As a part of reform measures outlined in the Migration Strategy, the Australian Government is introducing the National Innovation visa and changes to the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa, which will be reformed and renamed as the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa.
Effective from 7 December 2024, these changes are for addressing critical skills shortages and boosting Australia’s economic competitiveness by enabling Australian business and industry to attract migrants by filling positions where no Australian workers are available.
The National Innovation Visa, which replaces the former Global Talent visa, will be a small, exclusive program with an increased focus on high-calibre talented migrants. The NIV is aimed at established and emerging leaders to ensure Australia attracts migrants from across the world who will help create jobs and drive investment in key sectors of the Australian economy.
The new Skills in Demand visa is a 4‑year temporary skilled visa with work experience requirements reduced from 2 years to 1 year out of the past 5 years. This improves the ability for employers to sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a position through three key streams:
These updates align with the Government’s Migration Strategy, targeting critical sectors like health, construction, education, and cybersecurity, while ensuring Australia remains competitive in attracting and retaining top global talent.
It is intended these visas will provide a streamlined pathway for skilled migrants, making it easier for employers to tackle labour shortages and accessing the skilled workers they need to help their business grow. It also provides greater mobility for workers and pathways to Permanent Residency, including eligibility for the Subclass 186 visa through the Temporary Residence Transition Scheme.
The Department of Home Affairs is running online information sessions between 16 and 18 December 2024. To register visit the webinar booking page.
How we can help
The South Australian Business Chamber has an integrated and streamlined migration service tailored to the needs of businesses and individual visa applicants. Our specialist areas include employer-sponsored visas, business skilled visas, general skilled visas, migration monitoring and compliance.
To find out more about the visa changes and opportunities for your business, contact our International Services Manager, Maggie Li on 08 8300 0093 or online at Migration to Australia Services | The South Australian Business Chamber
