Visa Update- August, 2011
- INCREASE OF TSMIT for sub-class 457 Visas
- (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold)
- INCREASE OF TSMIT for ENS (Employer Nomination Scheme) Visas
- STIFF PENALTIES FOR HIRING ILLEGAL WORKERS
- REGISTERING FOR VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online)
Subclass 457 – Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold — TSMIT
TSMIT is now $A.49,330 p.a. for all prospective employees.
Employers of 457 holders whose visas were granted prior to July 1, 2011 are not required to adjust these salaries to meet the new threshold.
Note:
a. If the position’s base salary for a given occupation is below TSMIT, but in line with the market rate within your organisation, and the total guaranteed compensation package (excluding superannuation guarantee) is above the TSMIT, this will qualify to apply for nomination to DIAC of a subclass 457 visa
b. Under your company’s sponsorship obligations, the guaranteed salaries for each of your subclass 457 visa holders who are approved after July 1, 2011 must not at any time, fall below the revised annual TSMIT ($A49,330)
Minimum Salary Requirements – Employer Nomination Scheme
The minimum annual salary thresholds for application eligibility are:
- $A.67,556 – ICT professionals
- $A.49,330 – all other employees
Note: Minimum salary for ENS is gross and must not include any allowances, such as superannuation, living away from home etc.
Stiff Penalties For Hiring Illegal Workers
It is expected that the Australian Federal Government will shortly announce a major crackdown on employers and labour-hire firms who hire, refer, or enter into a verbal contract to hire illegal workers. Penalty is $10,000 employer fine per worker caught, in addition to other sanctions as decreed by the Minister.
The Minister for Immigration, Mr. Chris Bowen reportedly said there was ‘simply no excuse for employers not to use the online system” to ascertain status of visas (see VEVO below).
Registering For VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online)
For your organisation to become registered online to use VEVO.
See: www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/vevo.htm
Each time you access VEVO for visa clarification, Expat suggests you retain a record of the contact.
Note: VEVO provides details of visa validity only, not of the nominating sponsor, which is an important consideration.
Expat International’s Visa Division will be pleased to access nominator details on your behalf.
IN CONCLUSION:
- Under your organisation’s sponsorship obligations as signed on your Standard Business Sponsorship application, it is important that you carefully review each subclass 457 visa holder’s situation to ensure their salary and circumstances align with DIAC’s mandates.
- It is vitally important that your company remains compliant at all times with respect to hiring only those workers who have validated, correct permission to work for your organisation in Australia.
Expat welcomes your comments on any aspects contained in this Newsletter.
Expat has the required knowledge and capability to review your company’s specific situation to arrive at the best, or alternative arrangements to suit individual requirements.
Margaret McCartney MARN 9904656
July 28, 2011
Disclaimer: Material contained within this blog is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information provided by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship.