
At a Glance
- Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has advised that reforms to abolish the Temporary Work (Subclass 457) visa and replace it with the new Temporary Skilled Shortage (Subclass 482) visa will take effect in the first half of March 2018.
- These reforms will also restrict the eligibility criteria for permanent employer-sponsored visa categories.
- Fragomen's dedicated microsite has the latest updates including detailed information about the reforms from the Department of Home Affairs.
The situation
The Department of Home Affairs has announced the official timeframe for the effectiveness of the Temporary Skilled Shortage (Subclass 482) (TSS) visa.
Reforms to tighten permanent employer-sponsored visa programs will also take effect at that time, including the reduction of the maximum age limit for all eligibility streams from 50 to 45.
Looking ahead
Planned reforms intended to limit the acceptable evidence of labour market testing and to introduce the Skills Australian Fund levy are still being debated in the Senate and are unlikely to be implemented until at least late March.
Fragomen resources
- Employers and foreign nationals can keep up to date with the latest developments on Australian immigration reforms through Fragomen's dedicated microsite. Our latest updates provide insights into the implementation of the TSS visa, including key information about the new Skilling Australians Fund levy, stricter labour market testing requirements and the proposed transitional arrangements for existing sponsors and 457 visa holders.
- Fragomen is also holding a webinar on March 1, 2018.
- Fragomen will continue to monitor and report on further updates as they are released by the Department of Home Affairs. A series of webinars and briefing sessions will also be held following the release of regulations.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
MARN 0004980
Explore more at Fragomen

Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Video
O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Media mentions
Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.

Video
Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.

Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Video
O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Media mentions
Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.

Video
Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.