Since the sweeping changes to the hugely popular 457 visa was announced, a wave of information have been been released on government websites, news sites...even Malcom Turnbull's Facebook page!
Here's a summary of the 8 key changes and how it affects you.
Change #1: 5 visa types affected
457 Temporary Work
190 Skilled Nominated
186 ENS
485 Post Study Stream
489 State Sponsored
Change #2: Certain visa types not affected
189 Skilled Independent
485 Graduate Work Stream
489 Family Sponsored
Change #3: Occupation lists changed
CSOL (the occupation list used for 457, ENS, 190 and 489 state spon. visas) is replaced by the STSOL. The SOL (used for 189, 485, 489 family spons.) is replaced by MLTSSL
Change #4: Over 200 eligible occupations removed
Over 200 eligible occupations have been removed from the STSOL. The MLTSSL has remained the same as SOL.
Occupations removed include: Market Research Analyst, ICT Support Technician, Electronic Engineering Technician, Human Resource Adviser
Change #5. Visa length shortened
MLTSSL occupations: 4 years
STSOL occupations: 2 years
Change #6. PR is no longer available for every occupation
Currently, the TRT stream of the 186 (ENS) visa provides a natural transition to PR for all 457 visa holders. Now, only the MLTSSL occupations are eligible for the TRT steam.
Change #7: Stricter requirements
Minimum salary
Work experience
English proficiency
Sponsor requirements
Change #8. Restricted visa pathways for certain occupations
16 of the MLTSSL occupations cannot be used for state and employer sponsored visas.
24 of the STSOL occupations are restricted to 'regional' (RSMS, 489), and 186 visas
This round of changes is one of the biggest to 457 and skilled migration! If you are feeling overwhelmed, feel free to book in a 100% free 1-to-1 chat with our principal migration agent about your situation. We can tell you exactly what this all means for you! https://www.skylarkmigration.com.au/booking