Major Rewrite of Australia’s Immigration System April 2023

On 27 April 2023, the federal government announced a major rewrite of Australia’s immigration system. 

2023 Changes to Immigration System

Among the changes foreshadowed will be:

• an immediate lift to the minimum wage threshold (TISMIT) currently set at $53,900 to $70,000 for skilled workers
• tightening of rules for Student sc500 visa holders
• changes to the points tested visa system
• scrapping of the requirement for sponsoring employers to conduct labour market testing
• changes to (or removal of) the occupation lists
• providing a faster pathway to permanent residence for visa holders with an occupation on the Short Term Skills Shortage Occupation List (STSSOL)
• the introduction of a monthly payment of the Skilling Australians Fund Levy (SAF levy) instead of an upfront lump sum for sponsoring employers
• emphasis on maintaining Australia’s relationship with Pacific nations
• radical changes to the Global Talent and Business Innovation & Investment programs
• facilitating the ability of visa holders to change employers

Some changes will be introduced on 1 July 2023 while others will be introduced on a staged basis.

Government’s Migration Strategy

The Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Clare O’Neil MP, has released for discussion A Migration System for a More Prosperous and Secure Australia – Outline of the Government’s Migration Strategy (the Outline).

It is critical to keep up to date with these new changes.  Please contact us with any questions regarding how these changes may affect you.