In recent announcements by the Department of Home Affairs, significant updates regarding Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and visa conditions are set to come into effect from 1 July 2024, aiming to streamline regulations and enhance migrant worker protections.
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) Increase
Commencing 1 July 2024, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will rise to $73,150 from its current level of $70,000. This adjustment underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that skilled migrant workers receive remuneration commensurate with Australian standards. Moving forward, all new nomination applications must meet this revised threshold or adhere to the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. Importantly, these changes will not impact current visa holders or nominations submitted before 1 July 2024.
Further details on future income thresholds and indexation methodologies, including for the newly introduced Skills in Demand visa, are expected to be disclosed later in 2024, providing additional clarity to stakeholders and applicants.
Updates to Visa Conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608
Effective 1 July, amendments to visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 have been enacted to bolster efforts against worker exploitation and foster economic productivity in line with the Migration Strategy. Key revisions will directly impact holders of the Temporary Work (Skilled) (Sc 457), Temporary Skill Shortage (Sc 482), and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (Sc 494) visas.
Under the new regulations, visa holders who cease employment with their sponsoring employer will now have extended timeframes to secure alternative sponsorship, apply for a different visa, or make arrangements to depart Australia. Specifically, they are eligible for up to 180 days at a time, with a cumulative maximum of 365 days throughout the visa duration, during which they may seek employment with other employers, including roles not aligned with their initial sponsorship. This flexibility aims to support visa holders in maintaining financial stability while navigating transitions in their career paths.
During this period, visa holders must remain within their nominated occupation as stipulated in their existing sponsorship agreement. Sponsors are required to promptly inform the Department of any changes in circumstances within 28 days, such as sponsorship cessation or the resignation of a visa holder. Furthermore, visa holders must comply with all licensing and registration requirements pertinent to their nominated occupation to ensure compliance with visa conditions.
These adjustments apply retroactively to current visa holders and prospectively to those granted visas from 1 July 2024 onward. Any periods during which visa holders ceased employment with their sponsors before the specified date will not count towards the revised timeframes outlined above.
For more detailed information on these updates, please contact us for additional information.
