Australian Immigration Daily News

The Australian Government has implemented the Migration (Arrangements for Employer Nomination and Regional Employer Nomination Skilled Visas) Instrument 2024 (LIN 24/092), effective 7 December 2024. These amendments refine the processes for the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) and Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) visas, ensuring improved accessibility and efficiency for employers and skilled migrants.

Key Provisions

1. Approved Forms for Nominations and Applications

• Specifies the approved forms for lodging nominations under Subclass 186 and 187 visas and applications for Employer Nomination (Class EN) and Regional Employer Nomination (Class RN) visas.
• Introduces alternative application lodgement methods to address technical issues with departmental systems, ensuring applicants avoid adverse consequences such as becoming unlawful non-citizens or exceeding age limits.

2. Streamlined Lodgement Processes

• Establishes internet-based forms as the primary method for lodging applications while allowing manual submission in exceptional cases.
• Ensures that applicants can proceed with time-sensitive applications even in cases of technical disruption.

3. Consolidation of Frameworks

• Repeals the 2015 Migration Arrangements Instrument to align with modernised regulations and digital processes.

Purpose of the Amendment

The instrument aims to enhance reliability and accessibility in visa processing, providing clear pathways for applicants and employers. It mitigates risks associated with technical disruptions and ensures applicants are not disadvantaged due to unforeseen system issues.

Implications for Stakeholders

For Employers:
The amendments provide clear and consistent nomination procedures, facilitating the streamlined recruitment of skilled migrants.

For Applicants:
The introduction of alternative lodgement methods ensures greater flexibility, safeguarding applicants' lawful status and eligibility during critical stages of the process.

This reform underscores the Government’s commitment to maintaining a fair, efficient, and responsive migration system while addressing evolving needs and challenges in visa processing.

Source:  Migration-Arrangements-for-Employer-Nomination-and-Regional-Employer-Nomination-Skilled-Visas-Instrument-2024.pdf and

Migration-Arrangements-for-Employer-Nomination-and-Regional-Employer-Nomination-Skilled-Visas-Instrument-2024-explanatory-statement.pdf