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SKILLING AUSTRALIANS FUND (SAF) levy to commence August 12, 2018
The long-heralded imposition of the Skilling Australians Fund levy will become effective August 12, 2018, and payable for employer-sponsored nomination applications for temporary or permanent skilled work visas. SAF will be managed by the Department of Education and Training, to underwrite skills development of Australians. It replaces the previous requirement of nominating employers to [...]
Soaring bridging visas in sight – Immigration crackdown may not be the whole truth
The most recent Department statistics show that on 31 March 2018 there were 194,875 people in Australia on bridging visas, up by 41,066 on the same date last year and the number keeps on rising due to the government’s lack of action on finalising most substantive* applications already in the pipeline. While the Department of [...]
Global Talent Scheme Pilot Program to attract the best global talent to Australia
The Department of Home Affairs’ (DOHA) new visa pathway into Australia became effective July 1, 2018 as part of their new Global Talent Scheme (GTS) pilot program. The pilot program will initially run for 12 months, and deliver more flexible arrangements for attracting global talent with exceptional skills, when there are no suitable Australians to [...]
UPDATES: SKILLING AUSTRALIANS FUND LEVY and LABOR MARKET TESTING
The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy when legislated in the first quarter of Financial Year 2018 / 19 (July through September) will be used to fund training programs and opportunities for Australian workers. Australian employerssponsoring foreign workers on Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visas, Employer Nomination Scheme, or Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) will be required [...]
Client testimonial from TOMRA
Client testimonial: “We would like to express our gratitude to the three of you, for all of your help in getting our people down to Australia. You have provided us with flexible, fast, quality, important advice and exceptional service, which we have truly appreciated.” – TOMRA . . . Expat Comments: We truly have the [...]
New Labour Market Testing requirements to come into effect this year
As the Skilling Australia Fund (SAF) Act received Royal Assent on May 22, employers must prepare to fulfill additional Labour Market Testing (LMT) through increased job advertising through eligible channels. This change is set to affect the following visa categories: Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS), Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS – Permanent Residence), and Regional Sponsored Migration [...]
Hooray! 482 Visa Processing Times Drastically Reduced
The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) has updated processing times for the new TSS visas (replacing the previous 457 work visa). Estimates have 90% of applications for both the short-term stream and the medium-term stream finalized in just 11 to 18 days! It seems the previously lodged 457 visas waiting time of 5 to 9 [...]
24 things Expats find surprising about Australian work culture
Planning to work in Australia? To help avoid a little culture shock, this article sheds some light on the Aussie working culture — the great importance of work-life balance, speaking your mind, and having a good cup of coffee (or two)! Link here: http://www.afr.com/leadership/company-culture/24-things-expats-find-surprising-about-australian-working-culture-20170129-gu13b0 Photo of the Bondi Icebergs swimming Club in Bondi Beach, [...]
Grandfather provisions announced for current 457 visa holders or applicants as of 18 April 2017
The government has announced transitional provisions for Subclass 457 visa holders or applicants who had held or applied for the 457 visa on or before 18 April 2017. The announcement should allow employers and foreign employees to better prepare for the upcoming March 2018 changes to the ENS and RSMS programs. The grandfathering provisions indicate [...]