Australian Immigration Daily News

Major Reforms to Australia’s Skilled Visa Program Effective 7 December 2024

The Australian Government has introduced significant changes to the skilled migration system with the implementation of the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa and the release of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). These reforms are designed to modernize the migration program, streamline processes, and address critical workforce needs across key sectors.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL):

• The CSOL consolidates multiple previous skilled occupation lists and includes over 450 occupations in sectors such as construction, cybersecurity, agriculture, and health.
• Developed by Jobs and Skills Australia, the list reflects insights from labour market analysis and stakeholder consultations.
• Applicable to both the SID Core Skills Stream and the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Direct Entry Stream.

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa:

Migration Amendment: New Caveat for Occupation Categories

The Migration Amendment (Caveats) Specification 2024 (LIN 24/108) introduces an update to the Migration Regulations 1994, specifically impacting the classification of occupations under the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

Key Update: New Caveat Introduced
The amendment clarifies that the occupation "Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers nec" (ANZSCO code 149999) does not include positions described as "brothel keeper." This caveat applies to the following visa subclasses:

1. Subclass 186 Visa
2. Subclass 482 Visa

Implications of the Change

The Migration Amendment (2024 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2024, effective from 7 December 2024, introduces significant reforms to Australia’s skilled migration framework. This update replaces the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa with the new Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa, aligning with the Government’s focus on addressing critical skills shortages and enhancing economic competitiveness.

Key Features of the Skills in Demand Visa:

• New Visa Streams:

  ...

The Migration (Arrangements for Certain Business Skills Visas) Amendment (LIN 24/078) Instrument 2024 has been introduced to support the implementation of the Subclass 858 (National Innovation) visa, effective from 6 December 2024. This amendment ensures that the application process aligns with the updated framework for the National Innovation Visa.

Key Details:

• Purpose: The amendment formalises application lodgement methods for the Subclass 858 visa, ensuring clarity and consistency in administrative processes.
• Requirements:
  • Applications must use the approved form (Form 47NI) and adhere to the specified submission methods, either online or via email where authorised.
  • Compliance with these requirements is necessary for applications to be considered valid.

Implementation and Consultation:

The Migration Amendment (National Innovation Visa) Regulations 2024 came into effect on 6 December 2024, marking a significant development in Australia’s skilled migration framework. This amendment aims to enhance Australia’s ability to attract exceptional global talent and align the migration program with the nation’s economic priorities.

Key Changes:

• The Subclass 858 (Global Talent) visa has been renamed the Subclass 858 (National Innovation) visa to better reflect its purpose and focus.
• Applications are now by invitation only, ensuring a targeted and streamlined process for identifying and approving highly skilled individuals.
• Applicants must demonstrate the same internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievements as outlined in their invitation letter.
• The role of the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Global Business and Talent Attraction has been removed, as it was underutilised since its introduction.

Purpose and Impact:
The National Innovation Visa is designed to attract individuals with exceptional skills and achievements in fields critical to Australia’s economic growth, including technology, science, and the arts. It supports the Government’s broader Migration Strategy by prioritising talent that can significantly contribute to productivity and innovation.