Australia Expands PR Pathways for Temporary Workers

Elevating Possibilities: Redefining PR Routes for Temporary Sponsored Workers. Changes to TSS (subclass 482) and TRT (subclass 186) visas.

Effective from 25th November 2023, pending regulation changes, the Australian Government is simplifying the pathway to permanent residency for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa holders. These changes aim to offer more clarity to employers and TSS visa holders, ensuring that Australia continues to attract and retain the skilled workforce it needs.

Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) Visa

Starting on 25th November 2023, the Australian Government plans to remove the limit on the number of Short-term stream TSS visa applications that can be made by visa holders within Australia. This change applies to new TSS visa applications submitted on or after 25th November 2023. Short-term stream TSS visa holders with visas expiring before this date will need to leave Australia to apply for a third short-term TSS visa.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Temporary Residence Transition Stream

Several changes are proposed for the TRT stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme, including:

Nomination Flexibility

Employers can nominate TSS visa holders from all streams, including Short-term and Labour Agreement streams.

Occupation Requirements

The requirement for nominated occupations to be assessed against a skilled migration occupation list will be removed. Nominated occupations must now be listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Nominated workers must continue working in their nominated occupation.

Eligibility Period

The period for TSS visa holders to hold their visa and work in their nominated position or occupation before becoming eligible for nomination by their employer under the TRT stream will be reduced to two out of the three years before nomination.

Changes to TRT Stream Nomination and Visa Application Requirements

Changes planned for TRT stream nomination and visa application requirements include:

Age Exemptions

Age exemptions for regional medical practitioner applicants and high- income earners aged 45 years and over will be updated to allow for a two-year pathway.

Ending COVID -19 Age Exemptions

Age exemptions related to COVID- 19 will be discontinued due to the introduction of the two-year pathway.

These changes represent the first step towards providing more equitable access to permanent residency for all TSS visa holders. The government is committed to ongoing reforms in the skilled visa programs, aligned with the Outline of the Government’s Migration Strategy and the findings of the Review of the Migration System 2023.

Find out more about your opportunities and eligibility by visiting Kansas Overseas Careers. Free Consultation.