The controversy around the 491-visa applicant’s minimum taxable income being raised from $53,900 to $70,000 per year for three years to be eligible for a 191 Permanent Residence visa, became lopsided towards the vast section of migration agents confirming the raise in TSMIT extended to the 491 visas after the announcement of the increase in TSMIT on 27 April 2023.
In my video on 06 May 2023 [Video Link: https://youtu.be/wfnlNo0aaDI]explicitly expressed that no convincing statement regarding the 491 visas being affected by this change. While the announcement did put it as clearly as possible that the employers looking to sponsor overseas workers on a 482 visa will need to offer an annual salary of at least $70,000 plus superannuation to overseas workers they wish to employ from 1 July 2023. This decision was taken to align with the income level of what an average Australian worker is drawing, which happens to be far more than the 10-year old Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold [TSMIT] of $52,900.
From the time the 491 visa was introduced, the income achievement was seen as a deterrent to applying for this visa as some applicants feared they would be left in a limbi in case they are not able to achieved the minimum income threshold of 53,900. While the income requirement was kept at a base level and very likely to be achieved by a skilled migrant coming to Australia with full work rights, the 491 applicants saw this obligation as a penalty as compared to the 189 and 190 visas being free from this condition.
Speculations and in many cases announcements over the social media, especially the YouTube channels, gained unconvincing momentum with many migration agents and You-tubers confirming the $70,000 income threshold being applicable to 491 visa holders. Quite on the contrary my video on _06 May 2023 emphasised the need for further clarification on this issue as no apparent piece of news or announcement by the Albanese government seemed to confirm the generalisation advocated by many. I did put on record that in my personal view such a move would be counter-productive to Australia’s efforts and commitment to bring in permanency to those on temporary or provisional visas.
A clear ‘No Minimum Income Required” to be demonstrated by 491 applicants applying for the Permanent 191 visa flashed on the Australia Home Affairs website last evening. This news sent a very clear signal to the skilled migrants that the Australia is solidifying its plans to ease the eligibility criteria for migrants and restructure the visa system and policies to offer a more attractive immigration model to bring in the best of the skills the country has always been looking for.