Reduced Labor Market Testing for Subclass 482 and 494 Visa Holders | Australia Simplifies LMT

The Labor Market Testing (LMT) procedure has undergone a substantial modification by the Australian government. Its implementation and other special immigration developments are covered in this article.

The labor market testing procedure for Subclass 482 and 494 visas has been streamlined by the Australian government, which has lessened the burden on employers. Please take note that the following adjustments have been made as of December 11, 2023:

• Instead of three, employees now just need to post job openings on two legitimate job platforms.
• They won’t have to post advertisements on Workforce Australia, the official job board.
• Additionally, employers now only have to provide two forms of proof of advertisement: the date and time of the nominations (which covers nominations submitted in person as well as those submitted on or after December 11, 2023)
• Moreover, Subclass 482 and 494 Visa holders employed through the Labor Agreement Stream (Category 2 location) are covered by these modifications.

Businesses in a Category 2 area will just need to run two valid adverts instead of having to promote on Workforce Australia, per LMT criteria. Except for these modifications, all other current LMT rules will stay the same, unless someone is exempt from LMT or other circumstances, including international trade obligations, call for it.

Government Migration Strategy

The Subclass 482 Visa is scheduled to be replaced by a new Skills-In-Demand Visa, according to the government’s migration policy. This could change the LMT requirements, especially for top-tier workers who make at least $135,000 annually. It is important to emphasize that these improvements are intended to address the lack of skilled workers by reducing the administrative burden on firms and improving access to Global Talent.

Since the government mandates that you fulfill LMT requirements in very particular ways, we urge you to obtain expert advice on LMT requirements from a certified migration agent. These adjustments mark the beginning of a journey on the correct path for different employers. Future changes to the LMT requirements should be anticipated.

7 Key Changes in Australia Migration Policies for Pacific Migration 2024

Significant modifications have been made to the Australian Pacific migration policy, which now encourages migration from the Pacific to Australia. These developments are expected to continue in 2024 and have significant ramifications for the area.

Let’s examine the seven crucial trends to be aware of in more detail.

1. Pacific Engagement Visa

Following a legal fight, the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) is scheduled to launch in 2024. To enable the first PEV Lottery to take place in the 2023–24 fiscal year, it will be essential to announce national quotas and the number of visas granted to each nation.

2. Family Accompaniment Pilot for PALM Workers

For long-term temporary Pacific (PALM) workers in Australia, a family accompaniment trial program has begun. It is anticipated that families of 200 eligible workers from Timor-Leste and Kiribati will arrive in Australia in mid-May.

3. PALM Worker Numbers

In 2024, the number of PALM workers is expected to be strictly monitored due to the significant tightening of PALM restrictions in the year prior. It will also be fascinating to observe how the record number of returning backpackers influences the number of PALM employees.

4. Tuvalu’s Migration-Security Agreement

The future of Tuvalu’s migration security pact with Australia will be decided by the recently elected Tuvalu Parliament. This would be the first time that compromises are sought in exchange for a preference for migration.

5. Labor Mobility Reviews

In 2024, Vanuatu is expected to publish the findings of its labor mobility review, following Tonga and Samoa in doing the same. In general, the reviews will have a significant impact on the number of individuals who engage in Australia’s and New Zealand’s temporary labor mobility programs.

6. New Zealand’s Seasonal Worker Scheme

New Zealand’s aim to quadruple the number of workers to 38,000 under the seasonal worker scheme over five years is a noteworthy development to watch. It will also be fascinating to watch what happens with the suggestions from the RSA policy review and whether or not Asian workers can now access the program.

7. Visa-Free Pacific

The growing calls for a Pacific region free of visas will be an important trend to watch in 2024. The way this radical approach to Pacific integration evolves and whether it is discussed at significant Pacific meetings will be closely monitored by proponents of this proposal.

It is expected that these changes to the Australian Pacific migration strategy will have a substantial impact on the area and will keep changing in 2024.