DIAC Seeks Feedback On Permanent Employer Sponsored Visas

22 Aug 2011

A discussion paper has been released by Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) seeking feedback of people on Permanent Employer Sponsored Visas like:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclasses 121 and 856
• Regional Skilled Migration Scheme (RSMS) Subclasses 119 and 857
• Labour Agreement (LA) Subclasses 120 and 855

The paper will be open for submissions by 16^th September 2011.

The feedback is sought to know:

• The ways through which semi-skilled workers can immigrate to Australia
• The parameters on which performance of sponsored workers can be gauged
• The concessions appropriate for regional visas
• The sought a way to streamline the process of applying for permanent residence when holding a temporary work visa like 457

The major aspects which the DIAC is focusing on are majorly for ENS & RSMS. The DIAC wants to know whether to change the following criteria for both the categories or not:

• English language requirements
• Salary level
• Skill level
• Age requirement- which is expected to increase from 45 to 50
• The list of approved occupations for ENS may be linked to the 457 occupations list
• The role of Regional Certifying Bodies in approving positions for RSMS
• E-lodgement of ENS and RSMS visa applications

The discretionary level of exemptions for above criteria is also kept open for suggestions. The DIAC also wants to know whether to abolish Labour Agreement or continue with it.

Around 75% of the applications for permanent employer sponsored visas are from current 457 holders hence it is expected that any changes introduced after suggestions can have significant impact on people currently holding a 457 visa.

The discussion paper can be seen on http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/discussion-papers/_pdf/discussion-ens.pdf