James Skinner
James is the Founder & Chief Executive of
CANZUK International in Vancouver, Canada
Australia is introducing changes to its immigration policies, designed to enhance flexibility and responsiveness. The government’s proactive approach is aimed at shaping migration pathways in alignment with the country’s economic needs.
These changes, announced by Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil on December 11th, 2023, signify a comprehensive overhaul of the visa program, ushering in eagerly awaited reforms.
In 2024, Australia will phase out the existing 482 visa and introduce a ‘Skills in Demand’ visa with a three-tiered approach to temporary skilled migration, valid for four years upon grant. The three pathways cater to various skill levels, ensuring that skilled workers from CANZUK countries have opportunities to contribute to Australia’s workforce.
In 2024, Australia will phase out the existing 482 visa and introduce a ‘Skills in Demand’ visa with a three-tiered approach to temporary skilled migration, valid for four years upon grant. The three pathways cater to various skill levels, ensuring that skilled workers from CANZUK countries have opportunities to contribute to Australia’s workforce.
The Specialist Skills Pathway, prioritizing applicants with a salary of $135,000 or more, is particularly noteworthy. With a target of seven days processing, this pathway allows for swift entry for highly skilled individuals, benefiting industries requiring specialized expertise. While there is a limitation of 3,000 places per year, the streamlined process encourages skilled workers from CANZUK nations to consider Australia as a viable career destination.
The Core Skills Pathway, aimed at applicants with a salary between $70,000 and $135,000, and the Essential Skills Pathway, catering to aged- and disability-care workers with a salary under $70,000, also demonstrate Australia’s commitment to addressing diverse skill needs.
The government’s emphasis on greater mobility for visa holders is a significantly positive development. Furthermore, the public register of approved businesses sponsoring immigrants adds transparency to the system, supporting CANZUK International’s advocacy for accountable and well-regulated migration processes.
In addition, the extended advertising period for labour market testing (LMT) and the eventual phasing out of LMT in favor of data-driven updates to the Core Skills Occupation List demonstrate Australia’s commitment to efficiently addressing evolving workforce needs. CANZUK citizens therefore stand to benefit from a streamlined immigration process that aligns with the dynamic demands of the labor market.
Official regulations around the above visa changes will be announced shortly by the Australian government.
As Australia undergoes these transformative changes, CANZUK International recognizes the potential for strengthened collaboration, increased mobility, and shared resources among these four countries. We look forward to continuing our engagements with the Australian government on these matters and promoting further visa reforms that mutally benefit citizens of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
The Core Skills Pathway, aimed at applicants with a salary between $70,000 and $135,000, and the Essential Skills Pathway, catering to aged- and disability-care workers with a salary under $70,000, also demonstrate Australia’s commitment to addressing diverse skill needs.
The government’s emphasis on greater mobility for visa holders is a significantly positive development. Furthermore, the public register of approved businesses sponsoring immigrants adds transparency to the system, supporting CANZUK International’s advocacy for accountable and well-regulated migration processes.
In addition, the extended advertising period for labour market testing (LMT) and the eventual phasing out of LMT in favor of data-driven updates to the Core Skills Occupation List demonstrate Australia’s commitment to efficiently addressing evolving workforce needs. CANZUK citizens therefore stand to benefit from a streamlined immigration process that aligns with the dynamic demands of the labor market.
Official regulations around the above visa changes will be announced shortly by the Australian government.
As Australia undergoes these transformative changes, CANZUK International recognizes the potential for strengthened collaboration, increased mobility, and shared resources among these four countries. We look forward to continuing our engagements with the Australian government on these matters and promoting further visa reforms that mutally benefit citizens of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Heading photo: Alamy
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