In December 2023, the Australian Government unveiled a plan to dispense with the current migration system, most notably with the introduction of the Skills in Demand visa, slated to replace the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa by late 2024.
- A stream for migrants whose prospective employer will pay them more than $130,000, who can get a visa regardless of occupation.
- A stream for migrants whose prospective employer will pay between $70,000 and $130,000, entry is determined by a new jobs list with a focus on skills that are in high demand or short supply.
- A stream for migrants whose prospective employer will pay below $70,000, who can get visas in special circumstances only.
To determine which skilled occupations will be in the new jobs list, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has been tasked with compiling a draft list of in-demand occupations known as the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
The draft CSOL released online in April 2024, is currently open for feedback from stakeholders. JSA has categorised skilled occupations into three groups:
- Skilled occupations the JSA Migration Model is confident should be on the CSOL (see: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/topics/migration-strategy/draft-core-skills-occupations-list-csol-consultation/draft-csol-confident-on-list )
- Skilled occupations the JSA Migration Model suggests should be targeted for consultation (see: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/topics/migration-strategy/draft-core-skills-occupations-list-csol-consultation/draft-csol-targeted-consultation )
- Skilled occupations the JSA Migration Model suggests should not be on the CSOL (see: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/topics/migration-strategy/draft-core-skills-occupations-list-csol-consultation/draft-csol-confident-off-list )
The release of the initial draft has sparked concerns within certain sectors. Occupations like chefs, cooks, bakers, managers, IT workers, accountants, hairdressers, and several roles in the construction industry are notably absent from the confident list.
Employers are encouraged to actively participate in the consultation process as the final CSOL will shape the forthcoming Skills in Demand visa. The consultation process will close on 10 May 2024.
Presently, there are not set dates for when the proposed changes shall take effect and what impact it will have on existing TSS visa holders. Stone Group Lawyers will keep monitoring the proposed changes and provide updates as they develop.
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