Important Australian Immigration Updates From April 2011 Everyone Should Know
Salary Increase!
The most important change for Australian and overseas company sponsors who have 457 visa holders in their employ, is the increase in the base salary for one of the three pathways to permanent residency under corporate sponsorship. Up until December 2010, it was possible to apply for permanent residency if the employee had a base salary of AU$165,000.00. This has now increased to a base salary of AU$250,000. If you have employees who no longer meet the new salary criteria, then they can consider working in Australia on their 457 visa for 2 years, or, alternatively, to have their skills assessed. Of course, there is always the possibility of a healthy pay rise!
Changing Occupations
The 457 visa “occupations list” has undergone changes and these seem to be occurring at regular intervals. For example, on 15 February 2011, a claims assessing officer in the insurance industry was removed from the list. In view of Australia’s recent widespread catastrophic floods, cyclones and the WA bushfires, this may need to be re-visited!
English and Salary levels
There has also been an increase in the salary threshold for 457 visa holders …