
Country / Territory
On 7 December 2015, Australian Prime Minister the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP released Australia’s National Innovation and Science agenda which the PM promises will “help create a modern, dynamic, 21st century economy for Australia”.
Amongst key measures within the agenda was a proposal to support innovation through visas with the announcement of two new initiatives:
- A new Entrepreneur visa designed to attract more innovative talent from overseas; and
-
Enhanced permanent residence pathways for international postgraduate research students with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and information and communications technology (ICT) qualifications.
Postgraduate research graduates with STEM and ICT qualifications will also benefit whereby Australian doctorate level and master by research qualifications in STEM and specific ICT or related fields will qualify for additional points under the points tested General Skilled Migration program.
Why the focus on STEM and ICT qualifications?
In short, due to an expanding skills gap in these areas and recognition that STEM and ICT skills have become critical across a range of sectors. Research by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that between 2006 and 2011, STEM skills job grew at rate of 50% faster than other jobs. In term of ICT, a 2015 report by StartupAUS Crossroads found that the demand for ICT workers doubled between 1999 and 2012 at a time which applications for tertiary ICT courses experienced significant declined.
Likely implementation date
The Australian Government has indicated that the Entrepreneur visa will be introduced in November 2016 and the enhanced permanent visa pathway for STEM postgraduate research graduates will be implemented in December 2016.
Fragomen will continue to monitor the progress of both of these initiatives and provide further updates as new information is provided by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
Country / Territory
Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Awards
Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Media mentions
Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.

Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Media mentions
Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Awards
Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Media mentions
Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.

Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Media mentions
Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.