7Ball Pty. Ltd. (Migration)

Case

[2021] AATA 4278

4 November 2021


7Ball Pty. Ltd. (Migration) [2021] AATA 4278 (4 November 2021)

DECISION RECORD

DIVISION:Migration & Refugee Division

APPLICANT:  7Ball Pty. Ltd.

CASE NUMBER:  1831723

HOME AFFAIRS REFERENCE(S):          BCC2017/4886409

MEMBER:George Hallwood

DATE:4 November 2021

PLACE OF DECISION:  Adelaide

DECISION:The Tribunal sets aside the decision not to approve the nomination and substitutes a decision that the nomination is approved.

Statement made on 04 November 2021 at 1:52pm

CATCHWORDS
MIGRATION – application for approval of nomination of position – genuine position and tasks of position – applicable ANZSCO classification – comparison of tasks of position and ANZSCO descriptions – documentary and oral evidence of tasks – importance and value of applicant’s work to business – recovery after COVID-19 restrictions – combined hearing with review of refusal of visa application – decision under review set aside

LEGISLATION
Migration Act 1958 (Cth), ss 140GB, 140GBA
Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth), rr 2.72(10)(f), 2.73

CASES
Cargo First Pty Ltd v MIBP [2016] FCA 30
Pasricha v MIBP [2017] FCA 779

STATEMENT OF DECISION AND REASONS

APPLICATION FOR REVIEW

  1. This is an application for review of a decision made by a delegate of the Minister for Home Affairs on 12 October 2018 to refuse to approve the applicant’s nomination under s 140GB of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) (the Act) and reg 2.72 of the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth) (the Regulations).

  2. The applicant applied for approval on 20 December 2017. A nomination of an occupation for a Subclass 457 visa is made under s 140GB of the Act and reg 2.73 of the Regulations. Regulations 2.72(3) to (12) prescribe the criteria that must be satisfied for the Minister to approve a nomination by a person. These criteria are extracted in the attachment to this decision. For nomination applications made from 23 November 2013, additional criteria are specified in s 140GBA.

  3. The delegate decided not to approve the nomination on the basis that the applicant did not satisfy r.2.72(10)(f) because they were not satisfied that the majority of tasks of the position closely align with the nominated occupation of Accommodation and Hospitality Manager.

  4. Ms Kim Thomson appeared before the Tribunal on behalf of the applicant on 4 November 2021 to give evidence and present arguments. The Tribunal also received oral evidence from Mr Rahmie Clowes, General Manager of the applicant as well as from Ms Elinor Marguerite Woodruff, the nominee in the related case 1835402 as this hearing was combined. 

  5. The Tribunal exercised its discretion to hold the hearing by video link. The hearing was held during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tribunal determined it was reasonable to hold a hearing by video link, having regard to the nature of this matter and the individual circumstances of the applicant. The Tribunal also had regard to the Tribunal’s objective of providing a mechanism of review that is fair, just, economical and quick, and the delay to the matter if the hearing was not to be conducted by video link. At the beginning of the hearing the applicant was provided with an opportunity to raise any objections they may have in relation to the hearing being held by video link and they raised none. The Tribunal is satisfied that the video hearing provided the applicant with a fair opportunity to give evidence and present arguments.

  1. The applicant was represented in relation to the review by its registered migration agent, Mr Antony Wallace.  

  2. For the following reasons, the Tribunal has decided to set aside the decision under review and substitute a decision approving the nomination.

CONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS AND EVIDENCE

  1. The issue in the present case is whether the applicant meets the criteria for approval of the nomination. The Tribunal must approve the nomination if the applicant is an approved sponsor and meets the requirements in reg 2.72: s 140GB(2). The applicant must also have paid any nomination training contribution charge in relation to the nomination for which they are liable, but this liability only arises for nominations made from 12 August 2018. In addition, for nominations made from 23 November 2013, s 140GBA must be met.

The nomination must comply with the prescribed process

  1. Regulation 2.72(3) requires that the applicant has made the nomination in accordance with the process set out in reg 2.73.

