Skilled migrants in occupations of national shortage now have a smoother path to stay in Australia permanently.
From 7 December 2024, changes have been made to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.
The changes relate to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) and Direct Entry (DE) streams. They deliver on the Government’s commitment to offer clearer pathways to permanent residence, as outlined in the Migration Strategy.
Changes to Temporary Residence Transition stream
- Applicants can count all periods of sponsored employment towards their 2-year work experience requirement. This does not just apply to employment with their sponsor.
- Applicants who have been employed in a related field or received a promotion can count this work towards the work experience requirement.
- Applicants are required to provide evidence they meet the work experience requirement, rather than the nominating employer.
- The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) replaces the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). This is the same amount of AUD73,150, indexed annually.
- Age exemptions under the Temporary Skill Shortage visa still apply under the Skills in Demand visa. These include exemptions for regional medical practitioners and high income applicants. Without an exemption, applicants need to be younger than 45 at the time of application.
- Changes to the Temporary Residence Transition stream do not extend to the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187). This visa closed in 2019, except for certain transitional groups who can access the program in limited circumstances. This access continues for those eligible.
Changes to Direct Entry stream
A modernised single Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) applies to this stream. This replaces the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List. The CSOL is based on labour market analysis and Jobs and Skills Australia stakeholder consultation. It includes occupations in sectors such as:
- construction
- cyber security
- agriculture
- health and education.
Find the entire CSOL at New Core Skills Occupation List to target the skills Australia needs.
The CSIT also applies to this stream. It will replace the TSMIT at the same amount of AUD73,150, indexed annually.