MIA members have requested further information on how “streamlined nomination processing” for accredited sponsors will be handled post 1 July 2016. The Department have advised that the meaning of “streamlined nomination processing” in practise will be explained in the Nomination PAM to be released on 1 July 2016.
In the interim, the following information has been provided. Under the new sponsorship accreditation arrangements for “streamlined nomination processing”, sponsors will be asked to provide more information ‘upfront’. For example, sponsors might ask for a copy of a template written contract of employment as part of the sponsorship process. Then:
- Sponsors would not need to provide this information every time they lodge a new lower-risk nomination; and
- Case officers would be able to largely assess certain relevant criteria as ‘met’ based on certifications in the application, without having to seek or consider additional information with each application.
This would be subject to no significant concerns arising when reviewing the case and agents still providing ‘assessment-ready’ applications where possible.
Applications lodged by Accredited Sponsors already get priority allocation, but DIBP are hoping the new arrangements will then also ‘streamline’ the assessment process for lower-risk nominations and applications being finalised more quickly after initial assessment.
MIA Members are reminded that the DIBP-MIA 457 Roadshows will be taking place between 18 and 28 July nationally. Members are advised to book their places early as it is expected these sessions to sell out.
The Roadshows will provide the opportunity for Members to discuss 457 processing issues directly with the relevant State Directors and Program heads.
Members are also advised that this is a MIA Members only event.