Dear Registered Migration Agent

I am writing to provide you with an update in relation to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) proposed implementation and Labour Market Testing (LMT). Further information will be made available on the Department of Home Affairs website in future. Relevant procedural instructions will also be updated to reflect the changes and will include more detailed information relating to the SAF.

Please do NOT respond to this email as it is for information purposes only and responses will not be monitored.

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) update

The Migration Amendment (Skilling Australians Fund) Bill 2018, passed by the Parliament of Australia on 9 May 2018, is expected to be implemented during the first quarter of 2018-19.

When implemented:

· the SAF Levy will be payable on Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS), subclass 186 and 187 nomination applications; and

· there will be changes to the LMT settings including requiring LMT to be conducted:

o for a period of four weeks

o no more than four months before the nomination is lodged

o such that advertisements set out any skills or experience requirements that are appropriate to the position.

Note: Until such time that the above changes are implemented, LMT should continue to be undertaken in accordance with the arrangements specified in the Procedural Instructions Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) – nominations, available in Legendcom and previous editions of the Skilled newsletter.

Labour Market Testing (LMT) for TSS update

Notwithstanding the LMT changes associated with the SAF Bill mentioned above, the list of acceptable mediums in which nominated positions may be advertised has been extended to include LinkedIn’s online recruitment platform and industry specific recruitment websites that are relevant to the nominated occupation.

For further information on these changes see: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa-1/482-?modal=/visas/supporting/Pages/482/labour-market-testing-requirement.aspx

Regards

Employer Sponsored Network Support Section

Skilled and Family Visa Program Branch | Immigration and Visa Services Division

Immigration and Citizenship Services Group | Department of Home Affairs