Australian Immigration Daily News

The Accredited Sponsor Scheme, which allows rapid processing of skilled visas, is to be substantially expanded in a move that will benefit many Australian businesses.

Accredited sponsors typically have their Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa processed within five business days, compared to an average 42 business days for other TSS applicants.

Employers that have made major investments in their Australian operations will be assisted to fill temporary skill gaps through an expansion of the Scheme.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said employers that have invested in the past five years at least $50 million into their Australian business will now be eligible for the Scheme.

The investment must have directly created Australian jobs or generated export activity.

"Extending the scheme to reputable businesses that have invested $50 million in Australia will ensure those businesses can access the skilled workers they need, and they can continue to contribute to the economy through further investment, job creation and innovation," Mr Coleman said.

"I have also instructed the Department to establish a new dedicated team to proactively identify and invite eligible employers to join the Scheme.

Source: https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/davidcoleman/Pages/skilled-visa-processing-times.aspx