There are changes in Permanent residence pathway for Shortage visa holders. From 1 July 2022, for skilled migrant workers who chose to stay in Australia during the pandemic there will be changes to improve access to permanent residence. These arrangements are for subclass 482 and 485 visa holders.
TSS visa holders in the short-term stream
Subclass 482 (TSS) visa holders in short term stream will be able to apply for permanent residence through the TRT stream of the Employer Nomination scheme (ENS) subclass 186.
Eligibility criteria for TSS visa holders, must:
- Have been in Australia for at least one year between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021
- Meet all other nomination and visa requirements for the TRT stream of the ENS visa.
This pathway will be available for two years from July 2022.
457 visa holders who longer meet age requirement
Legacy subclass 457 visa holders will be able to access age exemption when applying through TRT stream of subclass 186 visa.
Eligibility criteria ,457 visa holders must
- Have held subclass 457 visa on or after 18 April 2017
- Have been in Australia between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 for at least one year
- Meet all other nomination and visa requirements for the TRT stream of the ENS visa.
Age exemption will be accessible for two years from 1 July 2022.
TSS Subclass 482 visa holders who are unable to apply for further TSS visa in Australia
TSS visa holder, who are eligible and who have worked in Australia during covid19 pandemic, will also be able to apply for third TSS visa while in Australia which will help them
To be eligible applicants must:
- Have held not more than two short-term stream TSS visas
- Have been in Australia between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 for at least one year while holding a TSS visa
- Meet all other nomination and visa requirements for the TSS visa.
To apply for TSS visa application must hold a substantive or Bridging (A, B or C) visa at the time of application.
Third TSS visa will be accessible for one year from July 2022. These are major changes in Permanent residence pathway for shortage visa holders