  2. The Tribunal has had regard to the material on the Department’s file and further information provided by the applicant and is satisfied that the application was compliant with the process set out in r.2.73:

    ·The applicant is nominating an occupation, Accommodation and Hospitality Manager (ANZSCO 141999) under s.140GB(1)(b): r.2.73(1A)(a);

    ·The applicant identifies in the nomination an applicant for a Subclass 457 visa, Ms Woodruff, as the person who will work in the occupation: r.2.73(1A)(b);

    ·The nomination was made using the approved form and fee for Business Visas: r.2.73(2), (3), (5) & (9);

    ·The applicant has identified the nominee, Ms Woodruff, in the nomination: r.2.73(4A) and r.2.72(5);

    ·The applicant has provided the certification in the nomination in respect of whether or not the person has engaged in conduct that constitutes a contravention of s.245AR(1) of the Act: r.2.73(4B); and

    ·The nomination includes the location at which the occupation will be carried out – Fitzroy, Victoria and the name – Accommodation and Hospitality Manager and 6 digit ANZSCO code – 141999 as the applicant is a standard business sponsor; as well as the relevant certifications mentioned in r.2.72(10): r.2.73(4A).

  3. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(3) are met.

Nominator is a standard business sponsor or party to a work agreement

  1. Regulation 2.72(4) requires that the person making a nomination is either a standard business sponsor or a party to a work agreement other than a Minister.

  2. Departmental records indicate the applicant is a standard business sponsor effective from 14 August 2018 until 14 August 2023.

  3. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(4) are met.

Identification of the nominee

  1. Regulation 2.72(5) requires that the applicant identify in the nomination the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, who will work in the nominated occupation.

  2. Ms Woodruff was identified as the primary applicant for the visa who will work in the nominated occupation in the applicant’s subclass 457 nomination.

  3. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(5) are met.

Requirements for existing Subclass 457 visa holders

  1. The criteria for approval of a nomination contain several requirements if a Subclass 457 visa holder is identified as the person to work in the nominated position.

  2. As the nominee is not the holder of a Subclass 457 visa, the requirements of r.2.72(6), (7A) and (10)(g) do not apply.

Information about the nominated occupation

  1. Regulation 2.72(8A) requires the applicant to provide the following information as part of the nomination:

    ·the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit ANZSCO code if there is one;

    ·if there is no such code, and the applicant is a standard business sponsor, the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit code as specified in the relevant instrument; or if the applicant is a party to a work agreement the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit code (if any) as specified in the work agreement; and

    ·the location(s) at which the nominated occupation is to be carried out.

  2. As part of the nomination, the applicant provided:

    ·the 6-digit ANZSCO code – 141999 for the nominated occupation Accommodation and Hospitality Manager nec; and

    ·the location – Fitzroy, Victoria is listed as the place at which the nominated occupation is to be carried out.

  3. Accordingly, the Tribunal is satisfied that the required information has been provided in the nomination.

  4. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(8A) are met.

Certification relating to conduct under s 245AR(1)

  1. Regulation 2.72(8B) requires that the applicant has, as part of the nomination, certified in writing whether or not they have engaged in conduct, in relation to the nomination, that constitutes a contravention of s 245AR(1) of the Act.

  2. The nomination form contains certification in relation to conduct that would contravene s 245AR(1) of the Act and the Tribunal is satisfied that the required certification has been provided in the relevant nomination where Ms Woodruff was the nominee.

  3. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(8B) are met.

No adverse information known to Immigration

  1. Regulation 2.72(9) requires that either: there is no adverse information known to Immigration about the applicant or a person associated with the applicant; or it is reasonable to disregard such information. For these purposes, ‘adverse information’ and ‘associated with’ have the meaning given in regs 1.13A and 1.13B.

  2. At the hearing Ms Thomson informed the Tribunal that she was not aware of any adverse information including breaches of sponsorship provisions or Australian laws, bankruptcy or liquidation procedures that the business or any principals of the business have been involved in.

  3. There is no evidence before the Tribunal to indicate that adverse information is known to Immigration about the applicant or an associated person.

  4. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(9) are met.

Specified occupation

  1. Regulation 2.72(10)(aa) as it applies in this case, requires that the nominated occupation and its 6-digit code correspond to an occupation and 6-digit code specified in instrument IMMI 17/060, and the occupation must be applicable to the person identified in the nomination in accordance with the instrument. In certain circumstances this instrument may also require the nomination of an occupation to be supported in writing to the Minister, by a specified organisation before the nomination can be approved: reg 2.72(10)(b).

