Now is the time

Now is the time to navigate Australia’s evolving immigration landscape with confidence. The latest Department of Home Affairs, The Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs Paper, underscores the crucial role of immigration in shaping Australia’s future. With economic and policy shifts creating new opportunities, acting now ensures you stay ahead in the migration process.?

?The time is now to...

Meet Skills Shortages with the Skills in Demand Program (Subclass 482)        

Australia's new Skills in Demand Program offers a more flexible, expedited pathway for businesses to sponsor skilled workers. If you’re looking to fill labour shortages, now is the time to act. Read our previous newsletter for details on the latest work visa reforms.??

Lodge Before 1 July to Avoid Fee Increases        

July 1 is a critical date—visa fees and income thresholds will rise. To avoid higher costs and access current visa criteria, ensure applications are submitted well in advance of 1 July. Employers considering sponsorship should act now.??

Gain Priority Sponsorship Access if you are a STEM Start-up        

Start-ups backed by registered ?Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership? ?can now become accredited sponsors, unlocking priority visa processing for key talent under the:?

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 494) visa
• Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa?

Recruit from Current Record Number of Working Holiday Makers in Australia        

With 206,000+ Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa holders as of December 2024, this surge—driven largely by UK citizens—signals strong labour supply in Australia.? Employers seeking casual or short-term staff should capitalise on this workforce now.? ?Employers currently benefiting from Working Holiday Makers (WHM) should anticipate an increasing number of sponsorship requests as these workers seek long-term employment options. By preparing for this transition, employers can secure valuable talent, fostering continuity and stability within their workforce.

Recruit from the Student Visa Cohort Seeking Employer Sponsorship        

The recent ?visa-hopping restrictions mean students in Australia can no longer extend their stay in Australia via repeat student visas. Employers benefiting from student workers should prepare for sponsorship requests as skilled graduates seek long-term employment options.?

Save on Relocation Costs – Meet ?Labour Market Demand by Hiring Now, Sponsor Later!?        

Ongoing skill shortages mean businesses are actively recruiting migrants. Many skilled workers are already in Australia on temporary visas with work rights (as stated above). By hiring now and sponsoring later, employers can reduce hefty relocation costs and secure talent.??

Take the Consultation Opportunity ?with JSA to ensure your business and industry needs are met.        

Jobs and Skills Australia's latest Australian Labour Market for Migrants – January 2025 Report highlights strong employment growth in:?

?? Health Care & Social Assistance (+70,200 jobs)?

?? Education & Training (+54,900 jobs)?

?? Accommodation & Food Services (+42,700 jobs)?

If your industry isn’t adequately addressed in the migration program, now is the time to raise concerns via Jobs and Skills Australia’s 2025-26 Work Plan Consultation—or contact us to advocate on your behalf.?

Now is the time to...

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Visas in the Media

• Citizenship Ceremonies & Political Impact:? Recent fast-tracked citizenship ceremonies, led by Minister Tony Burke, have sparked debate over possible election motivations. Regardless of political context, these ceremonies mark a significant milestone for thousands of migrants integrating into Australian society.?
• Legal Challenges to Deportation Order to Nauru:? Ex-detainees affected by the High Court’s 2023 NZYQ ruling are contesting deportation orders to Nauru, highlighting the complexities of Australia's removal policies.? ??Human Rights Commissioner says NZYQ Nauru resettlement announcement raises more questions than it answers ?
• Visa Fraud Crackdown in Tasmania: A Border Force sting ?uncovered fraudulent permanent residency applications in Hobart and Devonport, reinforcing the government’s commitment to visa integrity.?
• Student Visa Reductions: The Reserve Bank of Australia warns that the decline in overseas students could have negative repercussions for the domestic economy.