1 July 2022 will see several Visa changes that will result in new skilled worker pathways to permanent residency, more places for working holiday makers, and the chance for graduates impacted by COVID-19 boarder closures to make up for their time locked out of Australia.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visas
Temporary skill shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa holders will now find it easier to apply for permanent residency.
As at the 31st of March 2022, there were 52,440 people on 482 visas, or the related 457 visas that ceased offering new places to applicants in 2018.
From 1 July, these visa holders can apply for the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) visa, which allows skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer, to permanently live and work in Australia. This new pathway will only be accessible for two years from this date. Those who are deemed eligible will need to have been in Australia for at least one year between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021.
The change will also apply to subclass 457 visa holders with an occupation on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
Age Limit Exemption
The second change impacting 457 visa holders means that they will no longer be restricted by age from applying for permanent residency through the TRT stream. 457 visa holders aged 45 and over have previously had no pathways to pursue permanent residency, despite being sponsored by employers after working in Australia for many years.
The change, which now specifies no age limit to pursuing this option, will also only be accessible for two years from 1 July. To be eligible for the age exemption, 457 visa holders will need to have held the visa from or since 18 April 2017. Those who are deemed eligible will also need to have been in Australia for at least one year between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021.
Need to discuss your migration options? Contact Nevile & Co. today.