  2. The nominated occupation of Accommodation and Hospitality Manager with the six-digit code 141999 is specified at item 43 in Section 7 (the short-term skilled occupation list) of the relevant instrument IMMI 17/060. This occupation is not subject to inapplicability provisions. In their decision to refuse this application the delegate indicated that they believed the specified occupation more closely resembled a Conference and Event Organiser, ANZSCO Code 149311 which is subject to inapplicability provisions 2 and 19 that are described in section 8 of the instrument:

    2.       The position has a nominated base salary of less than AUD65,000

    19. The position is in a business that has an annual turnover of less than AUD1,000,000

  3. In this matter the nominated occupation, Accommodation and Hospitality Manager, and 6-digit code, 141999 correspond to an occupation and 6-digit code specified in IMMI 17/060. While not relevant to r.2.72(10)(aa), the Tribunal notes that the base salary shown in the contract of employment dated 21 July 2021 has a base salary of $65,000 and the applicant’s financial statements demonstrate an annual turnover well in excess of $1,000,000.

  4. Ms Woodruff has an AQF Diploma of Hospitality Management and 5 years’ experience as a Functions Manager. Ms Woodruff also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the United Kingdom. ANZSCO relevantly identifies the skill level required for this occupation as Skill Level 2 as an AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma.

  5. The Tribunal is satisfied that the nominated occupation and its 6-digit code correspond to an occupation and 6-digit code specified in instrument IMMI 17/060, and the occupation is applicable to the person identified in the nomination in accordance with the instrument.

  6. For these reasons the requirements of reg 2.72(10)(aa) are met.

  7. There is no requirement for the nomination to be supported by a specified organisation.

  8. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(10)(b) are met.

Terms and conditions of employment

  1. Regulation 2.72(10)(c) requires that the terms and conditions of employment of the nominee will be no less favourable than those that are, or would be, provided to an Australian citizen or permanent resident performing equivalent work at the same location. For nomination applications made after 1 December 2015, this expressly includes, if applicable, the terms and conditions provided by an enterprise agreement under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

  2. A set of terms and conditions of employment is less favourable than another set if the earnings provided for in the first set are less than those in the other set and there is no substantial contrary evidence that the first set is not less favourable than the other set: reg 2.57(3A). ‘Earnings’ is defined in reg 2.57A and includes the person’s wages; amounts applied or dealt with in any way on the person’s behalf or as the person directs; and the agreed money value of non-monetary benefits. Non-monetary benefits are benefits other than an entitlement to a payment of money to which the employee is entitled in return for the performance of work and for which a reasonable money value has been agreed by the employee and the employer. Reimbursements are specifically excluded, as are payments the amount of which cannot be determined in advance, and certain contributions to a superannuation fund.

  3. In circumstances where there are no Australian citizens or permanent residents performing equivalent work at the same location, the person must determine the terms and conditions of employment that would otherwise be provided by a method specified in instrument IMMI 09/113: reg 2.72(10AA).

  4. These requirements do not apply if the annual earnings of the nominee are equal to or greater than those specified in the written instrument IMMI 13/028: reg 2.72(10AB).

  5. Having regard to the evidence provided:

    ·Ms Woodruff’s employment agreement signed and dated 21 July 2021 shows remuneration of $65,000 plus superannuation.

    ·Ms Woodruff’s remuneration is not equal to or greater than the $250,000 specified in the written instrument IMMI 13/028;

    ·Ms Woodruff’s’s contract of employment also contains a standard set of terms and conditions including superannuation and leave in accordance with Australian workplace laws;

    ·The applicant submitted that there are no Australian citizens or permanent residents performing equivalent work at the same location and provided that:

    §Payscale lists a salary range for similar Hospitality Managers of $42,000 to $75,000 pa;

    §An advertisement for a similar position of Functions Events Manager at Bondi Icebergs Club Ltd shows a salary range of $60,000 to $69,999 pa;

    §Payscale lists a salary range for a Functions Manager of $48,000 to $67,000 pa.

    §An advertisement for a similar position of Functions Venue Manager at Frontline Hospitality in northern NSW shows a salary of $65,000 pa;

    §An advertisement for a similar Venue Manager at St Kilda Venues shows a salary range of $60,000 to $74,999.

    ·Ms Woodruff’s contract of employment dated 21 July 2021 shows remuneration of $65,000 plus superannuation and a standard set of terms and conditions including superannuation and leave in accordance with Australian workplace laws.

  6. The Tribunal is satisfied on the evidence provided that the annual earnings provided together with the set of terms and conditions are no less favourable than the set of terms and conditions that would be provided to an Australian citizen or permanent resident performing equivalent work at the same location.

  7. For these reasons the requirements of reg 2.72(10)(c) are met.

Base rate of pay

  1. Regulation 2.72(10)(cc) requires the base rate of pay under the terms and conditions of employment that are, or would be, provided to an Australian citizen or permanent resident will be greater than the temporary skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT) specified in the instrument IMMI 13/028 which is relevantly $53,900.

