A new data-sharing program between the Department of Home Affairs and the ATO marks a sharp escalation in compliance enforcement for employer-sponsored visas. Payroll data is now being actively cross-checked against visa conditions to detect breaches - including underpayment, incorrect sponsorship arrangements and unauthorised work. At the same time 482 visa applicants are facing greater scrutiny around occupation suitability and the Genuine Position requirement with refusals becoming more common. Unpack the legal and practical consequences of these developments and the critical steps employers — and their advisers — must take to remain compliant. Drawing on the Employer Guide to SID visas and the Genuine Position test, the session provides clear, up-to-date guidance on navigating obligations, risk areas, and emerging skilled migration pathways.

Presenters

Tina Masrour, Principal Lawyer, One Planet Migration Law
Tina Masrour is a passionate immigration advocate with over a decade of expertise in Australian migration law. Born in Australia to parents who were refugees fleeing persecution, Tina grew up witnessing firsthand the resilience and determination of migrants who sought to build new lives in a foreign land. Her parents’ journey of settling in Australia and contributing to the nation's cultural and economic fabric profoundly shaped her worldview. This deeply personal experience fuels her commitment to creating pathways for migrants to not only integrate but to thrive and enrich the diverse social tapestry of Australia. Tina has a proven track record of assisting businesses—from SMEs to Fortune 500 companies—secure visas for their international talent, as well as helping individuals successfully navigate complex immigration processes to achieve their goal of migrating to Australia. With extensive experience in handling visa refusals, cancellations, and finding innovative solutions to complex immigration challenges, she has guided thousands of clients towards securing permanent residency. From the beginning of her legal career, Tina has been driven by a sense of global citizenship and a deep appreciation for human diversity. Admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, she embarked on a mission to foster inclusivity and enrich Australia’s social and cultural landscape through her work in immigration law. Her commitment to social justice extends beyond her professional practice. Tina regularly engages in pro bono initiatives, offering her expertise to those who need it most. Her dedication is reflected in her work with organizations such as Aboriginal Legal Services and Anti-Slavery Australia, and her efforts were recognized when she was named a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law awards for her contributions to pro bono law. While Sydney will always be a part of her story, Tina’s journey has taken her across the globe, including work with international NGOs. Now based in Melbourne with her family, Tina continues to make a meaningful impact in the field of immigration law, driven by compassion, dedication, and a belief in the transformative power of migration.

The Immigration Hour: Latest Updates, Timely Insights and Practical Strategies

What Now?  

In the past three months, 13 more businesses were sanctioned by the Australian Border Force for sponsorship breaches, bringing the total to over 120 this year. Penalties include cancellations, sanction bars, and fines up to $79,200. Common issues include role mismatches, salary breaches, and false information. Ensure your clients’ sponsored workers meet all obligations and that required Department notifications are made - sponsorship is not a set-and-forget responsibility, so now is the time to act. Meanwhile, delays are causing serious distress for clients, making effective strategies urgent and the intersection of criminal law and immigration has never been more complex, with more clients facing immigration consequences from old or minor matters resurfacing in police checks.

Our 5-part Casual Fridays for Busy Immigration Practitioners – Latest Updates, Timely Insights, Practical Strategies & Real Conversations, covers these issues in depth. Plus, gain authoritative insights on Ministerial Interventions from Dr Jason Donnelly, one of Australia’s leading immigration and public law experts and hear from an experienced barrister on the ethical use of AI in cases.