Amendment timeline
Migration Act 1958
Migration Act 1958 (Cth)
About this Act
Australia's principal Act regulating non-citizen entry, stay and removal. Establishes the visa framework (currently ~120 visa subclasses across the Migration Regulations 1994), the sponsor regime (employer-sponsored work visas, including the Temporary Skill Shortage / 482 and the Skills in Demand visa), the bridging visa system, and removal and detention powers. Heavily amended in 2024 to tighten employer compliance.
- Original Royal Assent
- 8 October 1958
- Original commencement
- 1 June 1959
- Administered by
- HOME-AFFAIRS-SOCIABF
Amendment timeline
Chronological list, oldest to newest. Each entry cites the legislation.gov.au compilation or as-made source and, where available, regulator guidance.
Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Act 2024
Royal Assent
22 February 2024
Commencement
1 Jul 2024 (most provisions); some earlier
What changed
Created new criminal offences for migrant worker exploitation and unlawful work prohibitions (s 245AAA and s 245AYA). Made it a criminal offence to knowingly engage in work-related conduct that exploits a migrant worker (max 2 years jail). Banned 'sponsorship for sale' arrangements and the practice of employers requiring migrant workers to pay for their visa sponsorship. Introduced 'prohibited employer' declarations preventing repeat offenders from sponsoring further migrant workers.
Who's affected
All employers — particularly those holding standard business sponsorship or accredited sponsorship; principals using labour-hire arrangements with migrant workers.
Migration Amendment (Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes) Act 2024
Royal Assent
31 August 2024
Commencement
Staged through late 2024
What changed
Modernised sponsorship and nomination processes ahead of the Skills in Demand visa (which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage 482 visa from December 2024). Created the three-tier visa stream architecture (Specialist Skills, Core Skills, Essential Skills) and gave the Minister broader power to set occupation lists. Strengthened sponsor monitoring and prepared the framework for portability arrangements that let migrant workers move between sponsoring employers.
Who's affected
All employers using TSS/482 or Skills in Demand visa; existing 482-holders transitioning to new stream architecture; labour market testing applicants.
What's coming next
Migration Strategy implementation is ongoing. Further reforms in 2026 are expected around: regional visa quotas (3-year stream from December 2024), the National Skills Passport to align migration with domestic skill availability, family visa processing efficiency reforms, and student visa integrity measures continuing to roll through. Watch for the next omnibus amendment Bill late 2026.
Why this matters now
The new offence framework means employer exposure for visa-related wrongdoing is criminal, not just sponsorship cancellation. Prohibited employer declarations can effectively shut down a migrant-dependent business. The Skills in Demand visa restructure changed labour market testing rules and minimum salary thresholds — every visa-using employer needed to refresh its sponsorship processes by late 2024.
Frequently asked
What does 'migrant worker exploitation' cover?
Section 245AYA: a person commits an offence if they engage in conduct in relation to another person, and the conduct results in the other person being a victim of migrant worker exploitation (i.e. underpaid, threatened with reporting to immigration, forced to work in unsafe conditions specifically because of their migration status). Penalty: 2 years' imprisonment.
What is a 'prohibited employer' declaration?
A declaration by the Department barring an employer from sponsoring temporary work visa holders. Triggered by sponsorship cancellation, criminal convictions for exploitation, or repeated breaches of sponsor obligations. Can apply for up to 5 years. Public on the Department's website.
Did the TSS/482 visa disappear?
Effectively yes — from 7 December 2024 it was replaced by the Skills in Demand visa with three streams: Specialist Skills (income $135K+), Core Skills (income $73,150+, defined occupation list), and Essential Skills (subject to ongoing development). Existing 482 visa holders continue under their current conditions until the visa expires.
Can migrant workers move between employers more easily now?
Yes — portability arrangements increase the period of time between employment with a sponsoring employer and the need to find a new sponsor (or depart Australia) from 60 days to 180 days. Sponsorship arrangements are also more flexible to permit shorter-term roles with multiple sponsoring employers in some cases.
Are sponsorship fees recoverable from the worker?
No — and this is one of the clearest red lines. Sponsoring an employee for a TSS/Skills in Demand visa cannot be made conditional on the employee paying for the sponsorship, and existing reimbursement arrangements are void. Breach is a criminal offence under the 2024 reforms.
Other amendment timelines
Rules Mate summarises and links to legislation.gov.au and regulator guidance. We do not republish statutory text. Every date in this timeline has been verified against the Federal Register of Legislation as at 6 June 2026. Always verify against the live source before acting. Compliance tools, not legal advice. Consult a qualified professional.