Australia Updates Employer Nomination Scheme Visa for Skilled Migrants

December 7, 2024 — Skilled migrants working in occupations of national shortage now have a smoother pathway to permanent residency under updates to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa. The changes, which affect the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) and Direct Entry (DE) streams, are part of the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy to address workforce needs.

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream Updates

The changes make it easier for skilled migrants to meet the work experience requirement and qualify for permanent residence:

• Broad Counting of Experience: Applicants can count all periods of sponsored employment toward the two-year work experience requirement, even if not employed by their nominating sponsor.
• Recognition of Career Progression: Work in related fields or promotions can now count toward the requirement.
• Streamlined Proof: Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, removing the burden from nominating employers.
• Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): The CSIT replaces the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and remains at AUD 73,150, indexed annually.
• Age Exemptions: Existing exemptions for regional medical practitioners and high-income earners under the Temporary Skill Shortage visa apply to the new Skills in Demand visa, while applicants without exemptions must be under 45.

Note: These changes do not extend to the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187), which was closed in 2019, except for transitional groups who remain eligible.

Direct Entry (DE) Stream Updates

The Direct Entry stream has also been revamped:

• Introduction of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL): The CSOL replaces the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List, offering a modernised, comprehensive list of over 450 occupations in key sectors such as construction, cyber security, agriculture, health, and education.
• Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): The same AUD 73,150 threshold applies, replacing the TSMIT.

The changes aim to simplify pathways for skilled migrants and ensure that Australia’s workforce needs are met effectively.

For more information and to access the full Core Skills Occupation List, visit the New Core Skills Occupation List page.