The date on which the phones went crazy at my office was Tuesday, 18 April 2017 after the news channels flashed announcement of Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) to be abolished and replaced by completely new temporary skill shortage (TSS) visa.
“How would it affect me” was the key question asked.
To my understanding the main changes been made are as follows:
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) will consist of 2 options namely
- Short term stream(STS) for a visa up to 2 years
- Medium-term stream for a visa up to 4 years
The occupation list will be condensed from 651 to 435 occupations out of which 24 occupations have been restricted to regional areas. The list for occupations known as Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) has been replaced by Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STOL).
The occupation list used for skilled migration, the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) has been renamed as Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
For Short Term Stream, STSOL list will be applicable and for Medium-Term Stream, MLTSSL will be applicable.
The requirements of the visa will include but not limited to
- An updated occupation list
- 2 years prior work experience in skilled occupation
- Employers pays at Australian Market Rates
- Mandatory labour market testing with some exceptions
- Only one onshore renewal
- Strict scrutiny of employer details
Has the change affected you?
The changes would affect current 457 visa applicants and holders and prospective applicants. The 457 applicants who have lodged visa on or before 18 April 2017 and whose application has not yet been decided, with an occupation that has been removed from STSOL, may be eligible for a refund of their visa application fee.
In case if the changes have or potentially going to affect you, please contact us to assist you further.
Hope the above information assisted you in some way