On the horizon: TPP-11 countries to be exempt from 457/482 LMT; character test to be toughened

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On the horizon: TPP-11 countries to be exempt from 457/482 LMT; character test to be toughened

Upcoming change to labour market testing (LMT) exemptions for Subclass 457 – Temporary Work (Skilled) and Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage visas are due to come into effect on 30 December 2018. This will add signatory nations of the TPP-11 who have also ratified the agreement to the list of countries exempt under international trade obligations.

Also, the character test is set to toughen (pending the passage of legislation). The new provisions will add a category of designated offences to the definition of what is a substantial criminal record. If passed, visa refusals and cancellations based on character will most likely increase.

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Retirees pathway to a permanent visa begin 17 November 2018 but only for 8 May 2018 visa holders

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Retirees pathway to a permanent visa begin 17 November 2018 but only for 8 May 2018 visa holders

The anticipated pathway to a permanent visa for Subclass 405 – Investor Retirement visa and Subclass 410 – Retirement visa holders have been released. A permanent visa will only be eligible to those who held a retirement visa on 8 May 2018 and who have not held another substantive visa since that date other than a retirement visa. Instead of creating a new subclass, existing Subclass 103 – Parent visa and Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent visa subclasses will be amended to accommodate.

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Designated Area Migration Agreements slated for Cairns, Orana, and Warrnambool

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Designated Area Migration Agreements slated for Cairns, Orana, and Warrnambool

The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, in a recent speech, has said that the progress of a number of Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) made between state and territory authorities and the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) may be finalised in the coming months. DAMAs are a type of labour agreement that are utilised for chronic shortages in mostly semi-skilled occupations and that can carry concessions over the standard requirements for a Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage visa.

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