1. A new three tier skills in demand visa for temporary visa holders;
I) Essential skills pathway: workers in care roles paid less than $70,000 per year.
II) Core skills pathway: Workers in skills shortage area paid $70,0001 to $1,35,000.
III) Specialist Skills pathway: Highly paid workers ($1,35,000+) in any field except trade workers, Machinery Operators, Drivers and Labourers.
2. A new system in place to grant visa in 7 days for highly paid overseas staff.
3. All temporary skilled workers will be able to switch employers from late next year and have a pathway for PR (More details to be known).
4. Skilling Australia Fund (SAF) levy will paid in intervals by employer, rather than paying upfront.
5. 2 Years extension of post study work rights for eligible qualifications (Sc 485 extensions) policy will be scrapped.
6. A genuine student test will be introduced for student visa applications which will consider academic or career progression and usefulness of the intended study to their future career prospects.
7. Points system will be overhauled, where priority will be given to skills over perseverance.
8. International students working in skilled jobs will have more opportunity to become permanent residents.
9. BIIP will be replaced by Talent and Innovation visa.
10. Fast track visa processing times of Regional visas.
11. Tougher rules for international students, including lifting English Standards.
12. New online register for employers for sponsor foreign workers.
13. Labour market testing will also be overhauled. Employers will no longer be required to advertise positions to locals on the government-run Workforce Australia website before applying to bring in a foreign worker.
14. Students applying for a Graduate visa will require a score of 6.5 up from 6.0, while Student visa applicants will need a 6.0 up from 5.5.
