Visa Newsletters
November 2004
Proposed changes to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) for permanent residence to be implemented in April 2005
DIMIA has proposed major changes to the ENS and plans to implement these changes in April 2005, subject to Ministerial approval. The objective is to provide a clearer and smoother process, especially for the 457 visa holders.
Changes to include:
- a gazetted ENS Skilled Occupation List (SOL);
- gazetted minimum salary with a higher minimum salary for positions in Sydney;
- removal of the Labour Market Testing requirement;
- employers to have a record of compliance with Australian immigration and industrial law;
- all visa applications to be lodged in Australia.
Visa applicant must either:
- be employed in a nominated occupation in Australia on a temporary visa for at least two years, and have worked for the nominating employer for at least one year immediately prior to applying; or
- have their skills assessed by an independent assessing authority and have three years experience; or
- be nominated for a senior management position attracting a base salary of more than $151,500.
Features which remain unchanged are:
- applicant be under 45 years and have vocational English (unless exceptional circumstances);
- employer must show good training records or commitment to training local employees.
(Please refer to ENS heading in our website or contact us for further details regarding the ENS proposed changes.)