  2. However, this requirement may be disregarded if the base rate of pay will not be greater than the TSMIT, the annual earnings are equal to or greater than the TSMIT and the Minister considers it reasonable to do so: reg 2.72(10A). The ‘base rate of pay’ means the rate of pay payable to an employee for his or her ordinary hours of work, but does not include incentive-based payments and bonuses, loadings, monetary allowances, overtime or penalty rates or any other separately identifiable amounts: reg 2.57. The meaning of ‘earnings’ is provided in reg 2.57A.

  3. Likewise, the requirement in reg 2.72(10)(cc) does not apply if the annual earnings of the nominee are equal to or greater than those specified in the instrument IMMI 13/028: r.2.72(10AB) which is relevantly $250,000.

  4. The Tribunal finds that in relation to the requirements of r.2.72(10)(cc):

For the nominee:

·the nominee’s base rate of pay is $65,000; and

·the annual earnings are less than the income threshold of $250,000 specified in the instrument for r.2.72(10AB).

For the Australian equivalent

·there is no Australian equivalent employed by the applicant;

·the applicant told the Tribunal that using the same method applied when determining the terms and conditions of employment in accord with the instrument IMMI 09/113, an Australian citizen or permanent resident would earn $65,000, the same base rate as Ms Woodruff. 

·Having considered the documentary evidence discussed in paragraph 43 above, and the oral evidence of Ms Thomson, the Tribunal is satisfied that the base rate of pay for the nominee under the terms and conditions of employment is the amount that would also be provided to an Australian citizen or permanent resident and this amount, $65,000, is greater than TSMIT which is $53,900 per annum.

  1. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(10)(cc) are met.

Certification under reg 2.72(10)(e)

  1. As part of the nomination, the applicant must certify various matters in writing: reg 2.72(10)(e). These include that:

    ·the tasks of the position include a significant majority of the tasks of the nominated occupation listed in the ANZSCO or specified in the relevant instrument.

    ·if the applicant is lawfully operating a business outside, but not in, Australia, the nominated occupation is in the business of the standard business sponsor or is specified in the relevant instrument.

    ·if the applicant lawfully operates a business in Australia, the nominated occupation is with a business, or an associated entity, of the applicant or else, is an occupation specified in relevant instrument. and

    ·the qualifications and experience of the nominee are commensurate with those specified for the occupation in the ANZSCO or, if there is no ANZSCO code, in the relevant instrument.

  2. Having viewed the nomination application the Tribunal is satisfied that the relevant certifications for the above matters have been made in the nomination form.

  3. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(10)(e) are met.

Position must be genuine

  1. Regulation 2.72(10)(f) requires that the position associated with the nominated occupation is genuine. This was considered in Cargo First Pty Ltd v MIBP [2016] FCA 30, where the Court (at [34]) upheld the Tribunal’s approach of qualitatively assessing the position and comparing this with the occupation nominated in order to determine whether it was genuine.

  2. In a submission dated 28 October 2021 and supported by oral evidence, the applicant operates two Southeast Asian hawker style dining bars (Rice Paper Scissors) and a premium function venue (Aunty Kim’s) in Melbourne together employing about 58 staff and a turnover prior to the COVID pandemic of in excess of $5 million per annum.

  3. The applicant put to the Tribunal:

    The business requires a functions Operations Manager to cover all aspects events/functions operations to ensure they run smoothly from beginning to end. The applicant with her experience in this role, is without question one of the most vital members of the business’ team. Especially when trying to recover from all the lockdowns.

    The business has expanded their functions section to Fitzroy upstairs, Aunty Kim’s downstairs, Aunty Kim’s upstairs with private dining rooms. The business has also expanded their catering arm which the nominee also has a hand in facilitating and the business has taken over a lease upstairs at hardware location (CBD) that will also be for functions. It would be a devastating loss for the business not to have the nominee in this role at this time.

  1. The Tribunal notes that the delegate was not satisfied that the correct occupation was Accommodation and Hospitality Manager with the six-digit ANZSCO code 141999 but that the position was more aligned with the occupation of Conference and Event Organiser with the six-digit ANZSCO Code 149311.

  2. The applicant submitted, as per Pasricha v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2017] FCA 779, that the Tribunal should rely not only in the ANZSCO code without considering the description of the duties under the whole of the ANZSCO code relevant to the position of “Accommodation and Hospitality Manager nec” drawing the Tribunal’s attention to the lead statement in relation to the Minor Group ‘ACCOMMODATION AND HOSPITALITY MANAGERS’:

    ACCOMMODATION AND HOSPITALITY MANAGERS organise and control the operations of establishments which provide accommodation and hospitality services.

