Monthly Archives: December 2024

This year, 2024 was a very interesting year for migration in Australia. There were many interesting developments which we have tried to capture in one swoop.

Introduction of the National Innovation Visa (NIV): On 7 December 2024, the NIV was launched to attract exceptional talent in critical sectors, replacing the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858).

Launch of the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa: Effective 7 December 2024, the SID Visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482), featuring Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Labour Agreement streams to address labour shortages.

Adjustment of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): From 1 July 2024, the TSMIT increased from AUD 70,000 to AUD 73,150, ensuring competitive salaries for skilled migrants.

Extension of Job Search Period for Sponsored Workers: Holders of 482, 457, and 494 visas now have up to 180 consecutive days to find a new sponsor if their employment ends, effective 1 July 2024.

Closure of the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP): The BIIP was discontinued from July 2024, streamlining visa categories and focusing on high-performing entrepreneurs and investors through the NIV.

Allocation of 185,000 Places in the 2024–25 Permanent Migration Program: The program set 132,200 places for the Skill stream and 52,500 for the Family stream, addressing skill shortages and supporting family reunification.

Adoption of a Multi-Year Migration Planning Model: From 2025–26, Australia transitioned to a four-year planning horizon for the permanent Migration Program, enhancing strategic alignment with national needs.

Enhancement of Regional Migration Initiatives: Increased allocations for state and territory nominated visa categories encouraged skilled migrants to settle in regional areas, promoting balanced population growth.

On 7 December 2024, the Australian Government introduced the National Innovation Visa (NIV), replacing the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858). This strategic move aims to attract exceptionally talented individuals poised to drive growth in sectors of national importance.

Key Features of the National Innovation Visa

1. Targeted Talent Acquisition
   • The NIV seeks to attract high-calibre individuals, including:
     • Global researchers and thought leaders with substantial publications and citations.
     • Established and emerging entrepreneurs.
     • Innovative investors focusing on quality investments.
     • Athletes and creatives representing Australia internationally.
2. Invitation-Only Application Process
   • Prospective applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
   • Invitations to apply are extended based on alignment with priority sectors and demonstrated exceptional achievements.
3. Immediate Permanent Residency
   • The NIV grants direct permanent residency to successful applicants, facilitating immediate integration into Australian society.

Priority Sectors for the National Innovation Visa

The NIV focuses on candidates contributing to the following key sectors:

• Critical Technologies
• Renewables and Low Emission Technologies
• Health Industries
• Agri-food and AgTech
• Education
• Defence Capabilities and Space
• Financial Services and FinTech
• Infrastructure and Transport
• Resources

These priority sectors reflect the Australian Government’s strategic objectives for economic growth and innovation.

Differences Between the National Innovation Visa and the Global Talent VisaThe introduction of the NIV signifies a marked improvement over the former Global Talent Visa. Key differences include:

1. Streamlined Occupation Lists
   • The NIV replaces multiple occupation lists with a consolidated approach, aligning more closely with current labour market needs.
2. Enhanced Flexibility
   • The NIV provides increased mobility for visa holders, allowing them to change employers more easily within the framework, thereby improving job satisfaction and retention.
3. Targeted Talent Identification
   • Unlike the Global Talent Visa, which had a broader scope, the NIV places a sharper focus on high-impact sectors and critical areas of innovation.
4. Faster Pathways to Permanent Residency
   • The NIV allows successful applicants to access immediate permanent residency, unlike the Global Talent Visa, which required applicants to follow a lengthier process.

Opportunities for Prospective Migrants

The introduction of the NIV presents numerous opportunities for talented individuals to establish themselves in Australia. Some key opportunities include:

1. Access to a Broader Range of Roles
   • The NIV encompasses a wider range of roles across key sectors such as healthcare, technology, construction, and research, creating diverse opportunities for skilled migrants.
2. Clearer Pathways to Permanent Residency
   • The NIV’s structure offers clearer and more accessible routes to permanent residency, enhancing long-term settlement prospects for migrants and their families.
3. Alignment with Labour Market Needs
   • The NIV is designed to address genuine skills shortages, increasing the likelihood of employment opportunities for migrants in their respective fields.
4. Recognition of Global Talent
   • By targeting global researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, the NIV aligns with Australia’s goal to foster a world-class innovation ecosystem.

