Australia’s ‘skilled’ visa program is a joke

Exciting Opportunities Await for Skilled Workers in Australia

Ah, the sun-soaked shores of Australia! The smell of fresh barramundi sizzling on the barbie, the warm sea breeze rustling through palm trees, and the sound of laughter echoing through bustling markets. If you’re contemplating packing your bags and making Australia your new home, you’re in for a treat. But let’s chat about something important—the new skills visa that just launched.

What’s Cooking with the New Skills Visa?

In a bid to attract talented individuals who can give our economy a good old boost, the federal government rolled out a brand new skills visa back in December. It’s been aimed squarely at filling roles where Aussie workers are in short supply—a win-win, right?

However, dear mate, not all is sunshine and rainbows. It seems the processing times for this shiny new visa are moving at the pace of a tortoise on a leisurely stroll. Migration agents are waving red flags, claiming that the lengthy wait times are making it tough for employers to bring in the skilled hands they desperately need.

According to some reports, while the goal is to process core skills visa applications in an average of just seven days and specialist skills visas in about three weeks, reality is telling a different tale. Only half of these applications are wrapped up in around 43 days, with some poor souls waiting up to 84 days. That’s a bit like waiting for your tea to boil while contemplating the meaning of life!

Why This Matters

This sluggish pace could have serious repercussions. Skilled workers might look elsewhere—after all, no one enjoys being left hanging. Peter van Vliet, the chief executive of the Migration Institute of Australia, has raised concerns. He points out that what should be our premier skilled temporary visa is taking months—a far cry from a few swift weeks. This delay doesn’t just affect individuals; it creates headaches for businesses struggling with skilled labour shortages.

Understanding the Visa Options

Australia offers two types of visas under the Skills in Demand program.

First up, the Core Skills Stream comes with an application fee of $3,115. This option enables temporary migrants to work here for up to four years—or five years if you’re holding a Hong Kong passport. If you’ve got a solid year of experience in one of the 456 occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List and a decent salary of at least $73,150, this might just be the ticket for you.

Next, we have the Specialist Skills Stream, equally priced at $3,115. This stream is for those with a bit more heft under their belt! A minimum salary of $135,000 is required, ensuring that these skilled workers contribute significantly to the Aussie economy.

Rethinking the Threshold

Now, here’s a quirky thought: the income levels for determining who’s considered “skilled” might need a little sprucing up. With Australia’s median full-time wage hovering around $90,000, the fact that the temporary skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT) is set at $73,150 feels a tad off. It opens the door for lower-paid roles, ultimately impacting the quality we’re trying to achieve in our workforce.

In contrast, with a TSMIT of $135,000 for the Specialist Skills Stream, Australia could attract truly high-calibre migrants who’d elevate our workforce, reduce population pressures, and, let’s not forget, boost tax revenue.

So, if you’re eyeing a new life in Australia, keep your chin up! The journey’s not without its bumps, but with a bit of patience and perseverance, plenty of opportunities await in this sun-kissed land.

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