Sponsorship and Nomination-Key Updates for Skilled Migration'24
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Migration Stack Updates

July 19, 2024

Check out the Latest Updates on Sponsorship, Nomination, Immigration, and Citizenship

Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes  

The Migration Amendment (Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes) Bill 2024 aims to enhance skilled migration by legislating income thresholds and updating labor market testing provisions. Key amendments to the Migration Act include:  

  • Labor market testing to be completed within six months before lodging a nomination.  
  • The temporary Skills in Demand visa has stipend necessities of $135,000 for the SSIT (Specialist Skills Income Threshold) and $73,150 for the CSIT (Core Skills Income Threshold). 
  • The Annual indexation of income thresholds based on Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).  
  • A public register of approved sponsors, including business details and occupations of nominated workers.  

Graduate Visas Regulations Disallowance Motion  

Senators Faruqi and Shoebridge attempted to disallow the Migration Amendment (Graduate Visas) Regulations 2024, which reduced the age limit for Subclass 485 visas to 35 years, with exemptions for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders. The MIA successfully lobbied to retain the 50-year age limit for PhD and Masters by research students. The disallowance motion failed with a vote of 11 for and 27 against, so the instrument remains in effect.  

Migration and Citizenship Stack Updates  

On 1 July 2024, a new Migration stack update was released on LEGENDcom, reflecting amendments to the Migration Act and regulations. Updates include procedural instructions on detention health, security checking, visa nominations, and health requirements. The Citizenship stack update also incorporated amendments to increase citizenship application fees. Members are advised to review the updated legislation and procedural instructions on LEGENDcom.  

Significant Cost Threshold Increase  

The Health Requirement procedural instruction was updated on 1 July 2024 to increase the Significant Cost Threshold (SCT) to $86,000, effective immediately. There is some confusion regarding the start date, and the MIA is seeking clarification from the Department.  

Other Key Updates  

  • The amount for obtaining an Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Certificate boosted from $47 to $56 on 1 July 2024.  
  • OMARA sent an email containing an information sheet on safeguarding Australia’s protection visa system.  
  • Western Australia implemented a new DAMA on 1st July 2024, giving employers greater access to occupations and concessions across the state.  
  • Victoria’s Business Innovation & Investment Program update reflects the Federal Government’s decision to terminate new applications for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa from July 2024.  
  • The Migrant Justice Institute started a worldwide survey about the encounters of migrant workers in Australia, accessible from 8th July until 31st August 2024, providing rewards for respondents. 
  • The AAT Melbourne office at 15 William Street reopened on 4 July 2024.  

Conclusion  

These updates highlight significant legislative changes, procedural adjustments, and new resources available to MIA members, emphasizing the need for ongoing awareness and compliance in skilled migration processes. Members are encouraged to stay informed and utilize the resources provided to navigate these changes effectively.    

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