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Aus in skilled migrant visa changes
Aus in skilled migrant visa changes
| Published: | 12 Mar at 9 AM |
Skilled migrants will find it easier to become permanent residents in Australia under new plans announced by the government. From July, foreigners working on 457 visas, which allow them to be employed in Australia temporarily, will also be tested on their English and skills to see if they are eligible for residency.
Chris Bowen, the country’s immigration minister, said the new system will simplify the process of gaining residency for 457 visa holders. However, these changes will make the visa process more difficult for people who apply for permanent visas but have not already worked in Australia.
Those seeking direct entry will need to sit a basic English test, Mr Bowen explained, according to a report by to australianetworknews.com. He added that this is important as many applicants could potentially work in regional Australia, where access to English training is harder to find.
In an attempt to deal with a skills shortage that has become critical in some industries, the government will also be replacing the six employer-sponsored permanent visa programmes with just two.
According to Gary Brack, chief executive of the Australian Federation of Employers and Industries, this streamlined process could help some sectors alleviate labour shortages. Speaking to Radio Australia, he added that the speed with which the transition can be made will be an important factor.
Chris Bowen, the country’s immigration minister, said the new system will simplify the process of gaining residency for 457 visa holders. However, these changes will make the visa process more difficult for people who apply for permanent visas but have not already worked in Australia.
Those seeking direct entry will need to sit a basic English test, Mr Bowen explained, according to a report by to australianetworknews.com. He added that this is important as many applicants could potentially work in regional Australia, where access to English training is harder to find.
In an attempt to deal with a skills shortage that has become critical in some industries, the government will also be replacing the six employer-sponsored permanent visa programmes with just two.
According to Gary Brack, chief executive of the Australian Federation of Employers and Industries, this streamlined process could help some sectors alleviate labour shortages. Speaking to Radio Australia, he added that the speed with which the transition can be made will be an important factor.
