Major changes planned Australian migration as 457 visa set to be scrapped

Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull has announced that the 457 visa will be replaced by a new classification of visa designed to target genuine skills shortages including those in regional areas.

There will be new requirements including such as:

Previous work experience in the nominated role
Higher English requirements
Labour Market testing to ensure the position cannot be readily filled by the local labour market

The government will also establish a new training fund to help train Australians to fill skills gaps.

Immediate changes from 19^th April 2017

Occupation Lists:

The SOL and CSOL have been abolished and replaced by the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) respectively. An extensive number of occupations have already been removed from the lists and are no longer eligible for use within the 457 program: Occupations removed

Visa validity periods

New visa approval periods are up to 4 years for occupations that appear on the MLTSSL and up to 2 years for occupations that are on the STSOL only.

Caveats added to 59 occupation

Additional requirements will apply for certain nominated occupations such as increased work experience, location of work, base rate of pay, and increased evidence of size and turnover of business.

Proposed changes in July 2017

Further review of the occupation lists which they expect to review every 6 months
Mandatory police clearances for 457 visa applicants
Changes to salary threshold for English Language exemptions
ENS Direct Entry will be restricted to an age limit of 45

Changes in March 2018

457 replaced by new short-term 2-year work visa (STSOL occupations) and medium term 4-year visa (MLTSSL occupations only). Likely criteria changes from current 457 are:

Medium-Term

Can be renewed onshore and PR pathway after 3 years (currently 2 years)
Requirement for at least 2 years’ work experience
Mandatory Labour Market Testing unless international obligation exemption applies
Mandatory police clearances
Non-discriminatory workforce test
Strengthened training requirements

Short-term

Can be renewed onshore once only
Requirement for at least 2 years’ work experience
Mandatory Labour Market Testing unless international obligation exemption applies
Mandatory police clearances
Non-discriminatory workforce test
Strengthened training requirements

ENS/RSMS Visas

MLTSSL only occupations with additional occupations being allowed to support employers in RSMS
Age limit of 45 for all applicants
Residence requirement extends to 3 years

The fact sheets for the changes can be found here:

Temporary Employer Sponsored changes

Permanent Employer Sponsored changes

Other rumoured changes