  3. This section of managers in ANZSCO contains the subgroups:

    ·UNIT GROUP 1411 Cafe and Restaurant Managers

    ·UNIT GROUP 1412 Caravan Park and Camping Ground Managers

    ·UNIT GROUP 1413 Hotel and Motel Managers

    ·UNIT GROUP 1414 Licensed Club Managers

    ·UNIT GROUP 1419 Other Accommodation and Hospitality Managers

  4. Other Accommodation and Hospitality Managers (1419) includes Bed and Breakfast Operators (141911) and Retirement Village Managers (141912) which do not appear to be close fits with the Functions Operations Manager position; but also includes Accommodation and Hospitality Managers not elsewhere classified (141999), a group which includes Reception Centre Manager. Tasks listed for this unit group in ANZSCO include: planning and organising special functions, sporting, gaming and entertainment activities; directing and overseeing reservation, reception, room service and housekeeping activities; observing liquor, gaming, health and other laws and regulations; monitoring quality at all stage of preparation and presentation of food and services; controlling the selection, training and supervision of staff; and ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. The applicant submitted a table comparing the duties of the position associated with the nominated occupation with the tasks of both Accommodation and Hospitality Managers, and Conference and Event Organiser. The table demonstrates a closer alignment of the position with the occupation Accommodation and Hospitality Manager than with Conference and Event Organiser.

  5. The Tribunal is satisfied that the employment contract dated 22 July 2021 and job description of the position associated with the nominated occupation substantially align with the tasks listed in ANZSCO for the occupation Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec. Ms Woodruff’s description of her role as well as the description of the role provided by Mr Clowes confirmed that the duties were substantially as written and broadly described it as a revenue generating role in which the visa applicant had doubled revenue from functions. Ms Thomson said it was one of the most important roles in the business.

  6. The applicant explained to the Tribunal how they plan to recover from the serious financial impact of the COVID pandemic on their business which has reduced their turnover from $150,000 a week to $40,000 to $50,000 despite introducing pre-packaged / take-away meals to maintain some income. Since the State has started to reopen, the applicant has seen a return to the restaurants being fully booked and their function venue booked months ahead. The function side of the business is heavily booked in November and December with Christmas parties, birthdays with weddings into 2022 and sporadic bookings until mid way through 2022. Financial statements as well as descriptions of the scale of the business are in accord with the applicant’s capacity to support the position associated with the nominated occupation.

  7. Having qualitatively assessed the position and comparing this with the occupation nominated the Tribunal is satisfied that the person occupying the position is in fact required to undertake the majority of ‘tasks’ of the kind set forth in ANZSCO, and the ‘tasks’ required to be undertaken include a significant majority of the tasks set forth in ANZSCO.

  8. The Tribunal is satisfied that the position associated with the nominated occupation is genuine, it is a skilled occupation and is genuinely needed by the nominating employer.

  9. For these reasons the requirements of reg 2.72(10)(f) are met.

Employment under contract

  1. Regulation 2.72(10)(h) requires that the applicant will engage the nominee only as an employee under a written contract of employment and give a copy of that to the Minister, unless the nominated occupation is specified in the relevant instrument.

  2. The applicant has provided a copy of the employment contract dated 23 September 2021 in respect of the nominee.

  3. For this reason, the requirements of reg 2.72(10)(h) are met.

Work agreements

  1. Separate criteria apply where the applicant is a party to a work agreement (other than a Minister): regs 2.72(11), (12). In these circumstances, the nominated occupation must be specified in the work agreement as an occupation that the person may nominate. Certain matters relating to the tasks of the position and the qualifications and experience of the nominee must be certified as part of the nomination. In addition, if the work agreement specifies requirements that must be met by the applicant, these must have been met.

  2. As the applicant is not party to a work agreement the requirements of r.2.72(11) and (12) are not applicable.

Labour Market Testing

  1. Section 140GBA requires a standard business sponsor who nominates an occupation and associated position, to fulfil the ‘labour market testing condition’ unless the major disaster or skill and occupational exemptions in ss 140GBB-140GBC apply, or the Minister has determined it would be inconsistent with a specified international trade obligation.

