AUSTRALIA – Increased Application Fees, New Minimum Salary for 457, English Language Salary Waiver
Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship has announced new application fees, a new Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for 457 applications and a new increase of salary requirement for the waiver of the English language requirement. All changes are effective from 1 July 2012.
New Application Fees
A of 1 July 2012, the following fee schedule will apply:
| Visa Category | Pre 1 July Fee | Post 1 July Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Business Sponsorship | $405 | $420 |
| Standard Business Nomination | $80 | $85 |
| Temporary Business Long Stay, visa subclass 457 | $350 | $350 |
| Temporary Business Short Stay, visa subclass 456 | $140 | $140 |
| Working Holiday Visa, subclass 417 and 462 | $270 | $280 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme, visa subclass 186 | $3625 | $3600 |
| Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, visa subclass 187 | $3105 | $3105 |
| Bridging B visa | $125 | $125 |
| Partner (spouse/de-facto) | $2960 | $3060 |
New Minimum Salary (TSMIT)
As of 1 July 2012, the new Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been set at AUD $51,400; and increase from AUD $49,330. All applicants must meet this minimum salary requirement, on top of the market rate. If the market rate for a particular role is below AUD$51,400 then the 457 visa will be refused. The TSMIT does not apply if the annual earnings are greater than or equal to AUD$180,000.
English Language Salary Waiver
Some trade occupations have a requirement where the applicant must satisfy English language requirements. An applicant is exempt from this requirement if they meet one of the following criteria:
- Is a native English speaker and is a passport holder of USA, Canada, Ireland, UK or New Zealand: OR
- Has a minimum of five continuous years of secondary/tertiary education where the language of instruction was English: OR
- Has a base salary of at least AUD $92,000. This is an increase from AUD $88,410 before 1 July 2012
Action Items
- Note new minimum salary requirements for 457 applications and for the English language requirement waiver and plan accordingly
- Note the increased application fees
