New Changes to 186 Employer Nominated Scheme on 7 Dec 2024

Today, the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa has been updated to offer smoother pathways to permanent residence. These changes apply to the 186 visa’s Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) and Direct Entry (DE) streams.

1. Changes to the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

• Expanded Work Experience Eligibility:

  • Applicants can count all periods of sponsored employment, not limited to employment with their nominating sponsor.

  • Work in related fields or promotions also count toward the 2-year work experience requirement.

  • Applicants must provide evidence to verify their work experience; this is no longer the responsibility of the sponsoring employer.

    
    

• Updated Income Threshold:

  • The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) replaces the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).

  • The CSIT is set at AUD73,150, indexed annually.

• Age Exemptions:

  • Age exemptions for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa mirror those under the TSS visa, such as:

    • Regional medical practitioners.

    • High-income applicants - As of 2024, the threshold is AUD 162,000 per year.

  • Without an exemption, applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of application for any stream of the 186 visa.

Exclusions:

• These changes do not apply to the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187), which closed in 2019. Exceptions exist for specific transitional groups who retain limited access to the program.

2. Changes to the Direct Entry (DE) Stream

• Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL):

  • Replaces the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List.

  • The CSOL is developed through labour market analysis and Jobs and Skills Australia consultations.

  • Covers critical sectors such as:

    • Construction

    • Cybersecurity

    • Agriculture

    • Health and Education

  • View the full CSOL at New Core Skills Occupation List.

• Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT):

  • Applies to DE stream applicants, replacing the TSMIT.

  • Set at AUD73,150, indexed annually.

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As you can see, the Australian immigration laws are constantly changing so you should always seek professional advice regarding your eligibility and to find the best pathway depending on your circumstances. Everyone's case is different. CLICK HERE to get in touch with us today!