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Australian Accredited Sponsor Status for 457 Visa Program Now Commences November 7, 2011

As recently advised by Stirling Henry, the Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) is introducing an accredited status for Standard Business Sponsors. The commencement date of the program has been slightly delayed from the original planned date of November 1, 2011 to November 7, 2011. Accredited status will provide an accredited sponsor with priority 457 visa proc More...

September 5, 2011 - Australian Enterprise Migration Agreements

As advised in Stirling Henry's May 2011 Corporate Immigration Newsletter, the Australian Government is introducing Enterprise Migration Agreements (EMAs) to assist large scale resource projects with temporary labour solutions. Detailed information regarding EMAs and the process to lodge applications has just been released by the Australian Department of Immigration (DIAC). DIAC is now accepti More...

Australian Accredited Sponsor Program for 457 Visa Program Available from 1 November 2011

The Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) has announced that from 1 November 2011 an accredited status for Standard Business Sponsors will be available. Accredited status will provide an accredited sponsor with priority 457 visa processing (both visa applications and company nominations). Accreditation will be available for either a new sponsorship applicatio More...

Australian Corporate Immigration - July 1, 2011 Changes

The Australian Federal Government has announced several corporate immigration changes to take effect on 1 July 2011. • Increase in Minimum Salary Level for 457 Visa Holders• Increase in English Testing Salary Exemption for Some 457 Visa Holders• Increase in Minimum Salary Level for Employer Nomination Scheme (Residency) Increase in Minimum More...

May 2011 - Australian Corporate Immigration Newsletter

May 2011 - Australian Corporate Immigration Newsletter The Australian Federal Government has recently announced several corporate immigration initiatives to assist with current skill shortages across the economy. • Increase in Migration Program Numbers• Regional Migration Programs• Additional Funding to Increase 457 Processing Efficiency• Ne More...

December 6, 2010 – Changes to the Australian Employer Nomination Scheme (Residency)

The Minister of Immigration & Citizenship announced changes to the Employer Nomination Scheme today which have effect from December 5, 2010. Increase in High Income Threshold It is possible to apply for residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme in three ways: 1) Satisfy gazetted high income threshold; or2) Positive skill More...

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Australian Corporate Immigration - July 1, 2011 Changes

The Australian Federal Government has announced several corporate immigration changes to take effect on 1 July 2011.

• Increase in Minimum Salary Level for 457 Visa Holders
• Increase in English Testing Salary Exemption for Some 457 Visa Holders
• Increase in Minimum Salary Level for Employer Nomination Scheme (Residency)

Increase in Minimum Salary Level for 457 Visa Holders

Effective July 1, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will be increase to A$49,330 (currently A$47,480). The TSMIT is the lowest possible guaranteed earnings a 457 visa holder must receive. Please note that if the market rate for the particular occupation is higher than the TSMIT, the higher rate must apply.

Increase in English Testing Salary Exemption for Some 457 Visa Holders

Certain 457 non-English speaking trade applicants may be required to satisfy an English language test as part of the 457 visa process. However, from July 1 if they are to receive guaranteed earnings of A$88,410 (currently A$85,090) they will be exempt from English testing.

Increase in Minimum Salary Level for Employer Nomination Scheme (Residency)


In line with the increase in TSMIT, effective July 1 the minimum base salary required for Employer Nomination Scheme applications increases to A$49,330 (currently A$47,480) for most occupations. The minimum base salary for ICT occupations increases to A$67,556 (currently A$65,020).


Conclusion

Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact your Australian immigration consultant by phone or email us at visas@stirlinghenry.com.

Stirling Henry Global Migration
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