In addition to changes to the Temporary 457 visas, the Government has also implemented changes to the Permanent Employer Sponsored Program. These affect the Employer Nomination (ENS) subclass 186 and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) subclass 187 visas.
Changes have already occurred to the occupations lists with the abolition of the SOL and CSOL and the creation of the MLTSSL and STSOL.
Unlike the changes to the 457 occupation lists which affected undecided applications, these changes will not affect any subclass 186 nomination and application lodged prior to 19 April 2017 but still not decided. New applications under the 186 Direct Entry (DE) Stream however will need to have an occupation on the STSOL.
The 19 April 2017 changes will not affect permanent employer sponsored visas applied for through the temporary resident transition (TRT) stream, as there are no applicable occupation lists for this stream. Applicants need to apply using the occupation they were nominated under for the 457 visa.
Upcoming changes affecting visa applicants
From 1 July 2017
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All applicants (including under the TRT stream) will need an English level of IELTS 6 or equivalent in each test component
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The age limit for the DE stream will be reduced to 45 years (it will remain at 50 years for TRT stream).
From March 2018
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The MLTSSL will apply for all 186 DE applications with additional occupations available for RSMS.
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The period of time on a 457 visa for the 186 and 187 TRT visas will be increased from two years to three years. Current holders of 457 visas will therefore need to ensure that they have 3 years on the 457 visa if they need to apply after March 2018.
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Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience
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The maximum age for all applications will be 45 years
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There will be a one off payment to a training fund of $3000 or $5000 (depending on the size of the business) for each permanent visa nomination.
How can AMVL help?
At AMVL we have employer-sponsored visa specialists who can help explain the upcoming changes and how they may affect your migration prospects. New and current applicants, employers and sponsors are welcome to contact our team for assistance and advice.
