Visas

• Bridging visas held by non-citizens subject to a WMD determination will cease immediately upon refusal of a substantive visa.
• A Subclass 050 (Bridging (General)) Visa will automatically be granted, with conditions restricting work (8103) and study (8207), to ensure lawful status is maintained.

2. Limitations on Future Bridging Visa Applications

Effective 7 December 2024, the Australian Government has introduced new measures to support STEM start-ups in accessing skilled workers through accredited sponsorship. This initiative is designed to enhance the competitiveness of Australia’s STEM sector by streamlining visa processing and providing greater flexibility for employers and visa holders.

Eligibility for Accredited Sponsorship

• STEM start-ups that have received venture capital funding through a registered Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership are now eligible to apply for accredited sponsorship.
• Accreditation is contingent on prior approval as a standard business sponsor.

Benefits of Accreditation
Accredited sponsors will receive priority processing for key visa categories, including: