Employer Sponsorship – 5 Current Updates to Watch Out In 2018

As per the government announcement on 19th April 2017, the employer sponsorship program has witnessed a number of updates. Most of the changes were made in January 2018 and will reflect in early March 2018. Even if applicable legislation has not been released, our immigration authorities have issued useful Skilled Visa information which is helpful in understanding all these arrangements.

 

Below are the few recent developments which can be analyzed in the employer sponsorship program in this upcoming year:

1. Updated Employer Sponsored Occupation Lists

For both temporary and permanent skilled visas, employer-sponsored occupation lists have been included with revised information on 17 January 2018. It is assumed that these updates will not affect any undetermined application if they all were submitted before the modifications. With all developments altered in the previous year, 2018 brought a huge amount of change, like the 457 visas replaced with TSS visas in March 2018.

2. Changes in TSS Validity Period

A 457 Visa which was granted on 19 April 2017 only offered validity for the following conditions:

• Up to 2 years (when the nominated occupation listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List).
• Up to 4 years (when the chosen profession listed on the Medium to Long-Term Strategic Skilled List). This methodology will continue once the TSS is introduced.

3. Revised Police Clearances

Since July 2017, the immigration authority has decided to make 457 applicants carry their police clearance certificate for every country. It is especially applicable to those who have resided for more than a year and this procedure will continue in TSS Visa, as well.

4. Variations in Labor Marketing Testing (LMT)

From March 2018, it’s crucial for all the TSS applications to go through Labor Marketing Testing when the international trade obligation is not relevant. This testing is useful in nominations related to professions like nursing or engineering. Once the LMT is introduced for the case, it can delay the TSS application filing. It even allows the sponsors to fill up the vacant positions immediately. In Feb, all the details regarding the application process will be announced soon.

5. New Plans for Employer-Sponsored Permanent Residence
 

There are some new plans that are going to be reflected in employer-sponsored permanent residence in March 2018. For the categories of 457 visa holders and the applicants who are listed on 18th April 2017, the transitional arrangements still have not been approved.

As compared with the past years, employer-sponsored visa process is quite slow and complicated. With respect to this, few of the immigration’s announcements have been made which are going to reflect until March 2018. If you are moving with any confusion regarding current announcements and updates, we can help you with proper guidelines with this matter.

For more details, you can also follow Vinay Hari. One of the most experienced consultancies in north India. They will not only guide you on every aspect of the employer-sponsored visa process but also make sure you live your immigration dream.