Visa Newsletters

07th May 2006

New Minimum Salary Levels for subclass 457 Business Long Stay Temporary Visa


The newly gazetted Minimum Salary Levels, effective from 3 May 2006, are as follows:

  • ICT Occupations ­ A$57,300
  • Other Occupations ­ A$41,850

It is important to note that the definition of Minimum Salary Level does not include Superannuation, Living Away from Home Allowances and other non­salary benefits. All subclass 457 visa applications lodged on or after 3 May 2006 must meet the new minimum salary levels requirements.

Tip: As all subclass 457 visas lodged or approved prior to 3 May 2006 will continue to be subject to the Minimum Salary Levels specified for that period, good record keepings of sponsored employees by their respective business sponsor is critical to avoid inadvertent non­compliance with the business sponsor's undertakings. Since the introduction of the Min Sal Levels in Nov 2002, it has been amended in Jan 04, April 05 and 3 May 2006. For details of Sponsor's Undertakings please go to http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/Visainformation/457visa.htm

New Minimum Salary Levels for subclass 856 ENS Permanent Visa

The newly gazetted Minimum Salary Levels for the subclass 856 ENS visa effective 3 May 2006 are the same as for subclass 457 visa above.
The revised Minimum Salary Level for senior manager positions not requiring skills assessment is now A$165,000, also effective from 3 May 2006. Please refer to the ENS section of our website for details of this visa subclass.
http://www.abacusvisa.com.au/visaEnsPerm.html
Should you require a copy of the gazetted Skilled Occupations List for the 457 visa or 856 visa, please contact our office at info@abacusvisa.com

Working Holiday Makers subclass 417 Visa – Expanded Visa Scheme

The Minister for DIMA announced on 3 May 2006 that from July 2006, the following changes will be introduced to WHM programe. (Please note that these are merely announcements and will only be effective when the relevant Migration Regulations have been amended by the Select Legislative Instruments.)

All WHM visa holders will be allowed to work for the same employer for six months, in stead of three months. They can also study in Australia for four months instead of three months.
Since November 2005, WHMs who spend three months picking fruits in regional Australia can apply for a second WHM visa. From July 2006, the program is to be expanded to include other primary industries in regional Australia, including cropping, fishing, pearling, shearing, butchery, forestry and tending livestock.
Dima reports that more than 1500 WHMs applied between November 05 and January 06 to stay an extra year in Australia.

Tip: As many WHMs are highly skilled professionals, these changes will provide a large pool of skilled workers for Australian employers and recruiters.

Processing of Investor Visas to be fast­tracked in Queensland

Following consultation with the Migration Institute of Australia, the Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation (Queensland Government) will fast­track applications that are submitted and certified by agents registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) in the following visa subclasses:

From Monday 8 May 2006, MARA registered agents, bound by the authority's code of conduct, will be able to sign a declaration that their clients meet the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) requirements. This declaration is accepted under the proviso that the Queensland Government will not be held responsible in the event that the application is rejected by DIMA.