  2. For these purposes, labour market testing means testing of the Australian labour market to demonstrate whether a suitably qualified and experienced Australian citizen or permanent resident is readily available to fill the position. To satisfy the labour market testing condition, the testing must be undertaken within a prescribed period as set out in IMMI 13/136. In addition:

    ·the nomination must be accompanied by the evidence specified in ss 140GBA(5) and (6) relating to labour market testing, and information about any Australian citizen or permanent resident redundancies or retrenchments from relevant occupations in the previous four months; and

    ·the Minister must be satisfied a suitably qualified and experienced Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible temporary visa holder (as defined) is not readily available to fill the nominated position.

  3. The evidence of labour market testing that must accompany the nomination relates to information about attempted recruitment, including details of advertising for the position or similar positions, and advertising fees and expenses. It may also include information about the sponsor’s participation in relevant job and career expos, details of other fees, expenses and results for recruitment attempts, and other evidence such as recent labour market trend research, expressions of government support, or other evidence specified by the Minister. However, if this optional information and evidence is not provided, the nomination is not to be treated less favourably. If there are any relevant redundancies or retrenchments, the labour market testing must have been undertaken after those events.

  4. At the time of the nomination application, the instrument IMMI 13/137 provided skill and occupational exemptions from the requirement to fulfil the labour market testing condition for the purpose of paragraph 140GBC(4)(b). The exemption relevantly included all occupations that are classified in the ANZSCO as Skill Level 2. The nominated occupation of Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec, ANZSCO code 141999, is classified in ANZSCO as a Skill Level 2 occupation.

  5. For these reasons, the labour market testing requirements in s 140GBA are met.

Concluding paragraph

  1. For the reasons given above, the applicant meets all the applicable criteria for the nomination to be approved.

DECISION

  1. The Tribunal sets aside the decision not to approve the nomination and substitutes a decision that the nomination is approved.

George Hallwood
Member


ATTACHMENT - EXTRACTS FROM THE MIGRATION REGULATIONS 1994

2.72 Criteria for approval of nomination — Subclass 457…

(1)This regulation applies to a person who is:

(a)is any of the following:

(i) a standard business sponsor;

(ii) a person who has applied to be a standard business sponsor;

(iii) a party to a work agreement (other than a Minister);

(iv) a party to negotiations to a work agreement (other than a Minister); and

(b)a party to a work agreement (other than a Minister);

who, under paragraph 140GB (1) (b) of the Act, has nominated an occupation in relation to a holder of, or an applicant or a proposed applicant for, a [Subclass 457 visa].

(2)For subsection 140GB (2) of the Act, the criteria that must be satisfied for the Minister to approve a nomination by a person are set out in subregulations (3) to (12).

(3)The Minister is satisfied that the person has made the nomination in accordance with the process set out in regulation 2.73.

(4)The Minister is satisfied that the person is:

(a)a standard business sponsor; or

(b)a party to a work agreement (other than a Minister).

(5)The Minister is satisfied that the person has identified in the nomination the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, who will work in the nominated occupation.

(6)If the person identifies a holder of a [Subclass 457 visa] (the visa holder) for subregulation (5), the Minister is satisfied that the person:

(a)has listed on the nomination each other holder of a visa of that kind who was granted the visa on the basis of having the necessary relationship with the visa holder as mentioned in clause 457.321 of Schedule 2; and

(b)if the Minister requires the visa holder to demonstrate that he or she has the skills necessary to perform the occupation — the visa holder demonstrates that he or she has those skills in the manner specified by the Minister.

(7)For paragraph (6) (a), the Minister may disregard the fact that 1 or more persons required to be listed on the nomination are not listed, if the Minister is satisfied it is reasonable in the circumstances to do so.

(7A)In addition to subregulation (6):

(a)if:

(i)       the person identifies a holder of a [Subclass 457 visa] (the visa holder) for subregulation (5); and

(ii)      the [Subclass 457 visa] was granted after the Minister had waived the requirements of paragraph 4006A (1) (c) of Schedule 4 on the basis of a written undertaking made by the current sponsor of the visa holder (as set out in subclause 4006A (2) of that Schedule);

the Minister is satisfied that the person has provided, in writing, an undertaking that is equivalent to the undertaking made by the current sponsor of the visa holder; and

(b)if:

(i)       the person identifies a holder of a [Subclass 457 visa] (the visa holder) for subregulation (5); and

(ii)      the person has listed on the nomination a person described in paragraph (6) (a); and

(iii)     the [Subclass 457 visa] was granted to the person described in paragraph (6) (a) after the Minister had waived the requirements of paragraph 4006A (1) (c) of Schedule 4 on the basis of a written undertaking made by the current sponsor of the visa holder (as set out in subclause 4006A (2) of that Schedule);

the Minister is satisfied that the person has provided, in writing, an undertaking that is equivalent to the undertaking made by the current sponsor of the visa holder.

