Australian Immigration Daily News

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:

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 494) Visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) Visa
  This priority processing will also extend to the new Skills in Demand Visa, which replaces the TSS visa.

Updated Sponsorship Obligations

• Sponsors are no longer required to ensure that visa holders who leave their employment work exclusively in their nominated occupation.
• Temporary visa holders now have up to 180 consecutive days and 365 cumulative days during their visa grant period to:
  • Secure a new sponsor.
  • Apply for another visa.
  • Depart Australia.

Implications for STEM Start-Ups
These changes provide faster access to skilled talent, ensuring that STEM start-ups can meet their workforce needs efficiently. The updated obligations also promote greater workforce flexibility, benefiting both employers and skilled visa holders.

This reform demonstrates the Government’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting emerging industries by improving access to global talent and modernising Australia’s migration framework.

Source: STEM-start-ups-get-a-boost-to-access-skilled-workers.pdf