The latest changes in Australian immigration: Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
Earlier this month, on 1 July 2017, the latest changes in Australian immigration came into effect.
We’ve previously written about the abolishment of the 457 visa so today we wanted to share the new legislation around two of the other most-affected visa categories:
- The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
- The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187)
Please note that the changes made to these visas were the same as both fall under the Employer Sponsored category. The affected areas are:
- English language requirements
- Skill exemption
- Age
- Genuine need
- The nominee
English language requirements
- Applications for ENS and RSMS made under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream lodged on or after 1 July 2017 will require, at a minimum, an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or equivalent test score of 6 in each component to prove competent English.
- The English language skills exemption have been removed for those who have nominated earnings of at least equivalent to the current Australian Taxation Office top individual income tax rate of AUD 180 001. However, this salary-based exemption will continue to apply to applications lodged before 1 July 2017 and still under consideration.
Skill exemption
The skills assessment exemption for applications made under the Direct Entry (DE) stream for both ENS and RSMS has been removed for those who have nominated earnings at least equivalent to the current Australia Taxation Office top individual income tax rate of AUD180 001.
However, as is the case with the English language skills exemption, this salary-based exemption will still apply to applications lodged before 1 July 2107 and still under consideration.
Age
- Applicants under the ENS and RSMS Direct Entry (DE) stream must be under the age of 45 (as of 1 July 2017). This applies to visa applications lodged on or after 1 July 2017. Please ask your agent about age exemptions.
- The age requirement for the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream remains the same (50 years old) until 1 March 2018 when the age limit will become 45 years old.
Genuine need
All ENS and RSMS TRT stream and DE stream nominations must now provide evidence of ‘genuine need’ for the applicant to work in the nominated position.
Nominee
ENS and RSMS DE nominations must now include information about the identity of the nominee.
Need clarification on these latest changes in Australian immigration?
Then don’t hesitate to call us to chat to one our agents to get clarification. You can reach us at +27 (0) 21 202 8200 or send an email.
Our advise is to contact us sooner rather than later so that you can start your emigration process as soon as possible – and before changes are made that could negatively affect your chances of moving to Australia.