(8)If the nomination was made before 1 July 2010 — the Minister is satisfied that the person has provided the following information as part of the nomination:

(a)if there is a 6‑digit ASCO code for the nominated occupation — the 6-digit ASCO code;

(b)if there is no 6-digit ASCO code for the occupation, and the person is a standard business sponsor — the name of the occupation as it appears in the instrument in writing made for the purposes of paragraph (10) (a);

(c)if there is no 6-digit ASCO code for the occupation and the person is a party to a work agreement — the name of the occupation as it appears in the work agreement;

(d)the location or locations at which the nominated occupation is to be carried out.

(8A)If the nomination is made on or after 1 July 2010 – the Minister is satisfied that the person has provided the following information as part of the nomination:

(a)if there is a 6-digit ANZSCO code for the nominated occupation - the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit ANZSCO code;

(b)if:

(i)       there is no 6-digit ANZSCO code for the nominated occupation; and

(ii)      the person is a standard business sponsor;

the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit code as they are specified in the instrument in writing made for paragraph (10)(aa);

(c)if:

(i)       there is no 6-digit ANZSCO code for the nominated occupation; and

(ii)      the person is a party to a work agreement;

the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit code (if any) as they are specified in the work agreement;

(d)the location or locations at which the nominated occupation is to be carried out.

(8B)The Minister is satisfied that the person has, in writing, certified as part of the nomination whether or not the person has engaged in conduct, in relation to the nomination, that constitutes a contravention of subsection 245AR(1) of the Act.;

(9)The Minister is satisfied that either:

(a)there is no adverse information known to Immigration about the person or a person associated with the person; or

(b)it is reasonable to disregard any adverse information known to Immigration about the person or a person associated with the person.

(10)If the person is a standard business sponsor — the Minister is satisfied that:

(a)if the nomination was made before 1 July 2010 - the nominated occupation corresponds to an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this paragraph; and

(aa)if the nomination is made on or after 1 July 2010 – the nominated occupation and its corresponding 6-digit code correspond to an occupation and its corresponding 6-digit code specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this paragraph and the occupation is applicable to the person identified in the nomination in accordance with the specification of the occupation; and

(b)if required by the instrument mentioned in paragraph (a)  or (aa) — the nomination of an occupation mentioned in the instrument is supported, in writing to the Minister, by an organisation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this paragraph; and

(c)the terms and conditions of employment of the person identified in the nomination will be no less favourable than the terms and conditions (including, if applicable, the terms and conditions provided by an enterprise agreement under the Fair Work Act 2009) that are provided or would be provided to an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident for performing equivalent work at the same location; and

(cc)the base rate of pay, under the terms and conditions of employment mentioned in paragraph (c), that:

(i)       are provided; or

(ii)      would be provided;

to an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident, will be greater than the temporary skilled migration income threshold specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this paragraph; and

(d)if the nomination was made before 1 July 2010 - the person has certified as part of the nomination, in writing, that:

(i)       the tasks of the position include a significant majority of the tasks of:

(A)the nominated occupation listed in the ASCO; or

(B)the nominated occupation specified in an instrument in writing for paragraph (a); and

(ii)      if the person is lawfully operating a business outside Australia but does not lawfully operate a business in Australia:

(A)the nominated occupation is a position in the business of the standard business sponsor; or

(B)the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this sub-paragraph; and

(iii)     if the person lawfully operates a business in Australia:

(A)the nominated occupation is a position with a business, or an associated entity, of the person; or

(B)the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this sub-paragraph; and

(iv)     the qualifications and experience of the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, identified in relation to the nominated occupation are commensurate with the qualifications and experience specified:

(A)for the occupation in the ASCO; or

(B)if there is no ASCO code for the nominated occupation — for the occupation in the instrument in writing made for the purpose of paragraph (a); and

(e)if the nomination is made on or after 1 July 2010 – the person has certified as part of the nomination, in writing, that:

(i)       the tasks of the position include a significant majority of the tasks of:

(A)the nominated occupation listed in the ANZSCO; or

(B)the nominated occupation specified in an instrument in writing for paragraph (aa); and

(ii)      if the person is lawfully operating a business outside Australia but does not lawfully operate a business in Australia:

(A)the nominated occupation is a position in the business of the standard business sponsor; or

(B)the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this sub-subparagraph; and

(iii)     if the person lawfully operates a business in Australia:

(A)the nominated occupation is a position with a business, or an associated entity, of the person; or

(B)the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this sub-subparagraph; and

(iv)     the qualifications and experience of the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, identified in relation to the nominated occupation are commensurate with the qualifications and experience specified:

(A)for the occupation in the ANZSCO; or

(B)if there is no ANZSCO code for the nominated occupation - for the occupation in the instrument in writing made for paragraph (aa).