How to Apply for the National Innovation Visa

If you wish to apply for the National Innovation Visa, follow these key steps:

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
   • Provide details about your qualifications, experience, and potential contribution to one of the priority sectors.
2. Wait for an Invitation to Apply
   • If your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation to submit a visa application.
3. Lodge Your Visa Application
   • Submit the necessary documentation, including evidence of qualifications, industry recognition, and any other supporting material.
4. Undergo Health and Character Checks
   • All applicants must meet Australian health and character requirements as part of the visa process.
5. Receive Your Visa Decision
   • If successful, you will be granted permanent residency under the National Innovation Visa.

The National Innovation Visa is a forward-thinking initiative designed to attract world-class talent to Australia’s most critical sectors. By replacing the Global Talent Visa with a more targeted, sector-focused approach, the Australian Government aims to strengthen its position as a hub for global innovation. The NIV provides enhanced opportunities for migrants, clear pathways to permanent residency, and access to some of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy.

If you’re interested in applying for the National Innovation Visa, it’s advisable to engage with an experienced migration agent or visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs for the latest guidance on eligibility and application requirements.

On December 7, 2024, Australia introduced the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482). This new visa framework aims to address critical labor shortages across various sectors by streamlining pathways for skilled migrants.

Key Features of the Skills in Demand Visa:

1. Three Distinct Streams:
   • Specialist Skills Stream: Targets professionals with annual earnings of at least AUD 135,000, excluding trades workers, machinery operators, and laborers. This stream facilitates rapid access to highly skilled migrants, promoting economic benefits.
   • Core Skills Stream: Applies to occupations listed on the newly established Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), with a minimum salary threshold of AUD 73,150. This stream consolidates previous occupation lists to better align with current labor market needs.
   • Labour Agreement Stream: Maintains existing settings from the former TSS visa, focusing on industry-specific workforce requirements through agreements between employers and the government.
2. Reduced Work Experience Requirement:
   • The mandatory work experience has been decreased from two years to one year within the past five years, facilitating quicker eligibility for skilled migrants.
3. Pathway to Permanent Residency:
   • Employment under the SID visa counts towards eligibility for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa through the Temporary Residence Transition stream, offering a clearer route to permanent residency.

Differences from the Previous TSS Visa:

• Simplified Occupation Lists: The introduction of the CSOL replaces multiple occupation lists, streamlining the migration process and ensuring it aligns with current labor market demands.
• Enhanced Flexibility: The SID visa provides increased mobility for visa holders, allowing them to change employers more easily within the framework, thereby improving job satisfaction and retention.
• Targeted Salary Thresholds: By setting specific salary thresholds for each stream, the SID visa ensures that the migration program attracts appropriately skilled workers to meet Australia’s economic needs.

Opportunities for Prospective Migrants:

• Access to a Broader Range of Occupations: The CSOL encompasses over 450 occupations across sectors such as healthcare, technology, construction, and more, providing diverse opportunities for skilled migrants.
• Streamlined Permanent Residency Pathways: The SID visa’s structure offers clearer and more accessible routes to permanent residency, enhancing long-term settlement prospects for migrants.
• Alignment with Labor Market Needs: The SID visa is designed to address genuine skills shortages, increasing the likelihood of employment opportunities for migrants in their respective fields.

In summary, the Skills in Demand visa represents a significant shift in Australia’s skilled migration policy, focusing on flexibility, responsiveness to labor market needs, and providing enhanced opportunities for skilled migrants seeking to contribute to Australia’s economy.