Employer sponsored visas & skilled migration

The start of the 2026–27 financial year has delivered some of the most significant increases to visa charges and sponsorship thresholds in recent years. For employers relying on skilled migration, understanding the impact on recruitment budgets, sponsorship arrangements and permanent residence planning is critical. This update outlines the key changes and practical considerations for organisations.

Three years after its introduction, is ACILA (the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement) achieving what it set out to do? We explore its impact, challenges, and future direction.

The 2026-27 Federal budget confirms Australia continues to rely on skilled migration to support economic growth, infrastructure and critical services. For guidance on how the Federal Budget migration settings affect your workforce, sponsorship strategy or long term planning, read on.

The WA Government’s 2026–27 State Budget reinforces a clear priority: investing in housing, infrastructure, health and workforce capability. Central to this is skilled migration, identified as a key lever to address labour shortages and support delivery across priority sectors. For employers, access to global talent remains critical.

From 11 March 2026, legislative amendments to Schedule 1 will change how valid Subclass 407 Training visa applications can be lodged. Learn what this means for employers, sponsors and visa applicants in our latest immigration update.

With key changes ahead employers sponsoring overseas workers should be reviewing their workforce plans well ahead of 1 July 2026. Discover what these changes are, what they mean for employers and learn practical steps you can take to support your sponsored workforce.

From 1 July 2025, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has increased, reshaping Australia’s employer-sponsored skilled migration landscape. While the policy is designed to ensure migrant workers’ pay keeps pace with local labour market standards, the change is creating new challenges on both sides.

A significant decision handed down by the Fair Work Commission has clarified the obligations of employers when managing employees whose right to work in Australia is visa-dependent. This case serves as a timely reminder for employers to align their HR practices with both employment and immigration requirements.

Further to the introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa over the weekend, the Department has also made some positive and long overdue updates to the Employer Nomination Scheme and Subclass 186 permanent residence visa, with amendments being made to both the Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams.  

The new Skills in Demand (SID) visa, has officially replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa as of December 7, 2024.   While this new visa framework was announced in principle many months ago, the implementation has occurred with little notice or fanfare.

Our latest immigration alert provides updates on the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which will replace the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. We also provide a quick recap on the July 1 changes and a reminder of changes still to come in 2024 in the immigration space.

In our latest immigration client alert we provide important information on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold Increase, Federal Budget Update, and CSOL Consultation.

The Global Talent Independent (GTI) continues to be an attractive option for applicants who fall within the scope of the target sectors and the salary required for this visa. However, there is another lesser known option under the Global Talent visa which embraces talent in all its forms and does not require an applicant to meet the strict sector and salary requirements of the GTI option.

Over the years our Migration team have assisted eligible applicants who have an internationally recognised level of outstanding achievement in a sport, the arts, a profession or in academia & research, receive permanent visas. The Global Talent Independent stream was launched to invite highly talented, entrepreneurial applicants to Australia. Mapien’s approval rate success is an indication of our expertise in this area & puts us in a strong position to assist potential candidates for the GTI visa.

With unemployment at an all time high, the Australian Government has now introduced an additional advertising requirement for applications being submitted for permanent employer sponsored visa applications.

Immigration Matters | Vol.2 | Changes to skilled occupation lists – effective 10 March 2019