(f)the position associated with the nominated occupation is genuine; and

(g)if the person has identified in the nomination the holder of a Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa in relation to whom the requirements in subclause 457.223(6) of Schedule 2 were met—one of the following applies:

(i)       the requirements in subclause 457.223(6) of Schedule 2 continue to be met;

(ii)      if:

(A)the holder would be required to hold a licence, registration or membership that is mandatory to perform the occupation nominated in relation to the holder; and

(B)in order to obtain the licence, registration or membership, the holder would need to demonstrate that the holder has undertaken a language test specified by the Minister under subparagraph 457.223(4)(eb)(iv) of Schedule 2 and achieved a score that is better than the score specified for the test by the Minister under subparagraph 457.223(4)(eb)(v) of Schedule 2;

the holder demonstrates that he or she has proficiency in English of at least the standard required for the grant (however described) of the licence, registration or membership;

(iii)     the holder is an exempt applicant within the meaning of subclause 457.223(4) of Schedule 2;

(iv)     unless subparagraph (ii) applies—the holder:

(A)has undertaken a language test specified by the Minister under subparagraph 457.223(4)(eb)(iv) of Schedule 2; and

(B)achieved within the period specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument for this subparagraph, in a single attempt at the test, the score specified by the Minister under subparagraph 457.223(4)(eb)(v) of Schedule 2; and

(h)either:

(i)       the person will:

(A)engage the visa holder, the applicant for a visa or the proposed applicant for  a Subclass 457(Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa only as an employee under a written contract of employment; and

(B)give a copy of that contract to the Minister; or

(ii)      the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for sub-subparagraph (e)(iii)(B).

(10AA)For paragraphs (10) (c) and (cc), if no Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident performs equivalent work in the person’s workplace at the same location, the person must determine, using the method specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this subregulation:

(a)the terms and conditions of employment; and

(b)the base rate of pay, under the terms and conditions of employment;

that would be provided to an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident to perform equivalent work in the person’s workplace at the same location.

(10AB)Paragraphs (10) (c) and (cc) do not apply if the annual earnings of the person identified in the nomination are equal to or greater than the amount specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this subregulation.

(10A)The Minister may disregard the criterion in paragraph (10) (cc) for the purpose of subregulation (2) if:

(a)the base rate of pay will not be greater than the temporary skilled migration income threshold specified for that paragraph; and

(b)the annual earnings are equal to or greater than the temporary skilled migration income threshold; and

(c)the Minister considers it reasonable to do so.

(11)If the person is a party to a work agreement (other than a Minister) — the Minister is satisfied that:

(a)the nominated occupation is specified in the work agreement as an occupation that the person may nominate; and

(b)if the nomination was made before 1 July 2010 - the person has certified as part of the nomination, in writing, that:

(i)       the tasks of the position include a significant majority of the tasks of:

(A)if the nomination is made using an ASCO code - the nominated occupation listed in the ASCO; or

(B)if the nomination is not made using an ASCO code - the nominated occupation specified in the work agreement; and

(ii)      the qualifications and experience of the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, identified in relation to the nominated occupation are commensurate with the qualifications and experience specified for the occupation in the work agreement; and

(c)if the nomination is made on or after 1 July 2010 - the person has certified as part of the nomination, in writing, that:

(i)       the tasks of the position include a significant majority of the tasks of:

(A)if the nomination is made using an ANZSCO code - the nominated occupation listed in the ANZSCO; or

(B)if the nomination is not made using an ANZSCO code - the nominated occupation specified in the work agreement; and

(ii)      the qualifications and experience of the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, identified in relation to the nominated occupation are commensurate with the qualifications and experience specified for the occupation in the work agreement.

(12)If the person is a party to a work agreement and the work agreement specifies requirements that must be met by the party to the work agreement — the Minister is satisfied that the requirements of the work agreement have been met.

Areas of Law

  • Immigration

  • Administrative Law

Legal Concepts

  • Judicial Review

  • Statutory Construction

  • Procedural Fairness

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