Federal Government may introduce a Fast-Tracked Work Sponsored Visa for Corporate Skilled Migrants in 2023

Immigration News

Regardless of the visa type, obtaining visas to Australia is by no means a walk in the park. It is common for visa seekers to take a few years to obtain the visa upon application and infinitely longer to gain permanent residency.

There are no exceptions for multinational corporations that want to bring an employee from overseas to their Australian operation; they must use the standard pathways available to all migrants, such as applying for a temporary skilled shortage visa, permanent skilled visa or in special circumstances, distinguished or global talent visa. Regardless of the pathway, it could often take at least six months for an employee to get to Australia under the current scheme.

The Labour Government has increased its budget for Department of Home Affairs for activities including visa processing, offshore process costs and supporting vulnerable refugees. Subsequently, a proposal that makes it easier for organisations with global footprint to bring staff from overseas is also on the horizon.

The Committee for Economic Development of Australia called on the Government to provide a streamlined pathway for highly skilled workers and business executives to undertake intra-company transfers to Australia; specifically a new four-year visa with path to permanent residency should be made available for employees of established, trusted employers including but not limited to large multi-national corporations. The eligibility for this proposed type of visa may include criteria such as a higher salary threshold (excess of $100,000), the applicant being a genuine employee and has been with the company for more than 12 months. If the employee can meet these requirements, he or she should be able to enter Australia via an accelerated visa process, without the need for the occupation to be on the skill occupation list nor labour market testing.

This fast-tracked visa process for multinational companies is available in the United States by way of a L 1 visas, and in the United Kingdom. Implementing similar process in Australia would encourage more investment and knowledge transfer from overseas professionals.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles at the CEDA conference submits that it is “an important idea that deserves serious consideration” as it may help build Australia as an attractive destination for investment and economic growth.

A review of Australia’s migration system is now underway, and stakeholders can submit discussion papers by 15 December 2022. Real changes from this proposal would attract more skilled migrants to Australia and multinational corporations seeking to expand an Australian operation.